Building My Custom DIY Dress Form

The process of building my Bootstrap Fashion DIY Dress Form, including some individual tweaks I made along the way.
I probably should have picked something a little simpler for my first time documenting a full build on video, but we live and learn. :-D (Sorry about the focus issues!)
If you have any questions I didn't answer in the video, please drop them in the comments and I'll do my best to answer!
Relaxing Piano Improvisation by Alexander Nakarada
Link: filmmusic.io/s...
License: filmmusic.io/s...
Product links...
Bootstrap Fashion dress form patterns - I used the Missy Fit DIY Dress Form and the DIY Arm, but there are also options for men, plus size, and buying the full size range instead of the individual custom fit.
patterns.boots...
Top pattern
patterns.boots...
Marking tools:
Fusible woven cotton interfacing
smile.amazon.c...
Marking pencils
www.dritz.com/...
Tracing wheel
www.dritz.com/...
Tracing paper (used with wheel)
www.dritz.com/...
Tailor's chalk
smile.amazon.c...
Other unusual supplies:
12 mm diameter, 3 mm thick neodymium magnets - American Science and Surplus has been out of stock for a while, but I found the same size/type on Amazon; you could also easily use a larger size but the same thickness
smile.amazon.c...
6 pounds fiber fill
smile.amazon.c...
IV Pole (forgot to mention in the video that I 100% stole the idea from Morgan Donner!)
smile.amazon.c...
Wheels
smile.amazon.c...

[@debranorton6434]

I plan to make a dress form, and have watched what feels like millions of videos about the Bootstrap form. You had several good tips I hadn't heard yet! Thank you! Saving this video for future reference.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

@@debranorton6434 I'm glad it's helpful! Happy making! 💚

[@floatinglotuswomenswellness]

Hint for cutting thick foam. Spend a few bucks on an electric knife, which is basically a mini chainsaw. They're usually advertised for cutting a cooked turkey (that's what you'll see on the packagine.)

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Good tip! I was aware of it from costuming circles but haven't used it enough to buy one.

[@helenrobinson2782]

I’m very tempted to buy this and have a go myself. At present I wear garments inside out and pin alterations looking in a mirror. 😂 You really explained how to make this extremely well. Thank you. X

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome! I still double check fit on my actual body, but it's so so much easier when I can reach everything. 🙂 Happy making!

[@vfrances5159]

By far the best "how to do it" lesson I've ever seen!! I'm bookmarking this for when I make my own "alteration ego".

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you - I'm glad people are still finding it useful. And I love "alteration ego"! Happy making!

[@jellydarling1008]

the magnet shoulder idea is awesome and i love how you add corrections into the process. thanks for that!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome, and thank you! I'm so glad it's useful.

[@rawandslemani1364]

​@@TheValerieMeachumcan I ask you something

[@TheValerieMeachum]

@@rawandslemani1364 What is your question?

[@rawandslemani1364]

@@TheValerieMeachum in fml where you really without clothes it's ok if you don't want to answer

[@TheValerieMeachum]

@@rawandslemani1364 LOL! Not sure why you're asking here (and under someone else's comment)? In any case: The character was. If you want to learn more about how that works, check out @intimacycoordinator 's channel!

[@sarag1158]

upholstery sponge! great idea! I see a lot of car wash sponges in other videos

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I really do think it's a translation issue, since the company is in Europe. Or maybe they're thinking a natural sponge - that might be more common there than the cellulose kind that we default to in the US, which is rather hard when dry.

[@maryharney4903]

Thank you so much for this detailed demo. I just printed my dress form pattern and can’t wait to start 😊

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I'm glad it's helpful! Happy making! 💚

[@andreadake5049]

This is awesome! I'm going to have to save this video for when I make my own ❤️

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! I'm so glad it's helpful, and I hope your build adventure is a good one! 💚

[@felinefangirl-catscatscats]

Your Bootstrap dress form is THE BEST I've seen, and I've been watching these videos for a long time in preparation to make my own. You are brilliant for using upholstery fabric, and I love your arm attachments. Awesome magnet hack. Ever After is one of my favorites, and I completely see the resemblance. Danielle is gooorgeous!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you!! I watched a lot of them in preparation too, and it was what decided me that I wanted a really strong fabric to make it hold its shape, especially because I wanted to stuff it extra firm. Forcing myself to take my time was a big part of it too!

[@MsDembones]

Brilliant. Love love the magnet arm idea. So glad I watched your video before putting mine together ❤️

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! I hope it's useful!

[@joesymchyshyn1621]

Your video is a great resource for anyone making this project (that's going to be me too soon). The only issue is your focus is often out. Most often it's focused on the background when you have a tripod shot... I'd suggest focusing on an object as a stand-in when you set up the crop, then changing the focus to manual if possible so it doesn't change. Despite the missed focus throughout, this is one for the best videos on this process I've seen. Thank You!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're welcome. And your advice is noted, if of limited applicability to my technical resources.

