How To Sew Your Own DIY Custom Fit Dress Form From Scratch / Homemade Fully Pinable Mannequin

[@xLeilanixAllenx]

FINALLY! a diy dress form that isn't made of duct tape! THANK YOU!!!!!

[@catherinewangui8892]

Finally!

[@sewforlife5728]

Unfortunately you have to print it all out and all the materials gets expensive. The ducktape method you can cut and use as a pattern when finished. If u have enough knowledge on pattern making. That is what i did and it worked great! Save a lot of money.😉 hubby did the ducktape and he did a great job. Hes a sculptor so he really made a neat job of it.😉

[@beatrixvanneel5651]

Whats wrong with duck tape

[@lambgaming1347]

i know who u referenced and i hate that :-)

[@SS-zi6nf]

Beatrix Van Neel everything.

[@DiannaAtherton]

A month ago I purchased this custom PDF pattern. I stared at the stack of print out for days. Finally last week I read page one. I was pretty scared about whether I could do it. IT WAS A BREEZE. The pattern instructions was so easy and user friendly. I put it together in 3 hours accompanied with sweet tea and lots of music. Did I mention 2 rolls of scotch tape. Ok so this morning I sewed it all together. Took 3 hours. AND when I tried it on it fit me like a leather glove. Perfection. Now I am getting ready to fill it. I will be partially filling it because I am placing my current (way to small for me) mannequin inside and reusing same mannequin stand. I have learned a few things along the way and wanted to share. 1. Use a fabric that has to obvious print sides. One print and backside lighter. This way you can tell inside from outside. 2. Stitch length #2. You need those seams nice and tight. 3. Pin pin pin. 4. Clip all areas where there is a curve. 5. Clip all notches, pleats etc. That keeps you going in the right direction. 6. Use a heavy stabilizer. You need it. Cardboard was also a must. 7. Have fun doing it. Well worth the pattern purchase.

[@susancollinsworth9225]

Dianna, I'm cutting out my pieces now & going over the instructions, and don't quite understand about the center support cover. I'm supposed to cut one, do I then fold it in half? Or was that a mistake and I should really cut 2 and sew them together? TIA

[@DiannaAtherton]

@@susancollinsworth9225 wow you are almost done. I believe I cut 2 and also one cardboard. You want that lower piece nice and firm.

[@johannanorth8821]

Dianna A hi there, just wondering what fabric you used for your dressform?

[@Petra-R]

thats a good question from johanna north: what fabric did you ise for that?

[@jennifermate5401]

Can I ask you how much pillow fillings you used? In kgs maybe?

[@Missblushbeauty]

OMG genius!!!!! now i dont have to spend $400 usd and 150 for shipping.. just have to commit to making a self made dress form

[@raraavis7782]

Oh, you should totally do a colab with coolirpa or Annika Viktoria, they have just the kind of viewers that would be interested in that kind of thing!

[@terrijuanette486]

coolirpa...definitely!

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Thank you, Rara! We are currently reaching out to several people and will include your suggestions on our list xx

[@martasimoni3867]

Y la traducción ???

[@lambgaming1347]

OMGOMGOMG I WATCH BOTH OF THEM AND YES. YES SHE SHOULD!!!!!!

[@raraavis7782]

@@lambgaming1347 Anna Victoria just posted a video, trying their software!

[@jeannerose2650]

well done, nicest looking diy dress form I've seen on line.

[@georgweinbuch1669]

Sehr gute Idee und Danke für die Anleitung von Lady Dress Form bald möchte ich das versuchen.Great I am very happy of this video !!!!!

