Lord of the Rings: Nazgul/Ringwraith

[liloandsith]

This is my first post and I'd like to share my Nazgul build that is still getting upgrade and work even after two years!

I used the tried and true Alley Cat Scratch to start the research and then scoured the internet and the DVD appendices for every bts glimpses and high res photos I could find.

I used McCall's 3789 as a base pattern to create all 3 robe patterns and ended up having to create the hood pattern from scratch. For the Morgul blade and the sword, I used 3d print files from @ceredirdesign on ig (HIGHLY recommend their prints). Then I researched and gathered all my supplies.

Base robe: a stretch knit
Robe with sleeves: cotton gauze
Robe with cap sleeves: plain cotton and a stretch jacquard for the side insert pieces
Hood: cotton rayon and buckram
Sabatons: patterned by me and made from Worbla
Gauntlets: Amazon and then modified (I'm planning on making some out of Worbla soon so they fit my hands better)

I used various trims for each layer as well mostly from Etsy.

Then I weathered the ever living daylights out of it all (see photos below). I used acrylic paints, herbs (powdered sage, cinnamon, etc), and rub n buff mostly. I also mixed flour into the acrylic paint to get the "mud" to sit on top of the fabric instead of sinking in. Tools I used included bricks dragged across the robes while it laid on concrete, a box cutter, wire brush, sand paper, and a rasp. I also didn't finish any of the hems or edges of the fabric.

Apologies for the potato quality of a lot of these photos, I had the screenshot them from my ig page (@Cosplayandtea). Feel free to go there since I have videos that show the movement of the fabrics.

Photo cred to @Aleestudios for some of the photos

 

[TymanRoach]

Very well done. Looks awesome.

 

[liloandsith]

Very well done. Looks awesome.

thanks!

 

[Ghostsoldier]

Watching with interest!
Rob

 

[intent]

this is amazing, could you be convinced to create one for me?

 

[liloandsith]

Since C2E2 announced that all 4 hobbits will be attending, I'll be doing a few fixes to the ringwraith and will be wearing it to get a photo-op.

I'll finally post the updates I made to the face covering. Please excuse the wrinkles.

This is just attached inside the hood with three tacking stitches. It flips up easily and doesn't sit directly on my face making it much more comfortable.

The morph mask looked super cool but I needed the wear lens-less glasses so my eyelashes didn't scrape the mask, the glasses dug into my nose bridge and would hurt, and it was very hot.

This fabric is cotton rayon (the same fabric I used on the hood). It's natural and breathes SO MUCH BETTER than the polyester morph mask. 10/10 recommend natural fibers only on your face for this costume since it's a lot of layers and can get heavy and very hot.

Below I attached photos of direct light and indirect light to show how little you can see my face and I made it long enough so I can tuck it into my shirt if I want so the costume isn't covered.

 

[liloandsith]

this is amazing, could you be convinced to create one for me?

I think you contacted me on IG, yes?

 

[liloandsith]

i decided to repaint my nazgûl sword.

i’m still not sure about it. i did a bit more to it after i took this video. everything i do feels contrived and like im trying too hard

any ideas are welcome.

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

Since C2E2 announced that all 4 hobbits will be attending, I'll be doing a few fixes to the ringwraith and will be wearing it to get a photo-op.

I'll finally post the updates I made to the face covering. Please excuse the wrinkles.

This is just attached inside the hood with three tacking stitches. It flips up easily and doesn't sit directly on my face making it much more comfortable.

The morph mask looked super cool but I needed the wear lens-less glasses so my eyelashes didn't scrape the mask, the glasses dug into my nose bridge and would hurt, and it was very hot.

This fabric is cotton rayon (the same fabric I used on the hood). It's natural and breathes SO MUCH BETTER than the polyester morph mask. 10/10 recommend natural fibers only on your face for this costume since it's a lot of layers and can get heavy and very hot.

Below I attached photos of direct light and indirect light to show how little you can see my face and I made it long enough so I can tuck it into my shirt if I want so the costume isn't covered.

View attachment 1913751View attachment 1913752
View attachment 1913754View attachment 1913753

I had the same problem with the morph mask and eyelashes scraping on it, not very comfortable indeed lol. This looks great though, is the visibility okay? And it's just a single layer of cotton rayon? It covers your face really well in both lighting situations.

