Costume Rigging Supply List
Before you get started on your next costume rigging project you will need a well stocked supply of the following items:
1. Velcro - I keep a variety of colors on hand, especially black, white and tan. You can buy Velcro aka "hook and loop" tape by the package or by the roll. I love shopping online at Wawak.com for most of my supplies. Wawak Hook and Loop Tape
Tips and Tricks:
I DO NOT recommend ever using Velcro that has adhesive on it if you're planning on sewing it down. It will gum up your sewing machine, big time!!
Test the strength of the hold on the Velcro. Some is stronger than others.
2. Snaps - I usually use "whopper poppers" (the big quarter size snaps) for most of the rigging I do. I keep inventory on black and silver snaps in a variety of sizes. Again, Wawak.com has great prices and all sizes. Wawak Snaps
Tips and Tricks
try to stay consistent on where you buy your snaps. Sometimes snaps from different suppliers won't mate with each other.
3. Magnets - A lot of costume rigging can be done using magnets to quick rig clothing and in wigs to hold hats and hair accessories in place without messing up an expensive wig. You can buy these in craft and hardware stores or on eBay in various strengths.
4. Hooks, Eyes, Bars - I like to use the largest size hooks, eyes and bars I can find and keep a supply of black and silver on hand.
They come in many other shapes including with flat hooks that are rounded, triangle and bars that are flat. The object is to replace any tiny fashion hook and eyes with larger, easier to handle, more durable counterparts.
5. Silamide Skeins - This is a waxed thread that is virtually unbreakable and should be used to sew on snaps, buttons, hooks, eyes, etc. It come in a long flat package and in a variety of colors. I keep black, white and tan on hand. Open the package at the bottom, where it is perforated and then cut across the bottom threads to make easily dispensable strands for rigging.
6. Elastic - Comes in all sizes and widths. I keep a supply of 1" wide nonroll black and white and buy other colors or widths as needed. I also recommend keeping a supply of buttonhole elastic which comes in many colors for making garments adjustable.
7. Zippers - I highly recommend your replace all of your nylon fashion or invisible zipper with a wide tooth or metal zipper on every costume in your inventory or you'll be slamming them in under duress!
Keeping a supply of zipper parts and tools is also a good idea!
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