I made a custom-fit pinnable dress form with $40

[@clairezhangyx]

Sooo I've had this dress form for a bit over a year and thought I would do a little review on it. Hope this helps a bit if you are deciding whether or not to purchase the pattern. PROS 1) I wanted to have a more flexible dress form that can be cinched down at the waist for historical recreations. With a corset the waist measurement can be reduced by 4", and I'm quite happy that I could fit my entire 1876 ensemble onto it. I was worried that the dress form would be a bit misshaped if corseted for too long, but so far I haven't seen that happening. 2) It's SO EASY to stick pins onto this dress form. No weird angles to put the pin in or accidentally stabbing yourself with it... 3) It is very light and easy to carry around compared to a professional dress form. CONS 1) Many people have mentioned in the comments that the bust seems to sit lower than normal. For me the bust is sitting at the right place, but I came to realize that the distance from the neck to the bust points seem to be longer than my actual measurement. It created some problem when I was draping my bodice and I had to do many more fittings on myself to get the perfect shape. In the website you can actually adjust this measurement under the "Fit Adjustments" tab. It's been so long that I don't remember if I did that or not...(probably not lol) 2) I would suggest NOT making it out of muslin because I almost cut into it once while draping with the exact same muslin fabric. But then again I also cut into the muslin covering my sewing table so maybe I'm just stupid.

[@farrenrohana]

Pfftttt I choked on my hot tea, lol!! You're not stupid! I actually really appreciated this video because I purchased a dressform from Fabricville (Canada) and it didn't fit to me at all. I am 210lbs and I have an hourglass figure so they don't make dressforms with me in mind. I got them to exchange it and they sent me the wrong size AGAIN. I was in the middle of a crisis move so I couldn't return it. I ended up selling it for 1/4 of what is was worth!! I had no idea you could buy a pattern to your specific size until I saw your video a couple days ago. I had just been thinking I really need one but I can't get one because of all the issues I mentioned above but now I can because of you. That makes you very smart and helpful in my books! Thank you so much!!!

[@dyscea]

I don't have money yet, but I did enter my measurements and screenshot both tabs. I almost missed that "Fit Adjustments" tab! The one thing holding me back on projects is money and the fear of investing time AND money if it it is going to be messed up. So it's good to know the risks. I'll still probably make one. Thanks for the pros and cons!

[@thistree9028]

What specifically were the materials you used? What canvas? Interfacing? If anyone knows So appreciate specifics on materials. Also, I’m thinking of getting raw art canvas-the kind that artists use to make art canvas’s. There are different weights so care would be taken to get what my sew machine can handle because it’s not a heavy duty industrial machine. But some is heavier than muslin and with a different texture. So I didn’t know if you said stretched fabric or what interfacing.-is inner support pieces..Thanks!

[@farrenrohana]

@@thistree9028 IMHO I think that would be way too stiff. Making and stuffing the breasts would be particularly difficult. Why were you thinking of doing that?

[@farrenrohana]

@@thistree9028 I would like this information too.

[@Sophia-Sews]

I made this dressform a few months ago. I ended up refilling my dress form with fabric scraps instead of stuffing because the stuffing was too mobile and would change the form when trying on knit dresses. Fabric scraps are more compacted and imitate a human body better than stuffing in my experience.

[@jellydarling1008]

You are my hero I was about to throw my scraps away!!

[@Sophia-Sews]

@@jellydarling1008 that's awesome!

[@JazHerrera]

Sounds good, now i dont have to spend 20 bucks on a lb of stuffing lol

[@Getinmykitchen]

Finally, my fabric scrap hoarding is going to pay off! 😅

[@dyscea]

I should dehoard a bit. Especially those 10 y old projects I never finished (probably bc they were from 20lb ago. Lolz!). Such a good idea! Thanks!

[@melindawolfUS]

tip: fiberfill in new Walmart pillows is only $5 instead of $10 for the same amount of fluff. Enjoy saving $10-20 on this project ;)

[@nitanice]

To the commenter and three repliers THANK YOU! Great tips!

[@missmatti]

Another great tip is to look in thrift stores I found a couple of big bags there with polyfill and some old pillows. Also, when I lived in London I found inexpensive pillows from Shepherd's bush market to use for stuffing.

[@mercedesphillips3908]

or good wills bin section ;)

[@sydmitch5007]

Or cabbage if you really want to go full recycle.

[@AStitchinLife]

Yes! This is so true!!

[@josephinehogg3629]

After 60 years of sewing WITHOUT a dress form - pinning the garment together and trying it on, getting stabbed both ways, guessing the fit and guessing WRONG, 10 years ago I purchased the Bootstrap dress model sent to me with my EXACT MEASUREMENTS as I gave them! Why did I not know about this 50 years ago!!! My sewing life would have been a sheer joy instead of hit and miss! Putting the model together was also a joy and delight, loving intricate and slightly complex sewing. The instructions were spot on! 🥰😍🥰

[@Proutprutproutprout]

When using an exacto knife/box opener, like when you cut the amazon box, please tuck your thumb in, always. Its the first finger to go in workshops...

