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Can you recommend a dressmaking form?

BernaWeaves | Posted in General Discussion on

Hi, I’m new here, so I apologize if this question has been posted before.

I sew by myself and thought that a dressmaking form that is the size and shape of my body would be handy.

I’m confused by all the ones out there, when I do an internet search.

Can anyone recommend one?

Any to stay away from?

 

Thanks, Berna

Replies

  1. thehat | | #1

    hi I have a twin fit and I really like it  just get the one most like you  and padding you can add have fun

  2. User avater
    Becky-book | | #2

    If your body size and shape is close to what the manufactures consider "normal" a ready made form will work.  I bought one and then realized that I have significant body shape "issues" to deal with!  So a friend taped me up in duct tape and I stuffed it with fiber fill and hung it on the stand from my other form (which is still used to work on items for my smaller friends)

    The helper who does the tape does not need to be a sewing person, but someone you don't mind seeing you scantily clad! It must your SHAPE!  There are several sets of instructions available (see the other posts on this).

    Becky

    1. BernaWeaves | | #3

      I've seen some negative reviews of some of the brands being flimsy, so I guess I wanted to find out people's opinions.

      I appreciate your comments.

      Thanks,Berna

      1. Gloriasews | | #4

        I strongly agree with Becky - the most accurate copy of your body is to tape your body & make your own form.  Check the previous threads in the archives on dress forms  - there are directions to make both the paper tape form (which dries hard & sturdy) or the duct tape form (which some have had great success with & others have had problems with).  It only takes a day or so to make it (it can be taped in half a day with either tape, but the paper tape needs to dry).  The stand for it doesn't take long, either, if you have the stuff on hand.  You'll be very pleased with this form, as it really is your body double, & you won't have to adjust it as you would a commercial dress form.  Good luck!

  3. tmorris1 | | #5

    Berna;

    I also agree that a duct tape form (or something of the like) would probably be best, and much cheaper. The dress forms are nice, but they are always perfectly shaped, with perfect posture, and narrow shoulders. I was so disappointed with the first one that I bought when the shirt that I had so carefully fit to the dress form looked so horrific on me that I didn't touch the form again for years. My bustline was off, and I couldn't get the waist adjusted for my very long torso. If the only person that you sew for is yourself, I would strongly advise trying one of the tape methods first. After all, I haven't heard of anyone who had to pay more than $50.00 for all of the materials, and it fits your figure exactly. If it turns out that you really want an adjustable dressform, you haven't wasted a lot of money, and you will not be spending the $200.00 on a dressform just to be disappointed that the tape method may have been a better choice.

    T.

    1. BernaWeaves | | #6

      Thanks for all your comments.  I just don't think I'm up for wrapping myself in duct tape or plaster, although that could be a fun "couple's project."  (cough, cough)

      I also contacted a lady I took a sewing course from a while back, and she recommend the  "Uniquely You" dress form, and recommended I check out the Atlanta Thread Company.

      The "Uniquely You" dress form is a foam form with a cotton cover, that comes in many different sizes.  The form comes in P,S,M or L.  There are at least 3 different sized covers for each form size, so you buy the cover that comes closest to your actual measurements and then fit it to you so that it mimics your body exactly.  It has a zipper up the back.  Once you have it sewn to fit your body exactly, you zip it over the foam form, and it mimics your body exactly.  If you're lopsided, or lumpy in odd places, then you can sew that into the shape of the form.

      She told me that you can always resew the cover if you change sizes, or buy extra covers if you really change shape or want to fit more than one person.  The extra covers were about $10.

      It was only 129.99, so I ordered it.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

      Berna

       

       

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