Comic Con 2014: Fosshape 300 and 600

Putting those finishing touches on your Comic Con 2014 costumes? We have a tip for you: use Fosshape. Like Wonderflex, it’s heat-activated and flexible.  It’s been used on Broadway, in film, and even by Cirque du Soleil! Let’s see what Fosshape can do for you and your costume.

Comic Con 2014: What is Fosshape?

Fosshape is a replacement for buckram fabric.  Unlike buckram, which can fray, isn’t water-resistant, and needs a separate stiffener to give it shape, Fosshape is heat-activated.  You can cut, sew, and drape Fosshape, then apply heat with a fabric steamer to set the shape into place.  You can also use an iron or a heat gun, depending on what you’re doing with the Fosshape. It effectively replaces buckram, paper mache and sculpted foam.

Comic Con 2014: What do you do with Fosshape?

Fosshape is fantastic for all sorts of applications: use it for reinforcement and stiffness, millinery, puppets, masks and props.  It can be dyed to whatever color you need, or it can be layered with other fabrics — or even painted.  You don’t need any special tools to use it: it will cut with regular scissors and can be sewn on a machine.  It’s available by the yard, so you can buy as little or as much as you need for your project.

We really like to see it used to stiffen things like jackets, collars, elaborate hats, and other fabric costume “sculptures”.  We sell both the 300 weight and the 600 weight.

Comic Con 2014: How do I activate Fosshape?

This is easy: with your steamer, start working 6-8 inches away from the Fosshape.  Be patient– Fosshape will slowly shrink and stiffen.  Be careful — you can’t undo this process, and too much heat can make a hole in your fabric.  Be very slow and methodical, and you’ll get great results.  We recommend trying out a small piece to see how it works before you use it for a larger product. It shrinks by 30%, so if you’re creating something that depends on fit, like a hat or clothing, be sure to measure your pattern to match that shrinkage.

Let us know how you use Fosshape for Comic Con 2014 (or any purpose!) on Facebook or on Twitter!