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Creating a drag look is more than just putting on makeup—it’s a full-on art form. From sewing your own silhouette to adding fringe, rhinestones, and sparkle in all the right places, the right tools can take your DIY game to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just stepping into your heels, this list of essential tools will help you craft bold, custom pieces that turn heads and command the spotlight.
DIY Corset Pattern
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Large Trash Bag
- Duct Tape
- Marker
Instructions
- Cut out holes in the center bottom of the trash bag and two on the sides for head and arms.
- Put on the trash bag. Then tightly wrap duct tape around the body.
- Mark the pattern onto the duct tape. Include any seams needed for the pattern.
- Cut off (carefully) the duct tape and trash bag and peel off the body.
- Now you have a custom pattern for your corset!
Easy Magnetic Seam Allowance
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Magnets
- Paper Scissors
- Duct Tape (patterns from previously)
Instructions
- Place duct tape patterns onto paper.
- Add a few magnets (number of magnets dependent on your desired seam allowance, about 3-5) onto the side of the scissors to easily cut out the seam allowance around the pattern.
- Now you’re ready to cut out the fabric!
Lace Appliques with Soldering Pen
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Soldering Pen
- Lace Fabric (must be synthetic material such as polyester)
- Hand Sewing Needle
- Thread
Instructions
- Lay out lace onto a heat resistance surface. Or you can also hold it carefully as you go.
- Heat up a soldering pen.
- Once hot, slowly trace around the lace design you want to cut out. This method is perfect to cut and seal edges all in one.
- Cut out all the pieces you need. Then lay the design onto top. Readjust until the design is how you like it.
- Finally hand sew down the lace.
Corset Grommets
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Buttonhole Gauge
- Frixion Pen
- Soldering Pen
- Grommet Setter
- Grommet/Eyelets
- Corset
- Ribbon (for lacing)
Instructions
- To easily mark the grommet holes for your corset, use a buttonhole gauge to help evenly space them out. Mark each space with a frixion pen (frixion pens disappear with heat so if you make a mistake you can easily iron it away).
- Then taking your soldering pen, go through each of the marked holes making a hole just big enough for the grommet (do not make the holes too big because you want the grommets to catch the fabric).
- Place the grommet pieces over each hole. Then using the grommet setter, squeeze until the eyelet is set in place. Repeat until all holes are covered with grommets.
- Your corset is ready to be laced!
DIY Boa
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Tulle Ribbon
- Rope
- Thread
- Piece of cardboard (approximately about 14” wide)
- Scissors
Instructions
- Taking your piece of cardboard, start wrapping your tulle ribbon around about 40 times.
- Pull the wrapped fabric off the board and tie a knot with thick thread in the center of the fabric leaving long tails. It should look like a big bow. Repeat the steps. Make a lot of bows….like a lot!
- Take a long piece of rope, cut to desired length and knot off each end (can burn with lighter to melt down).
- Tie all the bows onto the rope. Leave a little gap between each.
- Then cut the ends of all the tulle bows.
- Fluff each bow until the boa is fully fluffed out!
Fringe Skirt
Difficulty
Easy – Medium – Hard
Materials
- Fringe Trim
- Rhinestone Ribbon
- B700
- Skirt
- Scissors
Instructions
- Lay your skirt flat.
- Then lay out the fringe to the top of the skirt.
- Layer the fringe just below the next fringe. Making sure to create about a ½” overlap. Repeat until the skirt is covered with fringe trim.
- Zigzag stitch down the fringe.
- After all the fringe trim is sewn, flip up the fringe and take the rhinestone ribbon and glue down just under the fringe line. Repeat under every line of fringe trim.
- Once glue is dried, cut up the rhinestone ribbon. Leave just the top row uncut. This allows for more swing in your rhinestone fringe. Repeat until all of your rhinestone ribbon has been fringed.
Silver Duct Tape
A staple in any drag queen’s DIY kit, this silver duct tape is perfect for quick costume fixes or giving your outfit a fierce edge. It tears easily by hand and holds strong wherever you stick it. Use it to reinforce seams, shape silhouettes, or add a metallic moment to your look.
8-Inch Dressmaking Shears
Sharp, sleek, and made for precision, these shears cut through fabric like a dream. From feather boas to heavy denim, they glide through material with ease, making them essential for outfit construction. Upgrade your cutting game with a pair that truly delivers.