[@marissafoster1096]

I made one of these and it was great for a no th or so but then the bust started to sag. I am going to try again but sew in bra cups and use foam rather than fiber fill to add volume.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Hi Missie, if it does start to sag, perhaps stuffing it more would help firm it up

[@zoeemiko8149]

I had the same problem with mine and I packed the stuffing tightly into the form. It didn't keep it's shape long at all before I found it had lumps & sags where lumps & sags shouldn't have been. Like you I decided to sew in bra cups and that really helped maintain the shape. In the end I took it apart, had a friend help me make my form in galvanized mesh hardware cloth that comes in a roll. It's the 1/4 inch opening kind used for chicken coops and takes some time & care but the end result is fantastic. I covered that with a layer of stabilizer, stuffed it, re-added the bra cups then pieced together the cover using the pieces I'd had from the old one. I made one more cover in a decorative fabric, cut down a wood hall tree to use as the stand and it's been both amazingly functional and so pretty. While it was a lot of work the cost was nominal and this will last a lifetime.. or until my shape changes enough to need a new one. I also used a combination of foam and poly-fill to stuff the form the second time around. It seemed to work much better. Ultimately, while having the pattern did make it easier I realized I could have draped the metal mesh form and gotten the same end result without a pattern. Mind you my form gets a major workout given I'm constantly using it but this one had now held up beautifully for 2 years now.

[@lheigert]

Missive melton how did the foam work out"

[@marissafoster1096]

@@lheigert Hi Lori, haven't gotten around to making a new one but I like the wire mesh idea above!

[@FaerieDust]

This is awesome - I've wanted a dress form for years but could never find affordable adjustable ones or ones anywhere near my (quite large) measurements. Definitely buying!!

[@irenegroenewold5640]

this is by far one of the best things I've seen well done

[@elfy60]

This is brilliant - the best custom fit dress form I have seen. Thank you.

[@mimiarbgonz619]

Just ordered mine today! I've been wanting this for weeks and can't wait to get together with my classmates for our Sunday sewing meet. Will let you know how it goes! Thanks for the awesome video!

[@user-ic5xu4jh6z]

Hmmm, good idea! Because im totally broke at time because i bought chiffon silk andsatin silk i must try without the pattern. Now i must find some material to fill in. I have to sew my wedding dress in less than 4 weeks- thats not much time because i have to make my husbands clothes too. Thanks for the video!

[@kabily8972]

Thank for your sharing. Could you teach how to make the patterns and fixing pipe.

[@nahneenkula]

All to the tune to hip hop banjo. Thanks, Bootstrap Fashion for making this wonderful resource. Just finished cutting out the pattern.

[@audrianamichelin8726]

I bought this pattern years ago but couldnt find polyfill in Jamaica... I was extremely disappointed but then my uncle got my quilt padding and I shredded... worked out great.

[@CeramicQuill]

Pillow fluff work well too.

[@amormio4293]

I’d love a DIY dress form for toddlers/preK!

[@luoyisishimisi470]

Has anyone told you lately that you are an awesome D.I.Yer? You are a genius. Thanks a million for this.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Thank you! You are so welcome. And thank you, it's for folks like you we made it!

[@gina103]

C’est la perfection👍🎈🎈👍👍👍je suis perplexe devant cette réalisation. Bravo merci pour le partage

[@mrgorky777]

I can't wait to get the custom form. You have put a lot of thought and engineering into this.

[@deep.2082]

Love this video! This is wonderful because I'm a plus size so a conventional dress form would run me possibly $200 or more, this is easy and affordable!

[@renesalinas4704]

Wow thank you for sharing I need to make one to work my designs on. So much cheaper to make when your starting out then buying one.

[@chantalcristal2737]

OMG, casually I bought a dress form on ebay. Why I didn't see this video first? Maybe due the computer cookies KZbin showed me this video but it's too late. So, I like it. You're pretty smart and clever.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Hi Chantal, we now have a custom dress form cover available. If your store bought dress form is smaller than you, you can pad it and put our custom cover on top so it's your body replica! patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/index.php/bsf-original-patterns/indie-sewing-patterns/diy-dress-form-sewing-pattern.html

[@nomakingz]

Exactly the form tutorial I was looking for

[@lindagroskopf3749]

So excited, can't wait to start sewing.

[@keithhoward4059]

Nice to share this . Sure it is useful to a lot of people . Thank You

[@g.m.backus5219]

I’m inclined to start by purchasing a simple dress from Good Will that fits

[@Yello1Ball]

Such a great idea! Much easier than doing a duct tape dress form.

