How to Make Gills for a Costume
Whether you're playing the character of a fish in a school play or you're planning on going as some form of marine life for Halloween, you'll need to assemble a convincing costume. As most costume crafters preoccupy themselves with the eyes, lips and fins of the fish, more subtle details such as the shimmery scales or gills are easily overlooked. Add a touch of realism to your costume by cutting a set of gills into your costume using a few simple materials.
Things You'll Need
- Washable marker
- Fabric shears
- Scissors
- Colored cellophane
- Sheer fabric (optional)
- Fabric glue
- Plastic knife
Instructions
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1
Draw three crescent shaped lines on both sides of your costume. Depending on the size of your costume, the gills should be 1 to 2 feet long. Each gill should be spaced three to five inches apart.
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2
Cut along each crescent shaped line using a pair of fabric shears. Make long, steady cuts as you work to avoid fraying the edges of the gills.
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3
Cut six pieces of cellophane paper, or a sheer fabric that matches the color of your costume, to match the size of the crescent shaped gill.
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4
Apply a thin layer of fabric glue to one side of the cellophane paper or sheer fabric. Spread the glue over the material using a plastic knife. Perform this step for each piece of material.
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5
Press the cellophane or fabric along the inward curve of the gill and hold it firmly in place for three to five minutes. Apply each piece of material in this way.
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6
Allow the fabric glue to cure for the time suggested by the manufacturer. Don't wear or store the costume until the glue has cured.
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