A few questions on fursuiting and where to start

[c4539]

Hi all,
I recently just became interested in fursuit making. I want to start learning how to, but I don't know where to start, what to do first, or what tools or things to buy. I also don't have a lot to spend, so I won't buy anything expensive like faux fur, expensive tools or machinery, or waste materials.

 I'll wait for answers before I start asking anymore questions or give more details.

Questions:
-What should I do or know before I start fursuiting (other than it being expensive)?
-Do I need to learn sewing (and/or any other skills necessary) before I start?
-What are the tools I need?
-What are some good tutorials or how-to websites/posts on fursuiting?
-Are there inexpensive alternatives to faux fur?
-What are your tips or advice?

[Gulliks]

I would start by going to joanns or whatever fabric store is nearby if you can't afford the high quality fur online. Watch a video on how to make a tail, then give it a shot. If you're not buying nice fur, then that project could cost as little as $10-15. You'll need to know how to hand see.

Prep:
Designing your tail $free

Tools:
Needle $1

Materials
Thread  $1-2
Faux fur $5-10 (a yard of fur can yield more than one tail too)
Stuffing $free(old stuffed animals)-$10(a bag of poly fill which will go a long way)
Elastic $1-2

Make yourself a tail, then try making some paws and stuff. Once your comfortable with sewing and patterning (you'll probably need to know a few basic stitches which are easy to learn but take practice) try and save up some money and buy some foam. And a hot glue gun/ sticks. Depending on where you go you can get enough foam for a head for about $20-40 depending on if you're doing balaclava or bucket design.

Google matrices Fursuit building and just troll around on YouTube they're great resources.

Take your time, hope this helped