How To Make Cosplay Wings That Move: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you’re looking to take your cosplay game up a notch, adding wings that move is a great way to do it. You’ll need some basic materials and a little bit of patience, but the end result is definitely worth it. Follow these simple steps to create your very own moving cosplay wings!

Support me on Patreon

How to Make Cosplay Wings that Move

Materials:

[Sassy_Follow_Icons]

• wire (various gauges)
• plastic dip or liquid latex
• clear packing tape

Tools:

• fabric scissors
• needle-nosed pliers and wire cutters

Step 1: Preparing the Wire Frame

The wireframe is essentially the skeleton of the wings. You will be using a combination of 20- and 22-gauge wire, depending on how large your wings are going to be. Begin by cutting three pieces of 20-gauge wire that are as long as you want your finished wingspan to be.

Book me as a cosplayer

Step 2: Connecting the Wires

Now take the three pieces of wire and twist a loop in each end about half an inch from the end. This is where all the wires will connect, so make sure there’s enough space for them to move there.

[publishpress_authors_box layout="ppma_boxes_890427"]

Step 3: Making Joints

Take two pieces of wire and twist a small loop in the center of each about an inch from one end. This is where you will insert your needle-nosed pliers.

Join our Discord server <3

Step 4: Fleshing Out the Frame

Now that you’ve created the three parts to the wireframe, it’s time to make it look like wings. Take one of your longer pieces of wire and insert it into the loops on either end. Bend the wire back about an inch from each end so that they’re facing out.

Instagram <3

Step 5: Making Muscle Tubes

To really make the wing muscles bulge, you’ll need to use a thinner wire. I’m using 25-gauge wire here, and it works really well, but you can try different gauges depending on how simple or complex you want your muscles to look. Start by cutting two pieces of wire that are about an inch longer than the width of your wingspan. Then cut those in half, so you have four pieces of wire.

Tiktok <3

Step 6: Inserting the Muscle Wire

Insert one piece of wire through each joint on the frame, making sure that it goes all the way through and leaves about an inch sticking out on the backside. Bend these wires over so they lie flat against the frame on either end.

Now take your pliers and twist the wire once to create a loop. Where you twist is where the muscle will bulge out, so make sure it ends up at the top of the wing.

Step 7: Connecting the Wires

Take one piece of longer muscle wire and insert it through both loops on either end. Twist the rest of it around itself to make a spiral.

Step 8: Finishing the Muscle Tubes

Just repeat the same process on the other side, and you’re all finished with your muscle tubes! Now it’s time to add the wires that will connect your wings together in the middle. This is where rigging can get tricky, so pay attention.

Step 9: Inserting the Side Wire

Start by cutting a piece of wire that is as long as you want the inside gap between your wings to be. Twist a small loop on one end about half an inch from the end and bend the other side over so those ends overlap together. This is where you need to have patience because now is when you’re going to be using the pliers for hours.

Make sure that your wire is inside of both muscle tubes in the middle, then insert one end through each loop at the back. To create the rigging, you will need to twist your wire until they are facing opposite directions on either side.

Step 10: Connecting the Wings

Now that both sides of your wire are sticking out at opposite ends, you’ll need to connect them together in the middle with another piece of wire. Take your pliers and bend one end of the wire around both index fingers, then twist the rest of it together. It helps to think of this as creating a knot that is inside of both muscle tubes in between your wings.

Now you’ve finished rigging! All that’s left is to attach the wings to your back piece with some wire, and you’re done.

Tips and Tricks for Keeping your Wings in Good Condition

Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping your wings in good condition:

• Store your wings in a safe place when they’re not in use.
• Make sure to keep them clean and free of dust and dirt.
• If they get wet, dry them off as soon as possible.
• Never try to repair them yourself; take them to a professional instead.
• If you have to store them for a long period of time, coat them in a layer of clear nail polish or glue to keep the feathers from becoming loose. If you do this, make sure it’s a temporary solution.

If you follow these tips, your wings should last for quite a while. The most important thing that will help them stay in good condition is to take care of them and use common sense when wearing them.

If they break or malfunction, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Most people at conventions are familiar with how cosplay works and will be happy to assist.

In Conclusion

Making cosplay wings that move can be a daunting task, but it’s definitely doable with the right tools and techniques. In this article, we’ve shown you how to make your own cosplay wings using materials you can find at home or at your local craft store.

We also showed you how to add movement to your wings so that they look like they’re really flying. If you follow our instructions, you’ll be able to create beautiful, moving cosplay wings in no time.

Side Note: For collaboration with cosplay models for events or shootings, get in touch with SnowDragon via Instagram.