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Dress Forms

user-7870069 | Posted in Notions & Tools on

What are everyone’s opinions on the best dress form out there – one that is soft enough to pin into? I’ve seen the dress forms article, but would love input from those of you who have a form that you think is well-made and user-friendly.

Replies

  1. user-6998382 | | #1

    I really looked for one,but ended up buying a cheap solid"general dress form"and then I padded it by taping and pinning padding of my build onto the form.I measured myself,and really tried to get my bust,waist,and hips. I gotta admit,it was not bad. I still use it, and for exact fit I try the sewing piece right on me. --and then I adjust. Once I realized that I WOULD HAVE TO PUT MY BODY on the dummy,myself, it was easier. It is a good thing I did this,as due to the Pandemic,I lost weight.

  2. dress4dance | | #2

    The most favorite would be easy sack form, flowing dress the one you can drape and change form depending on occasion!

  3. Marjade | | #3

    I got my dressform pattern from bootstrap.

  4. User avater
    fitsewbeautiful | | #4

    I've tried almost all of them. Sigh. I wrote a blog post reviewing different dress forms. You can read it here: https://fitsewbeautiful.com/blog-11/post/108738/which-dress-form-should-i-buy The only one I haven't tried is the Bootstrap form, but, based on the reviews I've read, I suspect that it would have many of the same issues for me as the other forms.

  5. JohninKent | | #5

    I am a freelance designer and patternmaker. Over the years I have used both the commercial/industry dress forms and the made for home sewer type forms. For a designer that needs to accurately drape and fit a garment there is no better dress form than a Wolfe form or similar industrial model. They are usually on a heavy cast iron stand that won’t tip over, can roll around on casters, has a heavy paper mache, linen covered surface that you can pin into (although it takes some strong pins and fingers), and they are for the most part anatomically correct. You can order them to your size measurements, but you can always pad them out and make a knit cover that will duplicate your specifications, and provide a softer surface to pin into. A size 8 Wolfe form dated 1979 was the first form I rescued from a factory that was closing down. Now over 40 years later, and just a little shop worn, Norma L. Model (normal model) still provides me with an accurate size 8 figure on which I can drape new designs.

    I have tried using the adjustable home sewing forms, but you can’t do any serious draping on them, and they are just too flimsy to do any accurate pinning or alterations. I find their best use is for display forms in a fashion show.

    Used Wolfe forms can often be found on Craigslist or other reselling sites. I’ve bought all my adjustable home models at thrift stores.

  6. lilusgf | | #6

    DittoForm is my favorite. It’s not inexpensive but the quality is excellent. I’ve tried a variety of forms but finally took the plunge - I don’t regret it.

  7. user-7804095 | | #7

    I ordered and made a Bootstrap form pattern. It was really straightforward to make and adjustable with more or less stuffing. I also have an old adjustable hard shell dress form, which you can’t pin into. For draping the Bootstrap is so much better!

  8. Elizabeth_Sews | | #8

    I love my Beatrice dress form. It’s pinable and custom made to look just like me! Their customer service is amazing too.

    Their website is: https://beatriceforms.com/

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