[@cruisingaltitudewaitress3396]

Yes! I saw that too and it made me a bit 😬.

[@oneilanelson9231]

Lol

[@janellkendall12]

I have a great scar on my thumb that proves this point.

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Or use cut resistant gloves... I use the gloves in case I slip.

[@GINGER70HINTZ]

I had to go and re-watch that part.

[@lindsaymargaret1508]

I’m nowhere near advanced enough in my sewing journey to warrant a need for this, nor do I have the skills to make it, but this was a really good tutorial!! You explained things so easily and made me feel like I totally have the power to make it :) I’ll be saving this for the future for sure

[@PibbleMom297]

Lindsay - please don't say that about yourself - you actually DO have the skills, you're probably just a little unsure. And having a dress form that is virtually an exact duplicate of you will make your sewing easier and more accurate, even if you're a beginner. The pattern is only a large, easy-to-solve puzzle when done one step at a time. The most difficult part is putting the pattern together if you've printed it on 8.5 x 11" paper. So-o-o-o, If you do this (and I hope you will!) I strongly suggest you take advantage of Bootstrap's downloadable file designed so you can have it printed on one large sheet of paper at a Fedex store, or most any print shop for that matter. Then all you need to do is cut out the pieces, no bits to match up and tape together. I learned this the hard way; it's a b**ch! Please consider what I suggested above to some others and make a practice version first with leftover fabric and/or scraps even. Use a seam guide attached to your machine set for the correct seam allowance and your seams will be perfect. Learn how to watch your presser foot and seam guide as you sew, not the needle, and it will be easy. If you already know this, please don't be offended, Many new sewers don't get it right away. I'm currently teaching a "newbie" to sew and she's having a hard time learning to do just that. If you make mistakes, and you might, just examine what you did wrong and you'll know how to do it right the next time. This is why we have seam rippers. It's actually fun and satisfying if you take your time. If you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

[@mog-gyveroneill2500]

I'm literally watching this equally in awe, and then sweating, at the professionalism, patience, and tough finger tip skin, needed to do this.. 😳😳😳

[@dyscea]

I am very particular, so it didn't take me long to start engineering different pieces of patterns into new patterns. But it would be really nice to just drape something on me (or a form) and just get a piece from that without measuring. My friend would say, "But HOW do you do it?" And I would reply, "Uhhh ... you just do it." Heh. Yeah, she hates me. Some people need instruction no matter at what level. I mean, I'm not advanced neither, but I can totally see how a dress form would just make my life easier in the way I want to sew. And maybe that'll never be you. Or maybe just later in your sewing journey ^_^ Keep creating!!

[@KaitlynBurtonISaGOD]

Im considering the duct tape method to find my pattern them im going to follow this with a few adjustments of material so i wont spend nearly as much, im still very much a beginner with minor experience so we'll see

[@tiathompson6674]

Me either, but I am gonna give it a try......my best go.

[@florenciamondaca6983]

This video literally popped up in my feed a day after I bought a maniquin, thanks youtube

[@sallyibrahim9135]

lmfao

[@thelittleunicorn6196]

It be like that

[@morganause]

Just profiling us.

[@cwu_costumes]

it's literally come up as I'm searching for mannequins to buy one

[@batmanlikespizza2541]

I hope you were able to return it.

[@skylark741]

I was looking all over to find out how to draft a pattern for a dress form since I couldn't exactly duct tape myself. I fought the idea of paying for a pattern because I was in pioneer mode lol. After searching many videos I found that almost ALL the tutorials for dress forms (not made with duct tape) were demonstrations of the Bootstrap Fashion pattern. I caved in and bought this and made most of it yesterday. So glad I did. It is easily a 1 day project. For my base I went to Home Depot and bought a 48 inch wooden dowel 1 1/8 or 1 1/4'' wide ($4.89-ish, pvc was only $2 something though), a double end screw and a round (approx 16' diameter) table top from the lumber section ($6.49 or so).

[@LynnHermione]

I ducktaped myself and it worked. The only problem is that i did the filling with old paper and now it's sagging but its still useful

[@nachtorchis]

wish you could show us your result here!

[@sophiamuller3241]

did you make a draft of the dress form first to try it on and see if it fit? if so did you have to adjust the pattern? thanks!

[@jucimakesthings]

nope, definetly not a 1-day project! unless you spend the hole day doing just that and nothing else lol

[@debbielough7754]

In all honesty, unless you already have the pattern drafting skills, you're probably just better off buying a pattern, especially if you can get one custmised to your size and shape. Form fitting drafting isn't the easiest of things to do, because if you're out in any direction, it won't work. I'm making my mind up at the moment whether I can be bothered to cut one, or just buy one, and I'm trained in pattern cutting!