[@thebradoctor1858]

Your video popped up this morning! So glad I took time to watch! I have watched videos about wrapping your body in plastic and then layers of plaster of Paris! Been thinking no way will I ever be able to pull that off! There is hope! I had no idea this process was out there!! Thanks bunches for sharing your experience!!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome! I considered Morgan Donner's method, but it's more involved (and requires more assistance) than I wanted to mess with. 😄 There are a couple different DIY patterns out there; I went with Bootstrap's because its customization system is pretty refined at this point. Glad to be helpful, and happy sewing!

[@ruraledition]

If it’s critical to have waistline seams meet up in the middle, perhaps it’s best to start stitching outwards from the centre. I’m fussy like that too.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I"m thinking through the steps, and it *might* be doable with the way the inner center piece goes? But then it would have been an issue at some other seam. :-D

[@suek7086]

I am planning to buy this pattern and make my own dress form so I am saving this video. I have a very odd shape that will be difficult but I have heard that the owner is very helpful. My radiation altered/ lymphedema shaped body double will help me to better fit my self made garments.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

One thing I've heard people run into a challenge with is asymmetry. The automated pattern calculations don't account for it, so there is still some old-fashioned pattern crunching needed there. But I have seen people get great results with atypical proportions. I'm glad to hear others have found the company responsive; I didn't speak about customer service at all because I haven't needed to test it. I hope your form turns out great and serves you well for years to come! 💚

[@linda.brotherton1689]

Thank you so much for such great details with wonderful teaching.🌺

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you for watching and commenting! I hope it's useful to you. 💚

[@VAMEDEEA]

This is absolutely genius! Thank you!❤

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome! I hope it's useful to you!

[@TutorialQueen]

Thank you so much! I looked up several videos that use this pattern and this one is by far the most helpful. I also love your magnet idea and other tips. You are so talented 😊

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you!! I love everyone's different angles on the process, and I'm so glad mine turned out to be useful to people!

[@mistihamon9686]

Love your magnet idea for the arms (and adding shoulder extending poufs for when they aren't on). Ive been looking at magnets so i can copy your idea, but they come in so many sizes. Do you happen to have any of them left over to measure and share the size you used (diameter and thickness)?

[@TheValerieMeachum]

They're 10mm diameter and 3mm thickness. If I were doing it again I would either use more of them or get a larger diameter, because they're a little weak for the arms and I often end up pinning them too. But the 3mm thickness worked out well with the corrugated cardboard.

[@mistihamon9686]

Thank you, that is very helpful!

[@queeneywarren9474]

This is exactly what I have been wanting to learn thank you so much

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome. Happy making!

[@patriciahazeltine9986]

This turned out great, and I love the customization. I have a "store bought, well, amazon bought" that I had to name Aileen, because she does. That has had to be padded out, a lot. I think I for all the effort this bootstrap looks like it would be a better fit. However my weight fluctuates and by the time I finished it I'd be 20 pounds plus or minus. I think I could add an arm or two, with your magnet hack.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

One thing I forgot to mention is that they also have a pattern for a custom cover to add over a smaller form. I didn’t go that route mostly because length is my eternal struggle, but it might be an option for you. It would be less of an undertaking because it doesn’t need all the internal stabilizing structure, so you could make a couple different ones to use when your body changes!

[@ThymeKeeper]

Great to see you in action :)

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thanks! Sometimes I'm not even blurry! :-D

[@DeborahMiles-l7t]

Armhole magnets

[@jhessicaramos3154]

Muito engraçado as caretas que ela faz pra falar adorei

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Meu rosto faz o que quer. 🤷😄 Fico feliz que tenha gostado!

[@michelemenchaca-mogas2236]

Hi there! Beautiful dress form. Are you still using this? Brilliant arm/shoulder alteration. Brilliant!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! Yes, I use it all the time. I did end up having to reinforce the top of the inner sleeve at one point because the pole was poking through. But once I figured out that was the problem, it's been smooth sailing. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@michelemenchaca-mogas2236]

@@TheValerieMeachum Thanks!

[@WalkingScriptureWithShanna]

I use Elmer's glue for my pdf patterns

[@TheValerieMeachum]

That would also do the job!

[@ТатьянаШадренкова-к5г]

Вы большая молодец!!!

[@shanksre6186]

Thank you 🇬🇧

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome!

[@Valizan]

IV pole!!! :: Le gasp!::

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I forgot to mention I 100% stole the idea from Morgan Donner!

[@joon8852]

Love the pouf idea! Though I didn't quite understand how you made it... you traced an inch more from the amrhole patern and sewed it with the cover. Did you sew it with an inch seem allowance? Or more to give room for the filling?

[@TheValerieMeachum]

To give room for the filling. It was a little tricky to film in a way that you could see clearly, but I gathered the edges just slightly so it would dome up a bit.

[@ssc4153]

I have 2 questions.....1....Is this LIGHTWEIGHT fusible INTERFACING that you are using?.....and 2.....The foam that you wrapped around the IV pole to snug it up......did you purchase this wrap somewhere?.....or did you have it in your arts and crafts stash?.....I am still in the buying material state......I have some sturdy duck cloth for the inner structure part, and I bought some beautiful blue and white "Deft" type of pattern materiel.....but I heard that a bright pattern like that could be very distracting especially when you're trying to drape something...so I have to go back and just buy some sturdy plain colored duck cloth......but anyway, if you could help with answering these questions it would really help out! Thanks for the video....I have referred to it several times!

