With our recent experiences with the costuming and cosplay communities, we’ve learned about this wonderful material called “Fosshape”. It is described as a “buckram replacement”. Great. What is buckram? For the newbie, buckram is… is… … AH – “A cloth stiffened with gum, used as interfacing”.

From playing with it, Fosshape is a felt-like polyester weave that can be stretched and formed over a mold with heat (ideally a steamer). It collapses in thickness and sticks well to itself, forming a firm but pliable surface. Crushable, but still maintains its form.

The thinner Fosshape 300 is best for pieces where there’s finer detail needed, and it won’t see much stress. Also comes in 600 thickness.

Fosshape Features:

• Polyester-based chemistry
• Felt-like texture in raw form
• Takes dye well
• Mildew resistant
• Easily cut with razor / scissors
• Bonds to itself fairly well (can be layered)
• Does not fray
• Heat-formable (best results with clothing steamers)

Fosshape Specifications:

• 3.8mm thick (0.15″)
• 300gm /m² (9oz per yd²)
• 45″ nominal width

Sizes Available (imperial sizing):

• Full Yard – 45 x 36″ (1.14 x 0.91m)
• Half Yard – 45 x 18″ (1.14m x 40cm)
• Quarter yard – 22 x 18″ (55 x 40cm)
• Sample – 18 x 11″ (40 x 28cm)