[@awsum_adri]

i was gonna try and do a duct tape mannequin, but i might just do this instead. It looks a lot better for the long run

[@Fireflyhaven]

I've done duct tape, paper tape and this.....save yourself the pain...do bootstrap

[@jammyjammich]

I tried making one myself with no one to help wrap the plastic wrap around or tape. I failed 😔

[@captaincrunch784]

Mine came out so lumpy

[@bjones2157]

I was going to do that too but I started one of these and it is so much more worth it!!

[@magiv4205]

I made a duct tape one and It came out completely deformed and left all my needles sticky. It's not worth the duct tape and effort, trust me.

[@blackhagalaz]

I love my bootstrap dressform! I am a plus-size lady with very wide hips, so no dressform from the store, adjustable or not would produce clothes that fit me, and you can imagine that a custom made one would likely cost me several hundred euros! So my self made version, with a fancy stand, and a lovely snake print fabric cost me about a 100 Euros in materials (which of course will be cheaper depending on your measurements and choice of snakey-fabric-goodness lol). So now I have a dress form, which I otherwise could never afford, and/or would likely not be available. So especially for plus-sizes, or if you tend to have a belly, a swayback, a big bust, a low shoulder slope or whatever... all of this is an adjustable option with this pattern. You can also purchase a pattern for a dressform arm-piece. And of course it was a fun project, even for me as a back-then beginner to do :)

[@Eisofice]

How did you make your adjustments?! Did you make a mock up and zip yourself inside to test the fit?

[@AStitchinLife]

Thank you for this review! I am plus size and wondered if this would be true to my measurements! 💜

[@911nmg]

@@Eisofice I did that but with the dress form inside out so my sister could pin the excess

[@emipark210]

Fantastic tutorial! I'm saving it for when I'm more skilled at sewing to be able to make it.

[@ludmilaperoutkova6591]

Same

[@PibbleMom297]

Emily - and Ludmila and Landa too - Please don't wait! Get some inexpensive, medium-weight fabric (just make sure it's woven, not a knit), cut out your pieces and sew! Novices CAN do this. Just take your time. You don't really need to do all the reinforcing and such, just learn how to sew it together, and perhaps stuff it to see how it looks. If you end up making mistakes - no problem! Use your seam ripper. I've been sewing for 60 years and I use mine all the time. We are human and this is only practice. You'll make all your mistakes on this one so the "good" one will be perfect. And yes, there are zippers in the bottom of it-don't be intimidated. Just get a few short zippers and watch a couple of videos on how to insert a zipper. They are sewn into the flat bottom of the form and they're actually quite easy - just straight sewing. You CAN do this! It's fun and you'll be very happy and proud of yourself.

[@maggienolia3079]

@@PibbleMom297 Such wonderful encouragement! You're so kind to take the time to write this out!! Happy sewing, everyone!😊

[@PibbleMom297]

@@maggienolia3079 You're welcome. And I just thought of another little tip to save money...if you have any pieces of clothing that you're going to get rid of and they have zippers, remove them - you need two. Use that handy-dandy little seam ripper and save them for your new dress form. Even if they're too long, you can just cut them shorter to the length you need PLUS one inch. Don't unzip them! - just sew a bunch of hand-stitches around the bottom "teeth" so they won't come apart and they'll be ready for use in the dress form - both your "practice" and your final version. The color won't matter because they're on the bottom out of sight. Happy sewing back at you!

[@ReisigSeeds]

I, too, have had a hard time finding a dress form that would be small enough to fit me. I think this may be a good option for me to try.

[@rebeccarolls7792]

This is me but the opposite, I need a big enough one to fit me.

[@m.a.9648]

@@rebeccarolls7792 lol, rolls

[@ShowandTellknitting]

I'm a knitter, not a sewist, but am impressed by Ms. Zhang's precision and methodical approach. Brava!

[@MusicManiac655]

I have the exact opposite problem- my figure is far curvier than most dress forms allow for, and that most patterns that are commercially sold are designed for. I'm so glad I caught this video, because I was finally fed up and intending to create a dress form next month to help me adjust patterns.

[@BettsiLedesma]

This is the best tutorial I've seen on this project- thank you for providing the clear flat lays showing the construction process. It helps a lot! Now I would love to know your review. Is it accurate? I am extremely curious about how the bust height of the dress form compares to your actual form. I saw another video where the final bust seemed much lower than the sewist's. Thank you for this video!

[@Kellycutie3579]

I’m also a small person, with smaller than A cups. The cups were okay but I did notice they were a little low as well. Not to significantly for me since I’m small and I don’t make many thinks that require cups and overall my draping has been successful.

[@ratbag5605]

I know I'm late on this, but when you go to purchase the pattern, there's a "fit adjustments" tab for optional measurements. One of these is bust height. I naturally have a pretty high bust but I filled in all of the optional measurements and my pattern ended up being pretty accurate for my body. It also helped me to make a mockup and fine tune the fit first.