Also kind of envious you'll be having that photo op with the hobbits in costume! So cool haha

As for the sword, maybe you could try painting with a lot of water and taking most off the paint off with a cloth or sponge after application?In my limited experience I've had some success with preventing brush strokes and getting a more natural look that way.

Did you print the sword or is it handmade btw?

 

[joberg]

i decided to repaint my nazgûl sword.

View attachment 1914000

i’m still not sure about it. i did a bit more to it after i took this video. everything i do feels contrived and like im trying too hard

any ideas are welcome.

It's looking great from where I stand

 

[liloandsith]

I had the same problem with the morph mask and eyelashes scraping on it, not very comfortable indeed lol. This looks great though, is the visibility okay? And it's just a single layer of cotton rayon? It covers your face really well in both lighting situations.

Also kind of envious you'll be having that photo op with the hobbits in costume! So cool haha

As for the sword, maybe you could try painting with a lot of water and taking most off the paint off with a cloth or sponge after application?In my limited experience I've had some success with preventing brush strokes and getting a more natural look that way.

Did you print the sword or is it handmade btw?

thanks!

yes, just one layer of cotton rayon! it’s the same as looking through the morph mask and it just flips up. i do have to keep the morph mask bc i use 3 folded washcloths under it to bump the hood up just a tad so ive cut out the face of the morph mask. i need to get a better height booster but the washcloths work just fine and mold to my head so well.

i’ve gone back over the sword and blended some of the harsher lines and like it much better. it’s just not my best work and it’s annoying me

it’s a print! the same people who i commissioned my Haldir bracers, sword, and sheath from. they have a whole witchking armor set on their patreon. they’re @paf3d and @ceridircosplay on IG. they do amazing work!!! they’ve also got a lot lotr files.

 

[liloandsith]

Back to the Nazgûl after finishing Haldir.

I’ve got a new face covering I’m doing to better allow me to breath. I do have to use the polyester morph mask until I get a better method for adding height besides using 3 washcloths

also, enjoy this nightmare fuel that was me figuring out where I needed to cut the mask so it uncovered my face

You’re welcome!

 

[liloandsith]

(Repost as I'm not sure if the last post glitched)

Back to the Nazgûl after finishing Haldir.

I’ve got a new face covering I’m doing to better allow me to breath. I do have to use the polyester morph mask until I get a better method for adding height besides using 3 washcloths.

also, enjoy this nightmare fuel that was me figuring out where I needed to cut the mask so it uncovered my face

You’re welcome!

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

Pretty neat way of doing it! I used a eva foam dome for with some upholstery foam inside for some added height. But for the regular Nazgul I'd maybe make a construction of some kind of wiring to hold up the hood?

 

[Malibu139]

Looking great! I am loving these Nazgul and witch king threads lately.

Maybe get one of these next time to reduce the night mare of a sewing pin in your eye



Also, I can hear this pic

 

[liloandsith]

Pretty neat way of doing it! I used a eva foam dome for with some upholstery foam inside for some added height. But for the regular Nazgul I'd maybe make a construction of some kind of wiring to hold up the hood?

That's my plan eventually but I just didn't have time before this con. I also need to make gauntlets that actually fit me.

 

[liloandsith]

Looking great! I am loving these Nazgul and witch king threads lately.

Maybe get one of these next time to reduce the night mare of a sewing pin in your eye
View attachment 1919411


Also, I can hear this pic
View attachment 1919413

I have safer methods of doing things but I was too lazy to go get them and the sewing pins were within arms reach. hahaha

 

[RamonvanVeghel]

That's my plan eventually but I just didn't have time before this con. I also need to make gauntlets that actually fit me.

Nice that'll really give it that otherwordly shape like in the movies. I think they used a wire harness?

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7147714208011013402

This is also a way to do it, looks really sturdy and I follow the guy on instagram. He has a really impressive Nazgul costume which is why I followed him haha. I also asked him some questions regarding fabrics and such and he was very kind with his answers. This is one of his pics in full gear:

Looks damn impressive in my opinion! Hopefully it's okay to share this?