What You Need To Know About Using Adjustable Dress Forms

Here I will walk you through my dress forms and talk about the pros and cons of each one. All of them are in use, but for different purposes and preferences. Adjustable mannequins do have a purpose and are not a waste of your money, even though they are not the higher quality ones. Maybe not for modeling clothes, but they are really helpful for fitting a garment!
Recommended dress forms:
amzn.to/2ZwYgUe
My Dress shop:
thetailoretteshop.etsy.com
Music credits:
hooksounds.com
bensounds.com

[@puddlejumper2025]

My dress form was given to me by a friend. I told her it was an expensive "gift" but she wouldn't take any money or trade. I promised that I would either give her back when I no longer needed her or move her along to the next "new" seamstress. So I named her Sharin' ;)

[@thetailorette]

So sweet of your friend to give you such a gift! They are definitely keepers and I don't think I will ever get rid of them!

[@brandygriffiss]

New subscriber! I've been sewing for years.....years. my husband finally got me an adjustable form and I'm in love!I've had a regular form, not any body shape I've seen since the 40s!!! Ive struggled for years with fitting. Watching your vid helped me understand the differences between all of the dress forms. Mine is from a sewing factory that just shut down. I'm super excited to use it and now watching you can help me expand my skills!!!

[@thetailorette]

That’s so great! I’m so glad this was helpful for you! 🙂

[@christaberit]

Great info! I've been looking into buying a dress form and this was very helpful. 💕

[@thetailorette]

Christa Berit so glad you found it helpful! I know i really wish I had a heads up on those things when I bought mine.

[@rhondaclarke3220]

This answered all my questions thank you!

[@CyclingM1867]

Thanks for this video. :) I have a plus sized dressmaker's dummy I call Justina, after my mom's mom. Grandma was an excellent seamstress who could sew anything just by looking at a picture of it or from a description. So I thought it would be an excellent tribute to her to call my dress form after her. :)

[@sammpangan]

Thank you. I'm looking to buy my wife a mannequin and I'm so worried about buying something she won't like . Thank you for the info!

[@kittyhonner2323]

SDFFJDSLFJK I DONT KNOW HOW BUT I JUST HAD THE FEELING ONE OF THEM WOULD BE CALLED BERNADETTE, AND IT WAS THE FIRST ONE???! I haven't watched the full video yet but as someone looking to buy their first dress form i have the feeling this is gonna be very informative, and i cant wait to finish the video!! thankyou so much for making this!!

[@giela6314]

really cute video! thank you

[@jennifercolby9679]

This is a great video! I'm wondering if you have a recommendation for a dress form style that could work for dance costumes/swimwear fitting. I normally work with actual people for fittings, but due to COVID, many of my clients are preferring not to come in for fittings. My problem is that most adjustable dress forms dont allow for the girth measurement to be accurately represented, and there is nowhere to really fit the swimsuit or leotard bottoms - any thoughts? I am ready to invest! I work with child sizes through medium adult, and can purchase several if that's what's needed. Thank you!

[@allisonjoel1]

Great video. What problems have you come across with the adjustable forms? My reason for asking is that my friend has a Britis made 1940's Chil-Daw mannequin, with horizontal dials to operate the separate parts, top and bottom, similar to the one's you talk about in your video, but are difficult to line-up. Any suggestions on how to fix without breaking the mannequin? Thank you for sharing.

[@crystal8160]

I know I'm late to this video but thank you for not writing off adjustable maniquins as not worth the money. I finally saved up and bought mine and when i looked for videos on how to pad it out to my measurements all I found were videos saying how they weren't worth it and not to waist my money ect. When I finally got the padding layered correctly she is a dream come true. Already I have been able to adjust several of my store bought items to look amazing on me and am using her now to make a shirt. And her name is not so creatively Gemini.

[@thetailorette]

Love the name of your dress form 🙂 I love my adjustable ones and they have proven to be very helpful and accurate when making garments for others!

