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I keep hankering for a dressmakers dummy as I'm a very odd shape, but I'd hate to spend loads of money on one and find it was a disappointment .How alterable are they? Are any particular ones better than others?

Hi there Subee welcome to the forum! sorry i can't help you with this question, but i am sure someone will be along soon that can do.

Personally, I would not bother buying one if I was starting out now. I bought one years ago but rarely use it. If you are just starting out and using a paper pattern you can measure and adjust the pattern tissue, according to your measurements, before you cut your fabric. One way of getting a dummy to your own measurements at very little cost is by putting on a bin bag (no, seriously) and wrapping round and round with sticky brown tape. After you have cut it off and stuffed it you have a personalised dummy! I know someone who did this at a sewing evening class and was pleased with the results. You can find more detailed instructions on how to make these dummies on the web. Hope this helps.

I was going to say the same as dogcrazycrafter. If you are just starting out, make one to your shape and size rather than buy one. I have made one and they can work quite well. I use white duct tape for mine and an old hat rack is perfect for the stand.

I do have a dressmakers dummy as well, but I am not very tall and the dummies don't always allow for variations in body height or shape. By making your own you can save money and have one perfect for your shape and size.

xx

Thank you so much for your replies,I must have a go at making my own. I had been wondering how a dressmakers dummy could adjust to my shortnesses[is that a word?] I'll let you know how I get on.

In the 2nd issue of Sew magazine, this may help, there is a small article on sewing patterns working from a dummy here is the link www.sewingpatterns.com, it may be of help to you, worth a look

natalie xx

Can't seem to find this at all,probably having a senior moment!

Thank you everyone who advised me to make a duct tape dummy.It has changed dressmaking for me forever.It came out a bit fatter than me due to over enthusiastic filling but a close fit on the dummy means a bit of ease in the things I make.Why have I never heard of it before,surely anyone who makes their own clothes should have one?I've been buying patterns for 20/22 before but I really need about a size 14 and make things a bit wider,so my patterns will all have to be chopped.No wonder I couldn't get even the multisize patterns to fit! The cut on the large patterns is for someone of a much bigger build than I am,so my end results bore only a slight resemblance to the picture on the pattern. The sewing mag should do an article on this as I'm sure I'm not the only person who's a non standard size.

Interesting thread and comments.

a very warm welcome to you, i hope you enjoy using the forum

Sarah x

Duct tape dummys are fab. I have been meaning to make one for years. I am lucky enough to have a 'Diana' dressmakers dummy, where you can alter all of your body measurements to suit your body and it comes in really handy for hemlines and leaving things in situ to ponder on or come back to. I have re-named my 'diana' Flo though after my Nan who taught me to sew and I think she looks more like a 'Flo' yup I am indeed a tad mad

By the waySuebee, I'd love to see some piccies of the duct tape you

I would like to see an article in Sew magazine on making a duct tape dummy (or whatever is best) and then maybe some tips on using it!!

If you Google it there are tons of resources on how to make a duct tape dummy. Take a look at this video tutorial It's really good, good luck trying it

Thanks for the link, I will have to make one soon!!