[@Kellycutie3579]

@@ratbag5605 good to know!! I was thinking of doing another dress form soon, so that’s super helpful

[@fionamclean]

I just ordered my custom form from bootstraps. I am very small, 5'4", 110lbs, Acup. The first iteration of the pattern showed the bust and waist line slightly lower than they should have been but bootstraps reprinted my pattern to make those small adjustments quickly, for free and without issue. I have not made mine yet, just getting started.

[@PibbleMom297]

@@fionamclean The people at Bootstraps are great. They solved a problem for me too too and were very friendly and helpful.

[@laurenragle5228]

As a plus sized woman, I've been thinking about a way to make my own dress form for a while now. I might have to check out this Bootstrap pattern. You're one of the several creators I've seen use it and it seems to be pretty good. I loved your idea of slightly under-stuffing to allow for corset to change the shape, just like the corset changes your personal shape. Very smart!

[@loriearii474]

I'm so happy I found you before I bought the regular standard pattern. I didn't know there was a custom option. Your instructions are so well done. You deserve 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!

[@SparkleBunStudio]

I’ve been thinking about getting a dress form for a while, but this sounds even cooler

[@michellecelesteNW]

You made that look so easy!

[@glendybeatriz714]

tbh the instructions are pretty straight forward. I figured it out and im kinda dumb

[@PibbleMom297]

I made one about 2 years ago and love it. It IS easy. Just make sure you have enough fabric, sort you pattern pieces so you're certain you know which is which, and read the directions all the way through before beginning. I used a heavier fabric than muslin and heavy-duty iron-on interfacing. For the inner support, I strengthened it with Pellon 808, which is very sturdy. It worked beautifully. The nice thing about this is if you lose a little weight, (yes!!!) just remove a little padding where needed. Hopefully you won't gain weight (no-o-o-o!) but you can always stuff it a little more too.

[@eh5320]

@@PibbleMom297 did you use this same website for the pattern? And has it held up well in the last 2 years? Thanks!

[@PibbleMom297]

@@eh5320 Yes, I used Bootstrap Fashion and it's holding up very well. As I said, I used heavier weight materials than it suggests because I wanted it to be sturdy yet still easy to pin. It worked perfectly. The only problem I've had is having to add some padding (D**n!); I've gained some weight during the Covid quarantine!

[@magiv4205]

@@PibbleMom297 Weight gain, the dress form can easily handle. You just pad the outside a bit and you're good to go.

[@mmaylaw9079]

This is clear and concise. It's the best instruction I've seen so far. Thank you for posting.

[@Livuh]

AMAZING! $40 compared to $300?? That price difference is mind boggling. You did a wonderful job of explaining the process it seems really doable!

[@InThisEssayIWill...]

The red stitch lines are brilliant! I'm planning on doing a duct tape into a pattern form like this but knowing that there's a website that I can just plug my measurements into and get a pattern is neat too! Initially I was just going to do the regular duct tape but I've decided that being able to pin into it is going to be really important for me.. I also have limited floor space so I'm going to end up making mine suspended from the neck instead of up from the floor

[@cuocsong.menthuong]

Wow, I’m so glad I found you. I’ve been wanting a dress form to start drapping for a few months, but I’m quite chubby so it’s hard to find a form that represents my size. Now I can make one for my own 🤗 Thank you, friend. Your video helped me 🐶

[@criseastman6503]

Awesome video! If anyone goes to bootstrap fashion looking for a plus size dress form pattern and sees that it only goes up to a 28, don't be discouraged! If you scroll down the list towards the bottom there is a plus size one. Being plus size is hard enough clothing wise, you don't need the trigger of them not having a dress form big enough!❤️

[@tonileggate]

Thank you - the best 'Bootstrap Body Making' video I have seen. Concise, clear, start to finish in 12 minutes - incredible! Again, thank you

[@thiadesg]

Since it's been about six months, I would love to know your thoughts on your dressform now that you've used it a bit. Maybe a follow-up video?

[@Olivia-fl3bn]

This is such a lifesaver! I just started borrowing my mom's adjustable dress form. And unfortunately it still doesn't fit my measurements whatsoever. It is only able to get maybe half of them accurate enough. And the half that isn't accurate, isn't able to be fixed with padding either. It's really frustrating. I was considering making a foam-plaster one of myself, but it looked like it was way too much messy work and even possibly dangerous. This popped up in my recommended and I'm so happy! You saved me so many headaches. And the website you used is truly customizable. This is such a relief. I can't get all the materials now, but in a couple weeks I'm going to start working on this!

[@claudiamiller7730]

Who even knew a service to create a pattern for such a dress form even existed?? Been sewing for over 60 years…and I’m astounded by this video - thank you!💕

[@emilyhunt8853]

I really really like how you laid everything thing out after every step to point arrows out for the next part. It must have been so tedious, but it explained everything so well to me.