[@jl9336]

WOW! So nicely done and professional. Gorgeous finished product!

[@hananehn9897]

Great job!! I'm wondering who are those who unliked the tutorial?? they maybe be "Fit Dress Form" selers or producers!!!

[@STARSReed]

I'm currently on my first attempt with this dress-form pattern, and so far the outer shell of the dress form was surprisingly easy to sew (even though I'm not very good at the curves/princess seams - the boobie cups and arm holes took me a couple tries). I DO wish they would have shown the sewing process for the internal pieces though, as the instruction PDF says that the inner back/front support requires 2 pieces, and the tube only one? Which doesn't make sense to me, cause as far as I can tell it's definitely two pieces sewn together for the pipe to slip into. Either way, I'm really excited about it, and it's been a really fun project amidst staying at home via COVID.

[@meghabose3295]

How the result came of the finished product?

[@ssc4153]

The pipe piece is the only pattern piece that is placed on the fold.......

[@STARSReed]

@@meghabose3295 It turned out really nice! I wasn’t sure about the instructions at first, but once I learned to trust the process things worked out great lol I’m looking forward to making more!

[@user-fs9hn3eg7z]

Thank you for sharing. Wonderfully presented and really informative. I especially loved the zippers sewed in at the bottom in case you needed to refluff.

[@wiiwiiland]

Hi! I’m about to make an order for my custom fit but I have a little question. Should I take my bust measurement with or without bra? Not sure which should be better...

[@fieryend4526]

Wilmarie Rivera with your bra on.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Bust measurement with bra!

[@heard3879]

At 1:07, the video mentions “straight grain” & “cross grain.” I’m not familiar with these terms. How do I figure out which direction is which?

[@swanseaholidaypark4185]

Sraight grain runs parallel to the selvedge, cross grain runs across the width of the fabric from selvedge to selvedge.

[@heard3879]

Swansea Holiday Park Cool! Thanks!

[@user-fs9hn3eg7z]

Hi Yuliya, one suggestion instead of pressing open your seams, it may be eaiser to see defined lines if you press both seam allowance to one side. Your princess, side, cf, cb, and waist lines are more pronounced and easlier to feel when draping.

[@bootstrapfashion8898]

Great suggestion! Thank you

[@wemakedesigners3240]

if u press princess seam allowance to one side ; it is too bulky.pressing open seam is very good .yuliya ur process is very good .u need not take any suggestion for improvement .u have been already improved

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Thank you for your suggestions :)

[@kellynascimento1218]

That's such a fantastic idea! I looks much better than the others ideas I've seen. Thank you so much!

[@maureenkennedy3234]

You are a genius! For someone who really knows their way around patterns and sewing it would save them a lot of money but...people can actually get a very good, new adjustable dress form for 99.00 on Amazon now. There's models in the 60.00 to 80.00 range on some other sewing sites as well. You could also potentially find a used one on ebay or Craigslist for much less. People should get an adjustable one because - things change. We gain weight, we lose it. If you make a dress you want it to fit closer to the body. If you make a lined coat where you want to make room for a shirt and sweater underneath it can increase the needed size of the garment by up to 2 sizes for comfort. My 2 cents.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Thanks, Maureen. We just came out with custom dress form covers to put over your adjustable or smaller size store bought dress form. It's stretchy and accommodates added padding. Just gotta find what works best for you xx

[@katya_fhs]

I made my own custom duct tape dress form, and I tell you, the level of tailoring you can get on a custom dress form is waaay more precise than you would on a generic dress form, even on the adjustable ones. 99 bucks (plus shipping, because shipping on large items is never free) is a big difference from the 24 these people charge for a fully customized form. Following a pattern that doesn't have different sizes is fairly simple, especially when it's not something highly complex like a suit jacket. These patterns look very straightforward, and I think it's an amazing idea. I'll give it a try soon to upgrade from my duct tape dress form.

