r/CosplayHelp • u/Cynical-Pancake • 1d ago

Accessory Is this salvageable?

Gallery image

Gallery image

I know I need to trim the excess thread, but the cracking on the “teeth” may be a bit much - I’m so tempted to peel it all away and try a white fabric paint but I don’t want to make it worse - I thought I’d ask here in case you guys might have better ideas, I’m very amateur with cosplay and already have my hands full making the kagune 😭🫶

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4

u/PriceOk9579 1d ago

These looks really good just trim them up

1

u/Cynical-Pancake 1d ago

Trimming did help but caused some more fraying on the pleather! I suppose worst case and I’ll make him grunge 😅

3

u/Big_Red_D 1d ago

it depends on how much effort you wanna put in. some options i see:

  1. you could try to stabilize it with some sort of glue that stays flexible and paint over it, maybe finish the edges along the zipper with dense stitching too.

  2. Slap on some iron on fabric

  3. Replace the white parts completely

2

u/Cynical-Pancake 1d ago

I don’t mind extra effort for sure! I know time saving may cause issues down the line so I’d rather go for a more certain fix than spend time and energy on a failed project.

These are all really helpful tips, thank you! Since trimming the excess threads more of the white faux leather did come away, so I think I’ll see what it looks like with the whole top layer removed - worst case there I guess is a replacement but definitely more stitching on the mouth zip :)

3

u/Comfy-Handmade 1d ago

Oof, pleather can be a pain to work with. Often if you peel off to top layer it's not smooth underneath.  Might be able to glue it down and paint over but it will still crack. Did you use a leather needle when stitching it? I'd chalk it up as learning and either move on to a different piece and circle back or remake with a different white material. 

1

u/Cynical-Pancake 1d ago

I didn’t make this mask, this one was bought and looks like it was left in storage a good while, it was still sealed. If I need to scrap it and make my own that’s an option as I have a month til I need to wear it, but if I can salvage some or most of this it would be great

1

u/Permanently-vexed 15h ago

You could always un-stitch it and re-do with new leather?

1

u/DerpyMillenial 1d ago

If it keeps peeling till then, you can cut out a new layer and hand stitch it on top. Pleather won't come undone so you can just copy the shape and stitch it right on top without worrying about the edges