[@mixedveggies528]

WOW! A beautiful, functional project and a really helpful tutorial. Awesome video, and keep up the great work!

[@clairezhangyx]

thank you so much!!

[@drusillariviere8361]

Wow! Well done. This is a very well made video. It was beautiful to watch! I loved the sound of the scissors cutting the fabric.

[@clairezhangyx]

thank you very much!

[@pencyan]

Same!! Came here just to say that. Lovely video and loved the sounds!

[@janika2356]

I wish I could double-like this. Thank you so much! I had no idea this existed. I'm currently brainstorming ideas for my diy wedding dress, so a dressform would really be great right about now.

[@LeaGoesGreen]

Omigosh this is brilliant, I didn't know these existed! Looks like a lot of work but definitely worth it to get a custom fit.

[@Lou-pole]

Well I’m floored, I didn’t know this was even possible, I’m so impressed with your skill, and patience.

[@vintagepomegranate2981]

Are you able to share a video showing how corsets/stays fit on this dress form? Like how squishy is the "squish factor" 😂? I'm thinking of getting a new dress form and your video was super helpful 💕💕💕I can't wait to see more of your videos 🥰

[@nanastevens4094]

Excellent video! Very clear and concise. You are a good instructor and your dress form looks very professional.

[@valleriejoy]

Excellent tutorial. I purchased the pattern about two years ago but was too intimidated to try it. Your simple guidance has prompted me to make it.

[@mimimamomo10]

I'm curious how it went! To me it seems like a lot of important instructions are missing from the pattern instructions, and some of the cuts are labeled incorrectly. This video tutorial unfortunately hasn't cleared much of it up for me. For example, there are no instructions either in this tutorial or the pattern tutorial on what to do with both inner support pieces. It seems like they're supposed to be sewn together back-back and front-front, but no one says anything about it anywhere. Also, the tube piece has "fold" written into the pattern, yet it also says "cut 1," which doesn't make any sense. I realized you're supposed to cut 2 on the fold. This was not marked correctly as far as I know but I'm still getting my bearing for different patterns so maybe it's just an advanced pattern with a couple missing pieces.

[@mycozygardencottage]

Great job!! It looks so professionally made. I didn’t even know dress form patterns were available. Taking good measurements would be crucial I think. Thank you for this information! 😊

[@iwonabatterberry8043]

This is an amazing tutorial and I am going to give this dress form a try as an alternative to a messy plaster of Paris cast. Thank you for sharing!

[@Isabel-of4wq]

Excellent video - ten times better than others I’ve seen using this pattern. Really well done - thank you!

[@lyndathomas4399]

Thank you Claire! Very thorough explanation. I may try this. Another alternative that I have looked into is a custom form made by a professional form company. You have to make an appt in New York, get your measurements done, that for me would include a very erect back, slightly large ribcage and hollow neck/upper chest area.. These are the details, rather than just measurements, that I would need included in any dress form. As one gets older, there are more and more of these little idiosyncrasies one must adjust for. Lynda Thomas

[@clairezhangyx]

Thank you Lynda! I'm curious what is the company name and how much do they generally charge?

[@lyndathomas4399]

PGMdressforms.com. website Website says due to the virus they are behind in their orders and are not answering the phone-but to email instead. [e-mail]

[@robinsiciliano9084]

This has got to be the very best video detailing how a custom dress form can be created at home. Excellent instruction and thank you.

[@GettingInCharacter]

This was sooooooo cool! I did not know it was possible to make a dress form from scratch!

[@StephMichelleXx]

I can’t wait to try this out! I’m a bigger girl and I want to make my own wedding dress so dress forms are not cheap.

[@RebeccaTreeseed]

Thank you! I sewed for decades using myself and careful pattern adjustments. I have a bigger bust than hips and I'm long waisted. I mostly adjust for a good fit then make the same pattern multiple times. In my youth bet I made 30 wool Aline skirts. I made one suit jacket pattern at least 10 times. Muslin pattern pieces are super durable and easier to try on. Oddly enough, no one seemed to notice my limited styles. And everything in beautiful fall colors. I never could afford odds and ends that ended in the dumpster. I retired and need a smaller more casual wardrobe.

[@EmmaCraine]

Very clever, the c-clamp as an adjustable mechanism is so good

[@josemaleneruaya5188]

This is one of the most soothing videos I've ever watched in my life. Thanks for the follow-along and the one-year review.

[@gymnastkenzie68]

this is so exciting 🥺😭 if i can make it myself i’m in a hundred percent...seems so much cuter to make ur own than buy! thank you! this will definitely help my future knitwear

[@jeannetteantry1086]

You went the extra mile to show how easy this form is to create and have to use for fitting and for draping patterns and clothing to sewing for yourself. Took me years to figure this process out. Might be time to upgrade my body form cover and make some needed changes to it. Thanks for sharing.