[@oc5960]

This is amazing!! I am so tired of the ugly taped versions and this could be made in some very pretty fabrics. I noticed that you offer a plus size version. When is it going to be available? thx

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Hi there, thank you for the kind words. The plus size version should be finished by July 9th (2017).

[@mi13estrellas]

does the center support for the pvc pipe come with the pattern?

[@geordiehandbag1562]

sophie m - yes it does with options for different sizes to fit your pipe

[@wemakedesigners3240]

i have also problem in central support .i cant understand central support properly

[@heather3853]

I ended up getting 3 that is not right

[@lowsistem9574]

I have watched this some time last year it is very useful. Thank you

[@patriciasouter753]

Very clever design. Well done!

[@lisa-m-jennings]

This turned out so nicely and it was fairly easy as well. I am very much looking forward to making my own thank you so much for sharing all this helpful information to go with the pattern. :)

[@lisa-m-jennings]

@@HeidiGelling I tried to do this but it didn't turn out well for me. I ended up using an old piece of shapewear. I used two big rolls of poly to fill it to my exact measurements. It works so well and makes dressmaking and altering so much easier.

[@cristinadorita2125]

INTERESANTE BUENA EXPLICACION VISUAL LASTIMA QUE NO ENTIENDO EL IDIOMA .

[@myriambache]

merci pour le partage j'ai vue pas mal de façons de faire des mannequins de couture et c'est de loin la meilleur, je vais vite essayé d'en faire un, en espèrent qu'il soit aussi bien fais que le votre.

[@emymin602]

can you make a video on how and where to take measurements? pleaseee? 😳😊👼❤❤

[@AllThePeppermint]

Erminia Tarantino, widest part around the chest and bust, narrowest area between the breast and hips, widest part of your lower body circling your hips.

[@6ftNaturalBeauty]

Please do an entire tutorial for the body and arm please. I would love for a leg body form as well ☺️☺️

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We're working on the pant form as we speak! Should be done by the end of the year

[@Sciencegrinds]

I want one I can add upper arms to elbow to, as sleeves are the hardest thing to get right.

[@arsdenis]

Wow, man!!! This is the best custom made Mannequin (y) Bravo for you girl!!!

[@lilianamariauribegomez2985]

No entiendo su idioma,lástima...trate de poner subtítulos en español, gracias 👍

[@chauphammatser3011]

This is a wonderful, well made pattern. Thank you so much for sharing this and making it available to people who want to make their own clothes. You are a great person!

[@SPS-MOTOP]

Clever your option is the fastest and most convenient, and beautiful)))

[@yurimichellegudino-muriel2808]

Hopefully one day I'll make my own so I can design for myself and my babygirl 😍

[@nathalia3649]

What are professional dress forms stuffed with?

[@MiaN3420]

Wow, this is FANTASTIC!!! I've never been able to afford to buy one, so thank u so much for sharing!!

[@peaches5712]

I can’t wait to get my pattern to make mine!!!

[@jeffrieannchambers9797]

Hi! The list of supplies shown in this video asks for DOUBLE SIDED TAPE. But none of the other supply lists included with the dressform pattern mention it. Do I need it or not? I'm in the process of collecting all the materials needed, I do have my pattern.

[@dawnlane6082]

Thanks for this video - great explanation. I have purchased the DIY arm dress form and have a question. I assume that the pattern sews up as a right arm - should I just reverse the pattern (mirror image) or cut two with fabric folded to give me the left arm?

[@wemakedesigners3240]

hello;yuliya 'you are doing great job . i like your all concept of your website. in dress form i cannot understand the central support of ur pattern. r u help me to solve problem

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Thank you, Abid. If you still need assistance please email us at [e-mail]

[@wemakedesigners3240]

@@YuliyaRaquel thanks for ur support but i was solve my problem past seven month ego.

[@okaymea]

This is so beautiful and tidy unlike the one made from duct tape. Thanks for making the video.

[@morganolfursson2560]

Extremely impressive . I would definitely order if you did the same for men .

[@YuliyaRaquel]

The men's pattern is coming soon, Morgan! Thanks for your support!