[@shamaal6682]

Hi! I know this is a late question but what brand did you buy and do you still recommend it? Also if it's adjustable, why did it need padding? I am new to dress forms and looking for a little bit of help :)

[@crystal8160]

I bought the one sold at Joann's. I believe it was the brand adjustoform, but if I am wrong I think they only sell 1 brand. Dress forms need to be padded out because they are made to a set of standard measurements and don't account for the natural curve of a person's body between those measurements. For example on a patterns listed measurements I am a size 18 but they never fit me correctly because I am extremely curvy between those measurements. So I have to adjust the pattern so the line of the garment looks nice. Typically it looks very baggy around the torso if I don't. Dress forms are the same in that they are shaped to a standard. The padding helps add the shape while the form itself provides a solid base. What worked best for me was to adjust the bust measurement to my under bust and add a bra that I stuffed to the correct size. I then added a layer across the rib and stomach area then like 2 layers of padding at the hips and like 3 at the rear cuz u know real body. Additionally the shoulders were slightly too narrow so I added about a quarter inch of padding where the shoulder blades are. Also something I didn't think about it at the time but measure your neck to. My form was a medium and the neck and underbust were a few centimeters to big but overall I am seriously happy with it. Some people don't like this type of form cuz u can't pin directly into them. They are a hard shell covered in felt/fleece. If u decide to go this route you can cover the padding with a tank top. I used a typed of batting that was made for outside upholstery. Its similar to quilt batting but an inch thick. U can fit test your final results by trying on a favorite garment that you are familiar with the fit of. I re did the fit of the padding 3 times before I got it right. Also another thing just be prepared to really see yourself. It can be a but hard at first but after a few days I found it to be a bit liberating and exciting to be able to make things that fit me even better than ever before. Sorry for the absolute novel but I hope it helps.

[@crystal8160]

One more thing. I realized that I implied that you can not pin on these and that isn't true. You just can't stick the pin in so that it sticks straight out it has to run parallel to the body of the form. It's usually only a minor inconvenience for me during draping. During a fitting to adjust something it doesn't matter at all because the pins only go into the already constructed garment.

[@elementgypsy]

Thanks. I need a new one and will get dials!

[@shannonbrown7488]

I want to make historical dresses for myself. How do I determine what size mannequin to buy (petite, regular, and so on)? Do I buy one based on measurments?

[@VeeKhumalo-es8uw]

Thanks I want to buy one thanks again but my problem I don't know where to buy one

[@style_icon997]

I'm thinking about making Irish crochet dresses. If I got an adjustable mannequin, would it be safe to pin the crochet pieces on it? Also would you recommend one mannequin for any size of its adjustable or do you think I should go for different adjustable sizes. Is there such a thing?

[@castoputa]

Omg my precious hambina is called Mavis! I’m glad she cooperates hahah

[@EmmaShiner]

I just found you and i love you (also I have an Edna Mode tattoo)

[@missseahag2146]

Thank you. I actually sat and enjoyed this😁 Is Manly named after Little house on the Prairie character?

[@thetailorette]

Yes it is! I always loved that nick name :D

[@periodattire8860]

Omg so glad I'm not alone in naming my dress forms 😂

[@thetailorette]

Lol definitely not alone! :D

[@KnitTherapy]

Thank you for this info What size is bernadette considered?

[@doris1826]

I have a dress form that I got when I was much younger. After 3 kids and menopausal weight gain, I have finally dropped enough weight that i need to take in many of my clothes. Problem is that the 'bits' of an older person don't sit as perky as they once did. Appropriate undergarments help but to properly fit, the bust point on my manequin needs to be lower. Should I simply pad the shoulders higher?

[@starxin475]

how to adjust the bust part, my size 36D,28waist, any advise for the cup part? i need to adj frm the front or side?

[@sethmazzuco3716]

So is dropping like corset or bodices that have more piece because of that gaps in between?

[@kisssewcrafty]

Hello. I won an adjustable dress form, the one with the key. I have broken one key, but don't want to break another. Can you tell me which way to turn to get the form to open up? Thank you

[@kimberlymatuskowitz7071]

When using the key to adjust the size push the key in while holding on to the dress form so that it doesn't fall over, and look (if you can) at the inside, there are two wheels with teeth. You push the key in and the teeth on the wheels will be separated and you can turn them easier without possibly breaking off the teeth or the key. Then release the pressure on the key and the two wheels will snap back together. If you just put the key in the slot and turn it makes an awful noise (breakage) and is really difficult to turn. Hope this helps.

