Sunday, January 20, 2019

Ragnarok Loki Build

Photo: luciferiphotography (IG)
I've wanted to be Loki since I got into cosplay, so getting a slightly simpler Loki costume to ease myself in with was amazing. Of course, when I say "slightly simpler", it's all relative. I had to make my own patterns, assemble 3D print kits, make foam armor for the first time, and go on a wild goose chase for pretty much all my fabrics, all in a very short amount of time. Note to self: don't start big builds three months before con. It was all worth it, but I didn't take any progress pictures or notes so hopefully this write-up won't be too confusing (if it is though, feel free to leave questions in the comments).

Wig
Starting simple, I got this wig from Wigisfashion. I still need to slick it back so I can actually wear it without the helmet. It's also a bit thick so either measure your head with the wig on before figuring out your helmet, or be prepared to thin the wig a little.

Helmet
I purchased this 3D print model file and commissioned an
acquaintance with a 3D printer to scale it to my size and print it for me. I then superglued the kit together and painted it. There are also other options on Etsy (probably more than when I was first looking, as I was trying to find this like a month and a half after the movie came out).

Vest/Jacket
There are multiple ways you can go about Loki's top, but I decided to make it two pieces: a vest and an under-jacket.
The jacket was easiest. I used New Look 6251, View A (C for men). I only made a few modifications to the pattern. I eliminated the pockets (I wouldn't be able to access them anyway), shortened the zipper so it would only come up to my chest bone (and thus be hidden below the neckline of the vest), and I modified the sleeves. Because I was short on time and because Loki's sleeves are quite frankly ridiculous, I simplified them considerably and
just split them to add gold braiding.
For both the jacket and the vest I used this faux leather from fabric.com. Because the jacket has a dark green collar/body (and sleeve details if I'd had the time and patience), and because green faux leather is apparently nonexistent, I used Angelus leather paint in dark green to paint the pieces for the collar and jacket body. For the gold detail on the collar edges, I used the same gold braiding as in the sleeves and sewed it into the seam allowances as I was building the collar.

I had to build the pattern for the vest myself. I used the vest from View A of Simplicity 8480 (which I already had for another project) to help draw out the basic shape. I then made lots of modifications and made a few mock-ups to test the pattern. Once again, I didn't take any notes and it was all a bit of a frantic blur, so I couldn't really spell out all that I did, so hopefully these detail shots will be useful.
The hidden dagger sheaths
I made bias tape from the same faux leather to finish the armholes and neckhole, and I installed a zipper on the left side so I could actually get the thing on and off (the neckhole is still very tight and isn't stretchy so I recommend getting your top half dressed before wig and makeup).
I also included two small slits in the back of the "belt" section (the v part at the waist) so I could use them as dagger sheaths.

Chest Piece
I honestly don't know what to call this thing so chest piece will do. For the weird little v-like decoration on the front of Loki's vest, I freehanded a pattern, then cut it from some thick craft foam. I then paper-machéd the piece to make it more sturdy. I painted it, then glued a strong magnet to the back so I could affix it to the front of my vest without stabbing holes in it with a pin.

Pants
I just found some faux leather pants on sale at H&M. Originally I considered adding the green details, but at the time there weren't enough reference photos to work off of, and I also wanted to be able to use the pants for other costumes, so I left them plain.

Boots
Once again, I had intended to make boot covers, but was short on time, so I've been using a pair of knee high black boots I already had for another costume until I can get more screen accurate boots.

Armor
Like I said, this was my first time making foam armor. I was very lucky to have pretty easy pieces to make and an awesome friend to help me out whenever I had questions. I got my foam from TNT Cosplay Supply. I used thicker foam for the main pieces and thin foam for details (except for the bicep armor, which was all thin foam). I was able to make the patterns for the gauntlets and hand armor myself, but for the shoulder and bicep armor, I used patterns from monstaas_cosplays on Instagram.
For the shoulder armor, I hot glued alligator clips to the underside so I could clip them to the shoulders of the vest. The hand armor was velcroed to the half-gloves I made from extra faux leather. The bicep armor and gauntlets are attached with elastic that is superglued on one side and velcroed on the other. Make sure to sew the velcro that will be on the elastic; I learned the hard way that even the strongest of adhesives is no match for elastic.

Hooks & eyes for attaching cape

Cape
I used the cape from McCall's 7000 View B, minus the front panels (I once again already had this pattern for a different project). The fabric I used is from Joann's and I believe is no longer available (I had to get mine shipped from a store a few hours away in order to get enough). Really you just want a mid-weight material with enough flow to billow dramatically in the wind, and not so heavy that it tugs your vest back and strangles you.
In order to attach the cape, I sewed hook and eye closures onto the shoulder ends of the cape and the shoulders of the vest. Once you clip on the shoulder armor, the attachments and cape shoulders are hidden.

Daggers
I got two 3D print kits from Billythebrick on Etsy to assemble and paint. He also provides resin kits for Loki's daggers.

And there you have it! Once again, if you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments. I know this isn't the most detailed write-up, but if you're curious about any specifics, I'm more than happy to help if I can.
Happy cosplaying!

Ragnarok Loki Build

Photo: luciferiphotography (IG) I've wanted to be Loki since I got into cosplay, so getting a slightly simpler Loki costume to ease...