[@carolday3381]

This is by far the best dress form video i have seen. All i ever got before was the duct tape and t-shirt methods which i don't like. This is clean and pretty too! Makes a person want to sew. Thank you.

[@CathyHautz04]

Bravo. I can't afford a dress form for my skill level. I am so excited to try this out. Thank you so much 🥰

[@madebymeah]

Fantastic tutorial. I've had my eye on this for a while as being petite, I have an impossible time with regular forms and patterns.

[@lyndabird9401]

Thank you for breaking this down into easily ingested parts. Finally, I understand how this works and even think it’s better than those premade versions

[@MissCarty]

Exactly

[@defenderoffreespeechand2a794]

You saved me $300 with this timely video. Thank You so much!

[@gretatillett1100]

Yes, thank you so much this video was most helpful. I have been searching for a way to get a dress form my size, like you I am under the smallest size in dress forms and at my age it is not easy to twist into odd positions to do any fitting, so this system will really work for me. Thank you very much for posting this video it has been a great help for me.❤🤗🙏

[@alice5931]

Bless you for this video!! Just ordered this pattern, got it cut out, and then realized I didn't have instructions, and remembered you had done this video! So well done and easy to follow. Thank you so much!!!

[@nachtorchis]

I have seen so many tutorials about making your own dressform, but none of them were this good! I love that the form will be soft, so that I can use a corset on it. I love the company that makes these patterns. Bootstrap Fashion! I am buying a pattern that resembles my body now! Thanks Thanks Thanks. Going to follow your channel!

[@sissymarie2912]

This is awesome. The algorithm caught me looking at sewing tutorials. I was seriously thinking about wasting my money on a dress form.

[@kterhune100]

this came at the RIGHT time! I was looking for one thinking there would be NONE that were my measurements but this seems GREAT! And a nice price to (WAY more affordable then I thought!) I have wanted to make a steampunk jacket for SO LONG and this might just push me to do it!

[@amayabrooke3428]

I was looking online dress forms and this popped up on KZbin a few minutes after. As someone whose both super tall, but also petite with a larger chest. I had to turn to sewing to get anything resembling nice looking clothes professional ware. Finding a dress form that can adjust both down and up in the area's I need is unaffordable. Thank you

[@lyndacrossley9548]

I absolutely love the website with the patterns. The gallery of forms is impressive and very inspiring! Thank you!

[@allychristiansen]

Thank you, this video is so straightforward and soothing! They should sponsor your video because I just went and bought myself a pattern. :)

[@bestofmylovewhoahwhoah3239]

Wow! This was just what I needed! It never occured to me to make my own dress form. Thank you so much for sharing this! 😃😃

[@jeffjefferson2676]

Really cool to see you build a dress form. I bought a locking tool, and i have gotten a lot of sewing books. Still need to learn these books though. Its an interactive book that needs projects in order to progress through the book. Its Successful Sewing by Mary G Westfall. I am looking forward to making some coats from J. P. Thorton his books on female and male coats (maybe there is more to be found online that is written by this author). Bought some tent canvas, the fabric was like 280g/m2, it was 100% cotton. That fabric was fine, the 50/50 polycotton with more or less the same weight per m2 was not flexible enough to make clothing from. I hope to make a "tight chesterfield jacket" with Canadian buttons, some insulation, and a hoodie. Greetings, Jeff

[@kathrynquinn3255]

Really clear and concise, well done!You are a good teacher, and the gentle music is very conducive to learning. You are also easy to follow. Thank you!!

[@maggienolia3079]

Everything you make is so meticulously perfect. I love how thorough you are with every detail. Enjoy your amazing dressform and thanks for sharing!!

[@mycath0choco0craz]

I was looking to buy a dress form and KZbin recommended me a bunch of DIY dress form videos. I am glad that they did!! and thank you for uploading such an informative video!

[@dianadivadiamond]

The info you supplied us with is very good. I may try to do the same some time soon. But thanks for showing us the whole process. . We don't get the stuffing like what you used but we get chipped foam ,so I guess that may work too.

[@darussianping61]

wow a lot of work and time went into this project. impressive. i wouldn't have your patience and precision. well done.

[@ms_ch]

Watching the video: This is very affordable and I sure can buy the materials! Great! After converting to the local currency and remembering there is a general lack of almost every material needed: Oh... okay... **hits fav to try it later**

[@mel_issa__]

I've seen a lot of people use this but had no idea what the construction would actually be like. Thanks for sharing!

