Comicpalooza takes place during Memorial day weekend, May 24-26, 2024, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Avid collectors, devoted anime fans, aspiring cosplayers and more will convene at Comicpalooza to make memories to last a lifetime.

The action-packed weekend includes boundless fun including show-stopping special attractions; hours of programming covering a myriad of fandoms; unique vendors sharing their diverse collection of handmade goods, art and collectibles; and must-see panels featuring some of the hottest stars in the industry. John Cena, Michael J Fox, Christopher Lloyd, the cast of Napoleon Dynamite, Charmed and more will be there for photos, autographs and special panels.

The Cosplay Track is where it’s at for us sewists. There are multiple ways to embrace cosplay at Comicpalooza. Attendees will dress up, walk around, and become part of the experience or participate in the annual cosplay contests, for adults and kids. Our focus will be bringing you the details straight from the runways of these shows, with special attention given to sewing technique, fabulous fabrics and creativity.

We can’t wait to see the cosplay creations grace the stage this year!

Comicpalooza Demo

Sulky will be there for all the revelry and will teach a “How to Sew Cosplay Fabrics” panel. Plus, we’ll teach how to use Sulky Thread and Stabilizers to enhance the sewing experience. HINT: Stabilizers go a LONG way with helping control stretch, slippage, puckers and more!

We also have a special gift for all attendees of the panel: an exclusive comic-inspired hand embroidery design printed on Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch™, with two spools of Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites™ Thread and a hand sewing needle. Everything is packaged up with a piece of Sulky Felty™ for stitching. We’ll take the design a step further and turn it into a freestanding patch, for sewing to a tote bag, jacket or backpack.

Comicpalooza Patch

To re-create the project we’ll demo at Comicpalooza this year, begin with Sulky Stick ‘n Stitch printable fabric-like stabilizer sheets. Print the design of your choice onto the sheet. (Make sure to print on the fabric-like side and set the printer to “draft” or the lowest ink setting.)

Cut out the design, leaving a bit of a border. Remove the paper backing of the printed sticker.

Place the design transfer onto the fabric of your choice, such as Sulky Felty.

Thread a hand sewing needle with two strands of Sulky 12 wt. Cotton Petites Thread.

Embroider the design, switching thread colors as needed. Use the hand embroidery stitches of your choice.

After the embroidery is complete, rinse the finished design under warm running water to completely dissolve the stabilizer.

Then, let the Felty and/or fabric dry thoroughly, flat on a towel.

Comicpalooza Patch

The finished design is easily applied to another fabric using traditional appliqué methods. However, it’s also easily turned into a freestanding patch.

First, draw an outline in the shape of your choice onto the Felty right side. Leave ample space beyond the stitching so as to not cover it with satin edgestitching in the subsequent steps.

Cut along the outline. Next, set the machine for a satin stitch. Edgestitch the Felty edges, completely concealing them. be sure to use Sulky 40 wt. Poly Deco™ Thread in the needle and bobbin for the best coverage.

When the stitching is complete, cut a piece of Sulky Perfect Appliqué Fusible Web to the mirror image of the patch. Cut the fusible web slightly smaller than the patch so it doesn’t go all the way to the thread edge. Note: To draw the mirror image of the patch shape, either lightly draw on the fusible side of the Perfect Appliqué with the patch right side up; or draw on the paper side with the patch right side down.

Next, cut out the fusible web and apply it to the patch wrong side.

Remove the paper backing of the fusible web.

Lastly, fuse the patch to the right side of a tote, backpack or jacket. Fuse from the item wrong side to avoid touching the hot iron to the stitching, if possible. Or place a press cloth over the patch to adhere.

Follow the satin stitching to secure it with stitches. Or, set the machine for a straight stitch and topstitch along the patch edge.

Want to get your hands on this BANG patch kit? Come to Comicpalooza and join us on the Cosplay Track!

Comicpalooza 2024 Hours

Friday, May 24th*
Show Floor – 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Box Office – 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Programming – 3:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Saturday, May 25th*
Show Floor – 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Box Office – 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Programming – 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Sunday, May 26th*
Show Floor – 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Box Office – 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Programming – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

*VIP pass holders get access to the show floor 30 minutes before doors open