I just got my flightsuit from Georgia Outfitters, and I have a question:
Is it really worth it to get rid of the velcro on the nametag area and sew the nametag on? My mother believes it would be better if I simply got a nametag scaled down to fit directly on the velcro with a velcro backing on the nametag itself. What’s the general consensus here? And if it is worth it, what size do you suggest for the tag?
I’ve seen a few flightsuits where the nametag was simply sewn over the top of the velcro patch. Not a pretty sight. As for making a nametag the same size as the patch, it wouldn’t be anywhere close to looking like those in the films. Not to mention too small to easily read, I would think. Luckily, the velcro comes off with no trouble.
Just take one of those things used for yanking out stitches (your mom probably has one) or a pair of small scissors. Turn the uniform inside out on the part with the velcro and start carefully cutting the stitches. I can’t overemphasize being careful, because if you pull too hard on a stitch it will leave a tiny hole. It will take a little while, but in the end the velcro patch should pop right off. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
As for the exact size of the nametags, I’m not sure. Someone else could probably tell you. I’ve never seen a set of measurements that was set in stone, and the patches in the first movie were much larger than those used in the second. I just looked at some reference photos and made one that seemed about the right size.
i just scaled down the patch on mine…it came out ok :?
i decided to keep the velcro patch just in case i want to put a new one on with ease (which may definitely happen…but i can’t let the girlfriend know i might lose the ‘mrbear’ patch 8) )
I stand corrected. Looks great, frankfish! I guess some flightsuits have larger velcro patches than others.
hey thats definitely good to know for peeps looking for flightsuits, huh?
looking at my Spengler one from costumecostumecostume and the velcro strip from the suit I just happened to have sitting around, the velcro strip is only slightly smaller in height. Keep in mind those nametags have a small black border of stitching around the whole thing. Like the ones in the gbprops shop though it’s a little harder to tell.
I guess the main difference is the length and how many letters in your name. Probably the more letters you get, the more crowded it might look or harder to read I guess? It definetly can be done though as seen above! Some people I think keep the velcro on to sometimes switch between a character nametag and their own name. I guess it might look a little odd if the tag is bigger than the strip. As far as the parts that are longer than the velcro won’t be held down! :lol:
Those are just my thoughts on the process!
EDIT: Nevermind, I guess if it is sewn to the stick on velcro strip, it wouldn’t really “stick out” like I thought. As long as you don’t have too many letters, it can be done! :lol: looking at the backup Venkman tag I have compared to the strip, with the font size, all that fits on there is VENKM barely. If that helps with any indication of the size the “movie” ones were. If you want to get an idea of how big the lettering was.
-Zack
I do wanna do that, my mom thinks that I won’t be careful enough to do so.
trust yourself buddy, and take a plunge… unless your mom is a registered professional paranormal investigator…then i’d go with what the lady says 8)
She’ll be mad at me…
Edit: Nevermind, I just popped it off. No small holes, either.
Cool. For anyone reading with nametag advice/tips. My experience and advice was I guess do the patch and nametag like you would any of the other props, take a little time with them as far as looking at reference pictures and finding the best place the patches look on your suit. One thing I took into account was if you have a proton pack on, not wanting the strap to hide part of the tag as far as being somewhat close to the zipper. Also it looked like it was close to the corner of the pocket. Not too high or too low. Each persons suit might look a little different on them.
Not to be preachy or anything of course, just take your time and see where it looks best for a little bit :lol: Just have seen some nametags that looked like they were ripped from the package when someone got them and hastily slapped them on. :lol: For anyone who wanted a little bit of advice from someone who went through the process. I’d have someone else looking at it to since its hard to place it on yourself and really get a sense of what it looks like while you’re wearing it. Getting the placement that is.
-Zack