Expanding Sewing Gauge
From spacing out rhinestones to marking pleats and buttonholes, this expandable sewing gauge is precision made glamorous. It’s sturdy, flexible, and perfect for making sure every detail is drag-worthy. A must for anyone who lives by the motto: more is more.
Tiny Round Disc Magnets
These mighty mini magnets are your secret weapon for detachable accessories and custom closures. Perfect for hidden snaps or magnetic jewelry, they give you the flexibility to change up your look on the fly. With 50 in a pack, your creativity can run wild.
Erasable Pens
Plan your runway domination with these smooth, erasable pens. Whether you’re sketching your next gown or jotting down ideas, they let you edit as you go. Stylish and functional, they’ll become your creative sidekick.
Metallic Gold Twine
This glittering gold twine is perfect for adding sparkle to your seams, shoes, or DIY décor. With hundreds of feet to play with, you’ll have more than enough for all your fabulous projects. Tie it, wrap it, glam it.
Eyelet Pliers Tool Kit
Give your looks a fierce industrial twist with this grommet and eyelet tool kit. Great for corsets, belts, or anything that needs a punch of attitude, it’s perfect for drag artists who love a detail that pops. All-in-one and ready to werk.
Adjustable Temperature Soldering Iron Kit
Bring on the glam and the gadgets with this all-in-one soldering iron kit. Great for customizing LEDs, wiring light-up pieces, or repairing costume components, it’s the go-to for next-level DIY. Heat up, solder, and slay with confidence.
Gold Fringe Trim
Swing into the spotlight with gold fringe that moves with every twirl and sashay. Sew it onto hems, sleeves, or gloves to bring your outfit to life. It’s all about movement, baby—and this trim delivers.
Gold Tulle Fabric Rolls
Add volume, drama, and shimmer with rolls of golden tulle perfect for skirts, veils, or extravagant overlays. Soft and airy, it layers beautifully for that ultimate runway-ready effect. Let your imagination—and your hemline—run wild.
Gold Twisted Cord
Elevate your costume with this luxe twisted cord, ideal for trimming bodices, hats, and regal accessories. It’s strong, shiny, and fabulously eye-catching. Whether you’re going royal or retro, this cord makes it couture.
Gold Diamond Mesh Ribbon Wrap
For those who love a bit of bling, this diamond mesh ribbon wrap is just the ticket. It’s super shiny and flexible, making it a breeze to add sparkle to any event or project. Shine bright and let the drama unfold.
Gold Pearl Trim Chain
Jazz up your crafts with a gold pearl trim chain! This 10-yard roll of glitzy, faux pearl chain can be snipped and sewn onto anything from wedding dresses to phone cases. Made with durable gold-plated brass, it’s perfect for all your DIY needs. Plus, we offer a 30-day free return if you’re not satisfied!
Clear Jewelry Glue with Precision Tools
This powerful jewelry glue is perfect for rhinestoning, embellishing, and bedazzling every inch of your look. It dries clear, bonds securely, and comes with fine tips for flawless application. Your drag deserves detail—and this glue brings it.
Golden Quilting Thread
Bring your quilting to life with coats machine quilting cotton thread! Made of 100% Egyptian Cotton, this lustrous and strong thread is perfect for piecing and quilting. One spool, 350yds of pure stitching joy!
Sparkly Flower Brooch Pin
Add some sparkle to your outfit with this dazzling rhinestone flower brooch pin! Perfect for weddings, parties, or just because you want to shine. This large crystal flower pin is your ultimate accessory for any occasion.
Mary Halo Crown Headband
Shine like a goddess with the halo crown Mary Goddess headband! Perfect for costumes, this headpiece guarantees you’ll be the star of the drag with its radiant design.
Nude Coffin Press-On Nails
Get salon-quality nails at home with this press-on nails! This set includes 24 nails in 12 sizes, a nail file, and high-quality ABS material for a natural, comfy fit. Perfect for any occasion!
Steel Boning for Corsets
Get 50 pieces of steel boning for your DIY corset adventures! These sturdy pre-capped spirals are perfect for keeping your seams and skirts in check. Cut them to your desired length and enjoy the reliable, rust-resistant support.