Looking for a cheap way to cosplay, but don’t know how you could possibly afford the sword you need to complete the look? With just a few pieces of cardboard, hot glue, and a little bit of measuring you can have your very own cardboard sword. For this project I modeled my sword after Connie’s from Steven Universe, but the basic idea can potentially be applied to any sword of your choosing!

Supplies

Cardboard (I used a medium/small sized box)

Pencil/Marker

Scissors Cutting Mat

Ruler Glue Sticks/Hot Glue Gun

X-Acto knife/ Box Cutter

Step 1: Measurements

Draw outlines for each piece of the sword. Make doubles of the ‘v’ shaped pieces. Then make three of the 2x2 in circles. Keep in mind for much of these pieces it depends on how you cut everything so sizes may vary and require a trim down, you may also run into the need for more pieces so make sure to have extra cardboard at the ready.

Step 2: Cut Out

Cut out all the pieces outlined before. In my previous picture I forgot to show an outline of the two stars however they are about 4.5x3 in, keep in mind that the star will need to fit into the ‘v’ shape of the hilt later. Cut one of your 2x2 in circles in half and then split one of the halves in half again, this will be used to create a sphere shape for the end of the hilt. Once you have all parts cut, it's time to glue!

Step 3: Gluing the Blade and Guard

Glue together all four parts of the blade, making them glued at an angle will help the blade appear larger and more three-dimensional. Then its time to glue together the guard of the hilt. Take the 4 pairs of ‘v’ shaped cuts and glue them together using the stars. Then use a 24x1 in strip to wrap around them leaving a hole for the blade to slide in. Then use a .5 in strip to cover any gaps between the guard and the blade, be sure to glue well.

Then take a new half inch ‘v’ shaped piece and glue on for the final piece of the guard. This again was a last minute add on so measurements may vary.

Step 4: The Hilt

Take the 7x10 in a rectangle and draw diagonal lines across, then cut the first layer of every other strip, try to keep the first layer you take off intact as you’ll need them in the next step.. Then crease the rectangle with the corigations, curve it to be around the size of the 2x2 circle and glue along the edges, then glue the two of the three circle cut outs one on top of the hilt, one on the bottom. Once all is securely glued, take the half circle that was cut earlier onto the bottom circle then the quarter pieces on the halfway point of the half circle. This will show the beginnings of a half sphere.

Step 5: The Pommel

Take the first layer strips from earlier and use them to surround the circle, crossing in diagonals to create an intertwined pattern. Add as many as you feel necessary.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Glue the last part of the hilt together and then you’re done! These are just basic steps so feel free to add as much as you’d like!

About the Creator:

Hi! I’m Ali and I work at EXLAB as a student assistant! I like making things out of interesting and easy to access materials. I think making things should be easy and fun, and believe anyone can make cool things if they put their minds to it! I hope my instructables inspire some awesome makes!