A popped seam in the crotch. A tail that gets stepped on and rips. A fan that dies. These aren't "ifs"—they are "whens."

Most "sewing kits" are useless for fursuits because they lack the torque to punch through fur backing. This guide divides your gear into two layers: The Pouch (on your person) and The Hospital (in your hotel room).

The "Holy Grail" Tool: Curved Needles

Before we list anything else, you need to buy Curved Upholstery Needles.

• Why: You cannot sew a split seam on a fursuit from the inside while wearing it. You have to sew from the outside.
• The Ladder Stitch: A curved needle allows you to perform a "Ladder Stitch" (or invisible stitch) to close a hole from the exterior without taking the suit off (or just for easier access).
• Size: Get a variety pack (2-inch and 3-inch are best).

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Layer 1: The Convention Pouch (Field Kit)

Keep this in your hydration pack or handler's bag. It fixes the "Oh crap" moments.

1. Safety Pins (Large): The ultimate temp fix. If a zipper busts, safety pin it shut until you get to the room.
2. Slicker Brush: You will get hugged. You will get scritched. You will look messy. Brush out every hour.
3. Folex (Travel Bottle): Use a tiny spray bottle. If someone spills juice on you, spray immediately to stop the stain setting.
4. Zip Ties: For fixing a drooping tail or a broken fan mount on the fly.
5. Duct Tape (Small Roll): Wrap 5 feet of duct tape around an old credit card to save space. Fixes broken shoe soles internally.

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Layer 2: The Hotel Hospital (Room Kit)

Keep this in your Action Packer or suitcase. This is for actual surgery.

Sewing Supplies

• Heavy Duty Thread: "Button and Carpet" thread or Upholstery thread. Regular cotton thread will snap under fursuit tension. Color match your main fur colors (white, black, main body color).
• Curved Needles: (See above).
• Thimble: Pushing a needle through 4 layers of fur backing hurts. A metal or leather thimble is mandatory.
• Seam Ripper: For removing the bad stitches before fixing them.

Adhesives

• E6000 or Hot Glue: For re-attaching claws, teeth, or paw pads.
  • Warning: E6000 takes 24 hours to cure. Hot glue is instant but weaker.
• Cyanoacrylate (Super Glue): For hard plastic repairs (broken eyes, 3D printed parts).

Electronics (If applicable)

• Spare 5V Fan: Fans die. They are cheap ($5). Bring a spare.
• Portable Soldering Iron: Overkill? Maybe. But if a wire snaps in your head, you'll be the hero of the con.
• Electrical Tape: For insulating those quick wire fixes.

Common Repairs & How to Do Them

The "Popped Crotch" Seam

1. Don't Panic: It happens to everyone.
2. Field Fix: Safety pin it shut from the inside if possible, or wear gym shorts over the suit (make it a "look").
3. Room Fix: Use the ladder stitch with heavy thread. Double-knot the start and end.

The "Floppy Ear"

1. Diagnosis: Usually the foam inside has cracked or the glue let go.
2. Fix: Inject hot glue deep into the base of the ear (carefully!) and hold until cool.

The "Stain"

1. Action: Blot (do not rub). Spray Folex. Blot again.
2. Warning: Do not put heat on a stain (no hair dryers) until it is gone, or you will set it forever.

Final Tip

Mark your tools. If you lend your slicker brush to a friend in the headless lounge, you might never see it again unless it has your initials on it.