There have been some questions about the items that the craftsmanship judges look for so we’ve compiled a list of questions and items the judges will usually ask about and certainly look for.

The biggest question the judges will usually ask is “How did you make your costume?” They’re asking you to give them a quick run through of the steps you took to complete your costume. No one does something completely the same, so they want to find the unique way that you have taken to make the costume you are using to compete. For an example of what one of the Hall Cosplay Judges would answer for this see further down in the FAQ.

Judging Points
During craftsmanship judging, the judges will be looking at your costume and will be going over several points as you describe how you made it such as:

- Accuracy: Is your costume recreation accurate to the reference?
- Clean Costume Presentation: Does your costume have many stray threads or puckers in the stitching? If you hand stitched the costume, is it small straight stitches?
- Finished seams: Is the inside of the costume finished clean? Did you use a serger or overlock machine to accomplish this?
- Completed and neat hems: Are the hems of your costume finished and neat?
- Did you create or modify an existing pattern?
- Did you create the props for your costume?
- Did you create the costume accessories?
- Did you style the costume’s wig (if you have one)?

Things to note:
* If you know you are going to compete, feel free to write (or type) up your costume construction before coming to the con. Bring in progress photos if you have them (but don't sweat it if you don't). The Judges will still make you go over things orally while you show your work off but this will get you in and out quicker.

* Your costume is a reproduction and is judged on accuracy as well as craftsmanship. Bring a reference. Don't take liberties with the design. If the coat doesn't have white lace on the bottom, don't add lace because you think it looks nicer. If you're blonde and your character has green hair, buy a wig.

* Don't be sloppy. Finish hems, clip your strings, hide your closures, wipe your glue boogies, etc.

* Do not point out flaws. There's a good chance the judges might miss them overall. Plus if you talk down your costume the judges will also look down on your costume. Don’t be shy about pointing out things you are proud of on the costume or that you feel really deserve merit. Remember you’re there to convince the judges of how great your costume is!

* Point out any skills that set your costume above the rest. Using the above as an example: finished seams, altered patterns, blind hem, etc. Woodworking, sculpting, dying fabric, beadwork, etc all take a lot of time and effort and the judges take this into consideration.

* Judges don't care how much it cost - they're there to judge the quality of the reproduction.

* Buying ready made pieces have their limit. Buying a white button down shirt to wear under a suit/school uniform or a Naruto headband is ok, while having pieces (or more) commissioned will get you disqualified. Do not take credit for things you didn't make. Also the cosplayer who makes everything from head to toe pushes ahead of the cosplayer who bought and altered most of it.

* Props are bonuses. If there are 2 shinagami Rukias, evenly matched craftsmanship wise, and one made her own sword and stuffed Kon, she pulls ahead in the effort category.

Below is an example that was written up by one of the Hall Cosplay Judges and what she’d tell a judge when they say:
so tell me about your costume...

I chose to recreate Rukia's shinagami robes. I decided on black and white cotton broadcloth for the robes since that would probably not be an elaborate fabric.

I found the pattern for the hakama online and altered it to fit my size. (include link) While the pattern is very simple, pleating it correctly wasn't and took quite a few re-tries. I would like the judges to note my use of a finishing stitch on the interior seams and a blind hem at the bottom.

I found the pattern for the kimono in Gosu Rori #2. I had to lenghten it to be as long as a traditional kimono and shorten the length of the sleeves to fit the design of the uniform. I made the outer (black) kimono slightly shorter at the sleeves so the white color shows underneath. Again all the seams are finished on the inside. I would also like the judges to note that I left the armpits of the black kimono open just like in the reference photo.

The obi is just a very long rectangle folded over, sewn, and turned.

The tabi socks were purchased.

The waraji started out as a pair of thin thong flip flops. I glued a 'heel' made out of craft foam to the back and threaded a piece of hemp rope thru it. I secured the ends of this rope to the thongs of the sandal. Next I wrapped hemp rope around the flip flop sole and thongs, securing it with hot glue.

I purchases a shoulder length black wig and trimmed it to flip out at the bottom. I rolled the ends in curlers and used a dryer to help the wig hold the flips. I used some craft glue to hold the bangs in place and create the points around the face.

I purchased a wooden bokken to use as Rukia's sword. At the end I attached an eye hook for the ribbon. I took a small piece of wood and carved out the hilt. This just slid over the sword and I glued it down. I then painted everything white. It took 3 coats to get the solid white finish, then I added a shiny clear coat. I cut a length of white ribbon and finished the ends with clear nail polish so they didn't fray. I attached the end of the ribbon to a prism bead and then the prism to the eyehook with some wire. I had to have my dad drill a hole in the prism's bottom since it only had a hole at one end.

Overall the costume took 2 months to complete.