[@charmainegarnham9722]

Out of all the videos I’ve seen of making bootstrap body forms yours Is the best, calm collected and explaining as you go. I want to make one but my weight has fluctuated from size 8/10 anywhere up to 20/22uk as you can imagine it’s a damn nightmare! Maybe I need one for every stage? Lol

[@Rayyvyn]

Curious, did you ever make one? If you haven't because of the flucuating weight issue...there's a solution :) It won't be as perfectly pretty as the permanent versions, but I made one this way because I have a disability that changes my body constantly & in strange ways... it works great. Make it adjustable ! instead of sewing every seam to each other, seam the pieces themselves , then attach wide Velcro closures to edges instead, that way you could bring it in or out as needed. *Since most ppl only gain/lose weight in fatty areas, you can keep & sew the top neckhole area ,top of shoulders as instructed,if you'd like. I made mine with every piece with the Velcro allowing me to also make clothes for friends same size( or even up or down a size from me),but whose bodies don't match mine at all. This allows me to shorten the torso, change hip tilt, bring out ribcage,etc...a fully adjustable, Goddess sized form that'd cost me a fortune to buy. * for the bottom, I marked another seam right above the folded edge on the pieces,then made top part like the rest,adjustable,but the edge & bottom as instructed then velcroed them together. *On the bust, instead of Velcro seaming,( which would be a PIA,lol) I put a few Velcro tabs on pieces surrounding them & then I just made 3 different size cups, that have the opposite Velcro tabs attached (& glued a pc of polyfoam in to give the bust cups shape) that I just switch out as needed.

[@hazelblair6634]

i am nowhere near needing a dress form yet. but if i ever get to that stage. well i have saved your video as it was nice and clear and think i could follow that. Thank you. x

[@SadisticSenpai61]

I'm definitely liking this much more than the other DIY dressform I found on KZbin. I was really not wanting to coat myself in plaster to create a cast. And frankly, this just sounds easier and cheaper to make anyway.

[@sannedeheer2120]

id rather make my own patterns tbh, its one of the most fun puzzles for me and fav part of the design process

[@sEaSoNaLMiLk]

I thought it meant the finished form would have the sewing allowance included, not the pattern to make it! I would have selected no on the seam allowance as well 🤣 good heads up

[@erin9868]

Dude, same. I was like "that's a pretty stupid feature". Lol. Turns out I am the stupid feature here.

[@sEaSoNaLMiLk]

@@erin9868 LOL

[@PibbleMom297]

Bootstrap will make your pattern with or without a seam allowance; you just need to specify which.

[@michelewatson302]

Oh my, this is soooo cool! Thank you for taking the time to film and share it all with us! 🙏🌺🌺🌺❤

[@likeballet]

I'm so interested in learning how to sew...all I've known how to do since childhood is a couple basic stitches by hand. Nothing by sewing machine. Nothing with patterns. My dream is to learn how to sew and create period clothing (esp. Regency). This is so inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing! Just subscribed.

[@StunningEmu]

Just bought my pattern form today and I'm super excited to set it up🥰 It is worth the making if you know how to sew or have someone that does. 💯 Percent worth it☺️

[@aprowse2525]

Thank you for this! I bought the PDF off Bootstrap a while ago but haven't gotten around to actually making it. I'm inspired to do it now, yours looks great ❤

[@annamarieh333]

I like the red outline you sewed and the overhead camera view was perfect. Great job! I subscribed.

[@alen_egret5815]

U don't have any idea how much this helps me, as a fashion student. THANKS¡¡¡

[@christinecameron1612]

Thank you very much for this. It seems like by far the best option for a decent custom dress dummy at a very reasonable cost. I might try one, the idea of it is very tempting.

[@syndicoon1]

Thanks for this video! I have a friend who models for artists and is always sewing up new costumes. We were just talking about making a dress form for her but were worried it would be a big ordeal (we watched videos of people using duct tape or plaster of pairs etc) this method looks like something the two of us could actually make work.

[@jenaccurso]

Your tutorial is spot on. Thank you! I want to comment on bootstrap fashion though. I made a mistake and ordered their standard form and quickly realized my error and contacted them but they will not exchange it. I have never been treated so poorly by a company. I am bitterly disappointed. So buyer beware! I wont do business with them.

[@Savvy_Fandoms]

First of all, this is by far the best video tutorial I've seen for this pattern! Very well done! 🥰 The idea of making a stitch at important points to better visibly see them is an excellent idea. I really hope this dressform works well for you! Unforunately for me, I had to make a ton of adjustments to my pattern. Bust was too low, waist too long, hipline too short, back curve and belly not pronounced enough, shoulders too wide... Some of the measurements didn't match up with what I submitted, which is strange. It's been months and I still haven't cut it out and sewn it up. :( As for making sure it's squishy enough for corsets, I've been wondering if I would be able to use the liquid expanding squishable/memory foam. My only fear would be I use too much and it's stronger than the fabric and stretches it too hard :P Seems like most videos out there using expanding foam have a hard mold, so not sure how fabric would handle it. I guess I could try and if it doesn't work do regular batting then?? Yay, definitely want to make two, haha 😅

[@Liz-ww3cm]