[@thetailorette]

Thank you for the tip. :) I do use this method to adjust my mannequins, but I adjust them so much that the key eventually does wear out. Over the course of 3 years, it weakens the key even if I push in. :(

[@kwclove7623]

Do you know or anyone reading this how to adjust a vintage mannequin? It has wing nits and metal bar things. I’m clueless how to make it as small as possible. Thank you 😊

[@donnacarroll9742]

I bought dress form. But I have lost my remote control for my dress form please can anyone tell we're I can get a replacement one

[@k.l.8804]

Hi, I am a size medium/large but with a very small under bust measurement. I also have a short waist (the distance between my bust and shoulders). So none of the dress forms in medium/large fit my measurements. Do you think I could get a petite dress form and pad her up to my width? 😅 Perhaps put a brah on with padding and tummy/hips? 😃 Or would it be difficult making it body-shaped? 🤔 When I compare the sizes I would need a small size in chest area but mediim/large for tummy/hips. i would need a dummy that was adjustable between small and medium but they dont exist.. 🙄 So, would it work do you think? A petite doll with padding for the rest? 🤔

[@daniellefreeman7963]

I have 2 mannequins. The adjustable one I have adjusts via washers and slides and her name is Betsy. My other is more of a display form and she has a lamp coming out of her neck. Her name is Genevieve.

[@thetailorette]

Love those names! :)

[@Vurtonable]

The grey singer ones that hips drop down try stitching them up around the hips. That’s what I do.

[@thetailorette]

Vurtonable that’s not a bad idea 👍🏽

[@jaehanson-mv7jc]

Mine are all broken too. They take a beating bc I always need to move em for different pic angles.

[@thetailorette]

Yes me too!

[@donnaschindlbeck7457]

I’m new to using a dress form and also wondered about the under bust measurement. Can a bra be used on top of the dress form, filled if necessary to get a more realistic shape?

[@thetailorette]

Good question! However, I do not add any under garments to my dress forms. Instead I like to adjust the dress form to the measurements I've taken with me wearing the undergarments. The dress forms are a bit limited in some ways, but to fit to a customer I don't have in person, it is perfect. :)

[@andreatripoli8016]

What about Lucille? Or Gertrude?

[@andrikasmith-walker4138]

I have the singer 151 and my mid section is doing the same thing like the first one is there no way to fit that part how it comes apart? Do anyone know?

[@thetailorette]

Andrika Smith- Walker good question! So I found that a little screw came out of mine. I had to rescrew back to the inside, but then something snapped and mine is permanent.

[@Khaotic_Karma]

Hello! I’m not sure if anyone will answer this, but I’ve been looking into getting a dress form and none of the non-movable ones have my measurements. I was wondering if the expandable dress forms moved all the areas together or you can change different areas individually? For example, could you make the waist wider without changing the hips or bust?

[@thetailorette]

Hello! Good question! Each measurement can be changed individually. I have not had an issue with adjusting my mannequin so long as my measurements are within the range the manufacturer says that each measurement can go. I hope that makes sense! The bust doesn't have to be adjusted with the waist or the hip etc.

[@megjccosplay]

Hey! I have just got a dress form like the first grey one, a metal one, and i have no idea how to use it! I got it second hand and i have only ever used forms i can put pins in to help me make clothes, how do you use the metal ones to make dresses, is there a trick or something lol, Thanks! :)

[@thetailorette]

Megjc_1 interesting! A metal one? Is it a vintage dress form or brand new?

[@megjccosplay]

@@thetailorette I actually have no idea! And it was trashed when I got it so we will have to see lol

[@thetailorette]

Megjc_1 sounds like a vintage one. Hope it all goes well! 😃

[@megjccosplay]

@@thetailorette thankyou!!

[@ElayneOkaya]

Are there any adjustable dress forms that you can pin straight through? I’m honestly not keen on spending a pretty penny to pin sideways. I think it is cumbersome and time consuming if I can’t jam my pins right into it.

[@thetailorette]

I'm not sure, but it's possible that the fixed sized dress forms are that way. I've never seen one, but I'd be enlightened if there was!

[@4vrceltic]

Is there a place online that you can recommend one can order from for different weight Muslin fabric in bulk? Thank you 🙏🏻

[@thetailorette]

4vrceltic good question! I actually don’t purchase a lot of muslin but I know that you can order several yards at a time from fabric.com

[@4vrceltic]

Thank you! Love your videos. You have an easy voice to listen to and an informative delivery that's pleasing to watch. My favourites are your longer videos. Thank you!

[@thetailorette]

@@4vrceltic Thank you! So glad to hear that you are enjoying my videos. It's hard knowing if it's good content when you're talking into a camera with no responses until you post the video. I appreciate the feedback! Keep bringing on the questions and recommendations. :)

[@dlaugand]

Amazon has muslin as well I order from it alot

[@RestWithin]

Names! What are the makes and models?