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You're very welcome - I'm glad it's been helpful! 1. It's a fusible woven cotton interfacing. There's a link to the exact product I used (and to everything I purchased that wasn't just scrounged from around my house) in the video description. The purpose of it is to keep the fabric as close to its original dimensions as possible (while still curving), so I don't know if a standard non-woven poly interfacing would work as well. The directions from Bootstrap specifically call for a woven fusible. 2. The foam I used around the pole came from my pile of saved packing materials. I think this particular piece was wrapped around a lightsaber blade I ordered. It's the same kind as those cushioned pouches for dishes that you can get for moving? Anyway, it was just what I happened to have handy to pad out the pole and keep it from rattling inside the PVC pipe. You could use pretty much anything - felt, fleece, bubble wrap, etc. Happy building!

[@Cassy_Crafts]

Magnets!! Ooo, thats really clever! Where did you get your upholstery fabric?

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! Unfortunately, I can't be any help on the fabric. It's been sitting in my stash for over a decade, and I think it was from Hancock. 😕

[@susanburns1442]

Hi I have saved your video as a reference for when I purchase the pattern as you really explain it all very well. The thing that got me was the puff,does this come with the pattern or was it as an after thought to make it better.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! I'm glad it's useful! The shoulder puff was something I added. For the cardboard and the flat fabric over it, you can use the pattern pieces for the armhole cover. For the puffy part, I used the armhole cover pattern piece and added about an inch all the way around. I expected it to take more experimenting, but it ended up being pretty simple. Happy sewing!

[@hartsarah12]

Do you have any idea why the dress form bust seems so much flatter? I finished mine and the measurements are right, but for some reason the bust seems so flat. It seems like the cup size is smaller, but more "curve" above the waist. I measured multiple times throughout the process and used extra caution. This is the 3rd try. I am wondering if this is how it is suppose to be. I have not ever owned a dress form previously, so my expectations may be off.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Have you tried your clothes on it? I get the same visual impression with mine, but my clothes (at least the modern ones) fit it pretty much the same way they fit me. (HIstorical stuff is a bit more of a challenge - corsets can squish her a little, but definitely can't push the bust up like the real thing!) If you find that the fit is really different from your body and can't figure out why, I would recommend contacting their customer service and seeing if they have any suggestions. I hope it works out for you! 🤞

[@hartsarah12]

I did not. I unstuffed it. I will restuff and try this. I am glad it is not just me. This helps a lot. I want to make sure I try everything before reaching out to them. This last one looks a lot better than the original one I did. I think the first one just wasn't a good fabric. The second was a mock up I tried on me to make sure that was it.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

You want it to be the size and shape of your actual body, so if it fit *over* your body it would be too big. Putting your clothes on it is definitely the best way to see. One other thought - the instructions say to make the stuffing firmer in the bust, and I found that does help. I've unstuffed and restuffed it a couple times (because my pole poked through the end of the inner sleeve and up into the neck), and also sort of reshaped it after having a corset on it. So you can have a little control over the shape. Good luck!

[@shellyspackman738]

A electric kitchen knife cuts foam easily.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Good tip! I learned that from a fursuit maker, but have never gotten around to buying one. I should have mentioned it as an option.

[@roselynferreira6255]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank yooooouuu!

[@lakeshagadson357]

i would like to dress a doll.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

I haven't made doll clothing in several years, but I used to do a lot of it when I was younger and broker. It was a great way to get the satisfaction of making costumes I couldn't afford to make human-size, and it has its own challenges that are great practice for sewing in general. There are pinnable dress forms available for various doll types/sizes! The easiest to find is for 18 inch American Girl type dolls, but I've seen them for different fashion dolls and BJDs too.

[@danaventura5998]

What you are calling cardboard is actally corrugated. They are not the same thing.

[@TheValerieMeachum]

"Corrugated" is an adjective. Corrugated cardboard is a category of cardboard, and specifically the one from which the object typically referred to as a "cardboard box" (from which these pieces were cut) is constructed. I'll grant the possibility that you're not in the US, at which point my guess is that you're accustomed to "cardboard" referring only to what I would likely call "heavy cardstock" or perhaps "flat cardboard." Neither of which would be sufficient for the purpose used here, and therefore would not be what the writers of the Bootstrap instructions were referring to. I recommend that, before bluntly "correcting" a stranger on the Internet (or indeed anyone), you consider whether your statement is factual and/or useful.

[@skwungebobsparepantsx5123]

That's amazing and your sewing skills are fantastic, you should have way more subscribers than you have. At least I found your chanel 😌 thankyou x

[@TheValerieMeachum]

Thank you! I can't complain as a little hobby channel that doesn't upload regularly, but I'm happy to have you here. :-)

[@skwungebobsparepantsx5123]

@@TheValerieMeachum thanks, iv only been sewing just under a year so it good to have youtube to get tips from, your chanel is fab 😀