Leather in Cosplay – From Hide to Hero: Tips, Tools & Techniques

By Alan Wigness and Janella Rieswig | Published by Fanpowered Press | 160 pages | Hardcover | English

A beautiful book that makes you want to start crafting!

Some books are made to read, others are made to inspire. Leather in Cosplay: From Hide to Hero does both!

Written by award-winning cosplayers Alan Wigness and Janella Rieswig, also known as Wig-Wig Cosplay, this beautiful hardcover book introduces readers to the world of leathercraft. It offers practical advice, step-by-step projects, material lists, essential tools, and useful tips to help you create leather accessories and costume parts.

And believe me, the book is a real treat for the eyes!

With 160 pages, high-quality printing, and many colourful photographs, it is filled with spectacular cosplay costumes and impressive props. The photographs show just how creative and detailed cosplay can be.

Unfortunately, the book is currently available in English only. I would love to see a translation, as this wonderful introduction to leathercraft deserves to reach an even wider audience.

Cosplay is much more than cutting and gluing

Cosplay is sometimes seen as a hobby involving lots of cutting, gluing, and putting things together. But do not underestimate the work behind those amazing costumes!

Many cosplayers spend months, sometimes even years, creating their outfits. They combine different materials, learn new techniques, and develop impressive skills along the way.

As a costume maker and cosmaker myself, I know how much time and creativity can go into a costume. That is one of the reasons why I was so interested in this book.

After receiving the PDF file from the publisher, I decided to buy the beautiful hardcover edition myself.

And I am glad I did!

A PDF is useful for reading and searching for information, but when you are working with leather, a physical book nearby is much more convenient. You do not want to keep reaching for your phone or walking over to your computer with glue or paint on your hands.

There is just one small problem: this book does not stay open very easily while you are working.

It is so beautifully made that you almost feel guilty about putting it next to your workbench, where it might get dirty.

So, may I have a second copy, please? One for admiring and one for working!

Start with the basics

The great thing about this book is that it encourages you to try leathercraft, even if you have never worked with leather before.

You do not need to begin with an elaborate suit of armour or an impressive fantasy costume. Start with something simple, such as a belt, a shoulder pad, or a small accessory.

The book helps you understand the materials, tools, and techniques you need. It also offers practical advice to help you avoid common mistakes and work more confidently.

And remember: those spectacular photographs are there to inspire you, not to discourage you!

The people who make those amazing costumes had to start somewhere, too.

You can also experiment with faux leather. Modern faux leather comes in many beautiful finishes and can be an affordable alternative to genuine leather. It is a good way to explore the possibilities before investing in more expensive materials.

Do you need a special sewing machine?

Not necessarily!

I own a Bernette 08 Straight Stitch, a powerful sewing machine that can handle even thick leather. It is a wonderful machine to have when a project requires heavy-duty stitching.

However, this book also focuses on handcrafting techniques. Many projects can be started with relatively few tools, so you do not need an expensive sewing machine to begin.

That makes leathercraft much more accessible than you might think.

Once you discover how satisfying it is to turn a piece of material into something useful and beautiful, you may find it difficult to stop!

A perfect gift for creative people

Although Leather in Cosplay is written with cosplayers in mind, I believe it has a much wider audience.

Costume makers, fantasy enthusiasts, prop makers, historical costume lovers, and anyone interested in working with leather can find inspiration here.

It would also make a wonderful gift for someone who enjoys making things by hand.

With the darker evenings approaching, why not spend a few hours at the workbench instead of settling down in front of the television every night? Learning a new craft can be relaxing, rewarding, and a lovely way to express your creativity.

You might start with a simple belt and end up creating an entire collection of costume accessories!

My verdict

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!

Leather in Cosplay: From Hide to Hero is a beautiful, inspiring, and practical introduction to leathercraft. The photography is impressive, the subject is exciting, and the projects encourage you to develop new skills.

It is a particularly lovely gift for cosplayers and costume makers, but you certainly do not have to be a cosplayer to enjoy it.

My only wishes are for a translated edition and a binding that allows the book to lie open more easily on the workbench!

For now, I will keep my beautiful hardcover copy close by for inspiration. And perhaps I will just have to be a little more careful when I start working on my next leather project.

Ready to explore more costume-making projects?

For beautiful handmade items for your home, take a look at Handmade Luxury Home.