[@shuyen163]

Thanks for sharing it helps me to make my own pinnable mannequin forms.

[@ChescaXanCreates]

o my gosh.. thanks to your video. i think i can make one for my doll😍😍

[@richyjames1378]

Hi im busy making a professional dress form the full body male version and i was wondering where you got the princess seam pattern from ... on all the professional male dress forms they all have princess seams ... i dont know why but they do ... and i have searched the internet for a free princess seam pattern but there is no.

[@bootstrapfashion8898]

Hi Richy, we just released a women's basic block with princess seams patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/index.php/sewing-patterns.html

[@richyjames1378]

BootstrapFashion hi there thank you for letting me know x

[@queeneywarren681]

Can you make 6 different sizes, all in one?

[@loveloreal]

Where did you get those things you used as pattern weights? What are they?

[@marydinkel]

Can you put this dress form over the top of a commercial one that you already have to make it fit better?

[@raraavis7782]

Mary Dinkel As long as your current dressform is smaller than your actual measurements, sure. I'm planning to do just that...but mine is made from styrofoam like material under the cover, so it'll be easy to just scrape a little off if needed. If your dressform is bigger than you, and hard plastic, you're out of luck, of course. It might still be cheaper/easier buy a styrofoam one as base instead of doing it the way, proposed in the video, though. I paid maybe 35 or 40 € for mine...and that way I'll need hardly any stuffing and it'll be much less work.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We have set up our pattern generator to create a pattern with some negative ease so that it expands once it's stuffed. To make a cover for an old mannequin, enter multiply your actual bust and waist measurements by 1.1 and use that number. All the other measurements should be fine.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We now have a dress form cover for sale! Our dress form cover is intended to be placed on top of a commercial dress form that you add padding to. patterns.bootstrapfashion.com/index.php/bsf-original-patterns/indie-sewing-patterns/diy-dress-form-sewing-pattern.html

[@saijai1]

This is so fabulous!!!! THANK YOU

[@plumpcosplay8562]

Genius. I have had issues making the duct tape form. I will have to try this one out.. Thanks for sharing

[@jennifermate5401]

How much pillow filling was required in kgs?

[@enmaesparragoza7104]

No hallaba ,como hacer mi maniquí, con mis patrones y rellenarlo es más fácil.... Gracias Dios te bendiga 🙏

[@allyrich593]

What a genius idea thank you

[@livinmylife5182]

She is so very creative and talented, she's a hard act to follow for me, I'm a beginner at Sewing.... She should post up where you could purchase one.... I would love to order one of her a body models... Please consider selling them on your page.🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👏

[@luckydacatto1912]

do you have a standard men's size mannequin download?

[@variedadesYasmeli]

Me encantó ,hace tiempos que estaba buscando un vídeo así. Felicidades

[@cristydavis6894]

What fabric did you use for this tutorial?

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We used upholstery fabric with interfacing

[@katrathutomakehappybehappy4014]

Awesome finish

[@sakura851]

what is the name of your fabric and where did you buy it from

[@suheylaozel5144]

Çok beğendim bende kendi ölçülerime göre hazırlamak istiyorum

[@marciaholder1855]

Love this one Nicely done

[@angelicamedina1542]

Would you consider making them for sale? Like if I sent you measurements?

[@damama630]

Excellent video!

[@debmcc8854]

I am def. Plus Size & I made this body form. I consider myself an acomplished seamstress & found this on the more difficult side, although might have something to with my patience. Read instructions carefully and do exactly as they say & it works perfectly. However, had I been a size 10 this would probably have been successful. I am not & it took an enourmous amount of waddings bags and bags of the stuff, I even used old sheets cut up as was becoming expensive. Had no end of trouble moulding breast part & as consequence think I stretched fabric (used heavy calico), as it never looked correct & was way too low?? It was also really confronting and I ended up, with my sisters & husband both laughing & crying at end result....now that's my problem but if you have body image issues be aware. Could have both a negative or positive impact. I'm on a diet now & more determined than ever. Consequently I deconstructed the end result & bagged the wadding for future use. Anyone have a use for a truckload of wadding? :) in closing watched alot of KZbin vids of women very successfully completing their own bodyform & they looked great, however always very neat on the smaller size range. Goodluck if you decide to purchase, I think this is a genius idea, even though it didn't quite work for me.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Sorry the dress form didn't work out for you, Deb! If you choose to order another dress form in the future, email us at [e-mail] and we can get you one at a discount.