Other comments make it sound like the Bootstrap people will correct their error and send a second corrected pattern without charge. Maybe try contacting them! Re expanding spray foam: I feel like that would not work well. In my experience it is only squishy/maleable for like the initial minute or two as it expands. It quickly hardens! Once hard, it is pretty fragile, and becomes very easily dentable. There's no way to repair a dent, and dents can be deep because it does not have much resistance. Also, initially it's incredibly sticky. It would be really hard or maybe impossible to remove it from inside a dressform shape. You'd have to chip it out (and every little fragment is a static-y mobile insect trying to escape into your house, like bits of styrofoam). Also, it would definitly be tricky not to overfill the dressform and potentially burst the seams, even if you used the low-expansion foam meant for window and door frames. These are things I learned years ago when insulating all the door and window frames in my house, so thought I'd share in case there are people here who have never used the stuff. Possibly there's a new flexible expanding foam product invented since then? But I don't think so...

[@mimimamomo10]

Thanks for saying this-- I'm finding a lot of weird obvious errors in the pattern just as a novice sewist; I didn't even try to double check the measurements. Still glad to have anything that's less than $700 and remotely close to my fit, but I'm really frustrated that there aren't any meaningful instructions on how the inner support part works (and other cutting instruction issues).

[@spike.justspike.5418]

Your sewing is so precise and neat. It is a pleasure to watch.

[@rbguerreiro2466]

After a few hours looking online for dress forms, none had my measurements (vey tall with a tiny waist). I am going to try this one, save myself a headache and a few hundred euros too. THANK YOU!

[@patriciarodriguez3863]

Thank you so much for your video I have been wanting to get one from bootstrap since I started sewing 6 months ago but because I’m new at sewing I have been having trouble understanding directions to sew what and how together through patterns ur video is going to help me once I order it thank u

[@KittyLLew]

Excellent video, Claire, to the level of Cathay Hay and Bernadette Banner. Convinced me to order & make three dress forms for my daughter’s upcoming wedding next year - her, Popo (M-GM) and me. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@ZenHoki]

Perfection - you did a great job sewing this dress form.

[@sadiebelcreations]

I've been wanting to try a bootstrap dress form pattern for a while, and you've given me the confidence to try it! Thank you!

[@LONESTARRECORDS13]

I’m actually very excited I found this video! I’ve been looking at dress forms recently and was not impressed with the size that is made for plus sizes. Now I can make my own!! *insert evil smile and hand rubbing* 🤣 Thank you!!

[@thejennyrenaissance577]

I have been trying to find a plus size dress form with measurements close to my size. This was really helpful. Thanks.

[@jellydarling1008]

just got all the materials and pattern and I'm starting this tonight!

[@picklepirate]

Good luck!

[@karenkavanagh9372]

Keep us all out here posted. I read all the comments 1st so I can hear how things went. A few commented on the neck and tip of breast measurement and instructed how to fix it on the paper pattern 1st. Bring down and simm thru the comments. There is a response from her after using the form she made on this totorial and tells us of its outcome 1 yr later. Read up on the comments. Happy sewing! GiGi In Vintage

[@FutureFendiFsnista]

Omg! I have been needing a dress form for years and I was about to give up! Thanks for this 💜

[@TheNancyjpants]

I am thrilled to find this! I am a costume curator for a small local historical society with many Victorian garments. Modern dress forms are just too large for most of our pieces and it's a constant struggle to find enough dress forms to show our garments. One wedding dress has a 15" waist! I'm going to do some measuring and order a pattern.

[@lisascenic]

@Nancy Mumford did you end up making dress forms for your museum’s collection? How did it work out? I imagine you could do a lot of the stuffing after dressing the form.

[@TheNancyjpants]

@@lisascenic Yes, I've made 4 so far and it's working out great. In some cases, even though I ordered very small measurements, they were still a little big, but being able to remove stuffing and make adjustments is tremendously helpful. Plus we can use washed cotton fabrics appropriate for displaying Victorian clothing. The last one I made was perfect - I took measurements of the garment and deducted at least 2" throughout the torso. I also like that I can adjust and pin directly to the mannequin, if needed. The cost is so reasonable compared to other options.

[@TheNancyjpants]

@@lisascenic Forgot to mention that I am an experienced sewer and had no problem making these.

[@lisascenic]

@@TheNancyjpants what a wonderful option for displaying historic garments!

[@mayayou5193]

Can you please drop more videos and really really like the way you explained

[@clairezhangyx]

i'm glad you like my video! I will definitely upload more in the future

[@Doootjeee]

Thank you so much for your clear explanation. I've been eyeing this one dress form but it's indeed quite expensive. This might be worth doing ☺️

[@atelltaleheartt]

This was such a good tutorial ! I'm very tempted to try this, how long would you say it took to complete the dress form ? Thank you ! 😊

[@clairezhangyx]

thank you so much! it took me a week, so I would say about 20-30 hours?