Blankets pile up in stacks in my home. I get cold easily so I always have them around, and I also receive them as gifts. You can’t go wrong by purchasing a blanket for someone – even if that someone lives in a warm or hot climate. I purge my stash once a year and donate what I can to shelters for people and animals alike. But, every so often a blanket’s just too worn down to pass on even though it still has salvageable parts for upcycling. If you’re ever in the same boat, here are five suggestions for how you can use a blanket in cosplay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QxqQkGu5HM
Cape – Depending on how much of the blanket is intact, it can be quick and easy to turn the blanket into a cape. You simply need to add a fastener to the front. A safety pin works fine in a pinch (you can always cover up the safety pin), but you could also use fabric glue and Velcro or sew on a metal clasp. Hoods are optional. If the blanket is really long, you can cut the bottom off and sew it into a hood. This tutorial on What the Craft should help.
Quilted armor – Preparing for battle? If you’re dressing as a knight or as some characters from Game of Thrones, you may need a gambeson. It’s a padded defensive jacket worn on its own or under armor. It’s quilted so it has a bit of stuffing to it. A raggedy blanket would work really well for this because its appearance will make the gambeson look weathered.
Scarf – Some costumes are all about the scarf. Sherlock Holmes as played by Benedict Cumberbatch and the Fourth Doctor as played by Tom Baker come to mind. If you have a sad strip of blanket left, transform it into a wearable. Measure and cut the scarf, finish the edges by hemming them if it’s a type of fabric that will unravel, and use it as part of a costume or everyday wear. If the blanket color isn’t an exact match for your purposes, dye or paint it.
Wizard’s robe – When I think of wizards, I always picture them as a little worn down and ragged. I blame Gandalf. If you’re in need of a wizard’s robe that looks like it’s been through the ringer, consider a blanket. You have a head start if the worn down blanket in question is a Snuggie that already has arms. This Instructables tutorial by Tim Anderson goes over the transformation process and will leave you ready to cast spells and visit the Shire.
Boot coverings – Sometimes cosplay footwear needs a rustic, slapped together look. Maybe you’re dressing as a barbarian or as a character that lives somewhere cold – like a wildling. You can cut your blanket into irregular pieces and use those pieces to cover any pair of boots you have in your closet. Tie the fabric pieces on with leather cords. Again, you can dye the blanket scraps to alter the color.