Can you make a good quality partial fursuit with $150 or less?

Perlerfan 6/3/2023 06:22 am 746

I am trying to make (or buy) good quality paws and a tail.I found paws (not fursuit paws but they will do) for $20. They look pretty good quality considering how cheap they are. Does it take more than $20 each to make paws and a tail? I also found a tail for $20. I want a good quality tail also, I have a tail from a $20 cosplay already but it’s already worn out and is too short.

I need a cat tail and I can’t find one should I just use a wolf tail

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ooz
Member

Jun 17, 2023 8:13 pm

@Strawberry_BroStrider: I'm sorry if it seemed like I was trying to dissuade you from doing it, I was pointing out issues with sharing those methods as a safe way to make a fursuit. I'm sorry you can't afford the materials, but one day you can! I started making fursuits at 12 and beleive me, I did not have a lot of resources financially.

I specifically remember once I made a pair of feetpaw socks, and I didn't pattern it and sew it together but instead glued the fur on top of the duct tape pattern, they weren't flexible and didn't fit comfortably! I had a cute pair of socks and I was proud of myself, but they weren't safe to wear. I specifically mention the risk of ventilation in the head, because the head is probably the most crucial part to keep cool and have as much airflow as possible. Duct tape isn't porous which is why it works so good as tape!

Additionally, I mention this because I am a suiter living in a desert, if you do pass out due to heat exhaustion, emergency services may have to cut up your work to get you out of it, ruining the work that made you happy! It doesn't mean you can't use duct tape for no creative purpose ever, My mannequin head for my fursuit was made with foam, saran wrap, and duct tape! It's nice 'trash' material to use as filler in the core of miniature sculptures, and it does have its purpose. Being the final product in a costume just isn't one! I support your creative endeavors! :}

xXOurLadyOfSorrowsXx
Member

Jun 8, 2023 3:37 pm

are you asking about an ACTUAL partial fursuit (head, paws, tail) or just paws/tail??

im not sure about making an ACTUAL partial for that price, maybe just a head if you really cut corners, but you can definitely make a tail/paws set for that price.

you would really only need about 1 yard of fur fabric, and usually faux fur costs about $20-$30 (average is about $25). if you made paws, though, you might need minky or fleece for the pawpads (and claws, if you want claws), but this goes for only about $7/yard depending on where you look.

if its within your skill level, it might be cheaper to make the paws yourself with the fur you buy for the tail. you dont have to make them yourself tho, its just a suggestion.

if you have leftover fur (most likely you will) and an old headband, you could probably make a set of ears as well, theres a good tutorial by mugiwaracosplay on youtube to walk you through it.

im not sure what country you live in, but if youre in the U.S. you can buy from BigZFabric, its my go-to site when i need fabric. they have coupons too, so if you can buy from them i suggest you do. the fur is very high quality too, very soft and shiny :3

Perlerfan
Member

Jun 6, 2023 8:03 am

Im probably not getting feet paws so it will be cheaper and maybe I will use the tail I have

Strawberry_BroStrider
Member

Jun 6, 2023 7:49 am

@fishooz: i understand why it isn't ideal but im in a position where i literally can't afford better materials lol.

cheap =/= sustainable and you won't get something of perfect quality if you get your materials while dumpster diving (which is quite literally what i do for a lot of my stuff), you can make something cool that makes you happy.

trash art (art that is made of trash) is kind of my thing.

Strawberry_BroStrider
Member

Jun 6, 2023 7:40 am

@Perlerfan: i misread, everything else i said still stands

Perlerfan
Member

Jun 5, 2023 6:50 pm

@Strawberry_BroStrider: I mean I didn’t say a full suit, are you inplying when I wanted a full suit

ooz
Member

Jun 5, 2023 3:04 pm

@Strawberry_BroStrider: Just so you know, cardboard is generally never recommended for suit building, only exception would be doing a Halloween mask that you'll throw out, as cardboard molds over time when exposed to moisture (like your breath). However, you can make a head base/frame using the plastic mesh used in cross stitch, but that's also a little finicky. Spray paint is also not recommended for this reason due to the VOCs that it emits when drying and can re-emit (if that's even a word) if it liquefies. wrapping it in (duct) tape also compounds the problem because it will trap heat in, increasing the risk of you overheating. my fursuit head is entirely foam and fur and I still have fans installed inside itbecause it gets warm in there! Be safe, please!