[@TheMars1956]

I wish i saw your video before i bought my dress form! I have the key type dress form and as you said the key breaks and its hard to enlarge your dress form !!!!

[@thetailorette]

Oh no! One of the things that did help me with my keys that broke is using a Phillips flat head. You still have to be careful not to shred the key hole, but it works if you’re careful.

[@andreasanchez3557]

which one would you recommend for a beginner?

[@shannonbrown7488]

Good question! I would like the answer as well? Is it best to start inexpensive, or just go all out and buy an expensive model? I promise not to buy one with the keys! Thanks for the great information!

[@martawadolowski8823]

1:49 you have to just push the key before turning it 😅 good luck!

[@louisejones3080]

Would have been better without the music playing over you talking.

[@thetailorette]

Louise Jones thank you for the input. I have already been making that adjustment to my newer videos.

[@chanzziew]

@@thetailorette Totally agree with Louise. Videos with background music are annoying. If someone wants music, they can turn on their own music.

[@netterzkastle]

OMG! I came to your video specifically because I purchased a plus size dress form second hand, key hole adjustable, just like yours, and I cannot get it ti adjust and yes it's damaging the key! Ugh!

[@thetailorette]

Oh no! Such a bummer! Perhaps you can return it?

[@KrisztinaCseh]

can you pin the adjustable dress form?

[@thetailorette]

Krisztina Cseh yes! you can pin to the adjustable dress form as well

[@KrisztinaCseh]

@@thetailorette Thank you for a fast reply

[@thetailorette]

Krisztina Cseh I’m happy to answer any questions 🙂

[@acreativeprincess9334]

2:36 violeta

[@mericat1958]

When I get home Iplan on sending you a photo of my manican

[@SeetalMD]

the bigger lady could be mrs. doubtfire and this other new one that looks like Bernadette could be chandler just for fun. :)

[@lilibetp]

Since you already have a Bernadette, you can give the others Costuber names.

[@coffeart5049]

2:38 debora call her debora

[@MrsSmith2000]

How about Poppy for a name?

[@thetailorette]

Mrssmith Smith I love that! So perfect 👌🏼

[@Jay-over-Jay]

you could name the purplish one noelle

[@thetailorette]

I like that. Seems to fit well 🙂

[@millydamermaid6763]

U could call one mildred lol maybe the bigger measurement one bc im big too :')

[@thetailorette]

Milly Da Mermaid lol Nice if you but I wouldn’t want to do that to you 🙂

[@elizabethclaiborne6461]

Clothilde. Or Hilda. 😁

[@sphwell8050]

Antonella is a good name for your mannequin...

[@Samanthaduchessdeath]

Mine is called corpse, short for corpse bride, I only have dark humour

[@thetailorette]

Well mannequins aren’t alive so corpse would be fitting!

[@gaiagirlgoesglobal]

#2 mannequin looks like a "Magda"

[@jaehanson-mv7jc]

Green dress should be called Big Bertha.

[@mwj050508]

Call your second mannequin “Bertha”. She looks like a Bertha. (Linda) lol

[@TorchwoodPandP]

Dolly and Polly...

[@kerry5586]

Sadly the loud music on this makes it impossible to hear what you are saying.

[@thetailorette]

Thank you for your feedback. If you see in my recent videos I have cut more that %60 of my music out.

[@helenweatherby1694]

The music was so annoying. Good video apart from that.

[@carolfuller2941]

I just got mine today, I’ve named her Mabel dedicated to Mabel Lucy Attwell 🥰 she would be so honoured 🤣🤣🫣

[@thetailorette]

Yay!! How fun!!

[@mareerolph6501]

STUPID music..just can’t watch. Would be great without music!

[@kathiethompson6719]

Dress form , not mannequin

[@tossedsalad1532]

I am a guy. I just began sewing and am trying to find an adjustable form specifically for the male figure. Any tips on where to look and what to look for?

[@thetailorette]

Tossed Salad good question. I haven’t had too much e patience with male adjustable dress forms but I did find this on eBay: www.ebay.com/i/254609691179?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=254609691179&targetid=917369565584&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=9009968&poi=&campaignid=9343999095&mkgroupid=103102733908&rlsatarget=pla-917369565584&abcId=1139336&merchantid=113083334&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-5b7u4yP6gIVTZyzCh3AtgNBEAQYBSABEgJ2g_D_BwE