[@debmcc8854]

@@YuliyaRaquel thankyou. I think I'll have to think about that one 🤔🤣

[@LJAP4]

Lol ill take it

[@nancypollard4531]

Wow. Thanks for a really honest review.

[@DiannaAtherton]

Thank you. I am where you are. I am a plus and just download the pattern specifically to my exact measurements. Today is the day I start taping the pattern together. The reality is going to be tje hard part but hey if you like making your own clothes and want to do a good job then here we go LOL.

[@theresamhande9196]

i like it - simple and smart

[@Izumiorra]

Is it possible to change the bottom of the pattern to have legs for this dress form?

[@LazyLimaDIY]

I've been thinking about making a dress form - you make this look so easy!!

[@CeramicQuill]

Apparently, it is easy. Just very intimidating.

[@amddddd98]

can i use scrap fabrics instead of cotton for filling the dress form?

[@CoolCraftyCreations]

Do you sell completed dress forms? I wouldn’t have the time it would take to both get all these items and then make one. Thanks for your response

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We just sell the patterns. I know you could ask a seamstress or an experienced sewist to sew the pattern up for you to stuff at home

[@carolynmw24]

Where did u purchase the tube from?

[@catherinewangui8892]

Where have you been all my life🤦‍♀. This things are so expensive. Thank-you so much for this. Now have a project to start tonight

[@polly2163]

How can I get this pattern

[@VangoghsDoggo]

I'm thinking maybe you could fill it partially or even fully with Great Stuff. Add a foam backing to the pattern pieces by gluing it, then fill with the spray expanding foam, at least around the pole. It would give it more structure. I did one of the duct tape ones, they droop and sag because the polyfill compacts over time, even with cramming it in there.Then again, might just be easier to cough up the cash and buy one. I tried the adjustable type too, they are too heavy, don't stay on settings when working with them after awhile, the screws wear out that hold the sliders.

[@StunningEmu]

Is it really important to use stretch fabric or do we have to? Because I found a non stretch fabric laying about and was thinking to make one myself.

[@laureldavis500]

დAnu Kaliდ no, I’m working on one now. It’s very important to use fabric that does not stretch. They recommend interfacing your fabric with iron on fabric interfacing.

[@YuliyaRaquel]

Hi Anu, it is very important NOT to use any stretch fabric in this project and only use sturdy woven without any stretch.

[@terencerecaido9995]

Hi there can you make costume made male manikin just a asking if ever you could want it to.

[@punntinyyachtgutjeng5666]

Thank you. I will try to do the first of mine

[@simonealves6169]

Lindo de mais amei o meu eu fiz e mim apaixonei, tutorial maravilhos 🥰😍❤❤

[@chastitywhite]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

[@KibaSakuraLove]

I have to do this already

[@happyhoney7955]

TALENTTTTT!

[@MegaAraven]

Мне тоже очень понравилось. Все понятно и очень красиво. Спасибо большое! 🌺 I also really liked it. Everything is clear and very beautiful. Thank you very much! 🌺

[@hechetonchieres]

Does the crossgrain run parallel or perpendicular to the selvage edges?

[@YuliyaRaquel]

We're cutting on straight grain

[@sonycarbajalbernal4809]

You made and awesome work thanks from share.

[@nomadlebowski]

how do i get the pattern??? it says in link below but nothing is there!!!....i am 67 and not too bright re this technology, please somebody advise. And a big thank you for this wonderful dress form, you have thrilled so many of us sewers!! xx

[@keyshield5777]

Thank you so much for the video and God bless you for sharing thanks!!