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Member since 4/15/19
Posts: 1
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Posted on: 10/20/20 4:27 PM ET
Hi guys!

I'm trying to choose which size dress form to get. I'm wondering if the shoulders of the dress form are supposed to correspond to the arm crease or all the way to the ends of my arms.

Because if it's the first one, I'm finding that I am a size 10 in the shoulders and size 14 everything else which would mean I'd have to add 10 inches of padding.

Does anyone know how to manage this discrepancy?
  
Member since 6/4/15
Posts: 6787
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Posted on: 10/20/20 4:42 PM ET
The shoulders on my dress form are a bit wide but it's easier to ADD where needed than try to hack off the shoulder on the dress form.

I used the Fabulous Fit Fitting System to pad my dressform so it is much closer to my real shape. I had to add quite a bit of padding everywhere except my shoulders. Since the shoulders are a bit wide (maybe 1/2 - 3/4"), the shoulder pads that were included with the kit helped to mark the ball of my shoulder so I know where to place shoulder seams.

I did record a YouTube video of fitting the system ... link if you're interested. (I am not affiliated with the company nor did they provide me with anything ...)
  
Member since 12/2/08
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Posted on: 10/21/20 3:10 AM ET
In reply to LifeofJanine
Great job on your video Janine! I have to say you were much more graceful working on your dress form than I was. I did mine 8 years ago, also using the FF padding, batting and bra. I had mine off the pole, on the floor, and it was an all day sweaty wrestling match! Lol. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
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Sewing keeps me from falling apart at the seams!
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
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Member since 12/2/08
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Posted on: 10/21/20 3:28 AM ET
In reply to DrPhonics101
Get a dress form slightly smaller than your measurements and pad up. You can always make a form larger but never smaller. Padding an adjustable form will also make it pinnable so you can pin patterns to it or drape fabric if you want to do that. If you get a professional form, they are already pinnable, but make sure there isn't a part (bust, waist, shoulder, hip) that is bigger than how you are right now. Even on a professional form you can pad up but never make it smaller unless you take a sander or something to it... pretty sure I wouldn't want to ruin a good form doing that!

It's more important to have the correct measurement arm crease to arm crease. Most dress forms don't have arms, though you can get those, but to me they aren't important. Like Janine I have an adjustable form and used the Fabulous Fit System, batting and a bra to get my shape and measurements right. From arm crease to arm crease I'm 14". I stitched on my armscye shape and circumference. Here is the link for the tip on how I did that. I find it useful mostly for sleeveless garments, but also for any sleeved garment to get a starting point for sizing.

Shoulder seam to shouler seam is correct.

After marking and taking the pins out, I hand sewed with jeans thread.  I think this is called a hand sewn satin stitch.


-- Edited on 10/21/20 at 3:42 AM --
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Sewing keeps me from falling apart at the seams!
Bernina 1008, Brother SB4138, Brother 1034D, Janome Coverpro 900CPX
https://www.flickr.com/photos/8538/albums
  
Member since 12/16/17
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Posted on: 10/21/20 2:28 PM ET
In reply to DrPhonics101
Have you considered making a custom dress form from scratch? Bootstrap Fashion has several patterns: a Misses' dress form, a Plus size dress form, and also a dress form cover for padding a commercial dress form. For the dress form you have someone help you take a number of measurements, input them into their web site, then pay and you'll receive a customized pdf pattern in your email in a few minutes.

Search the pattern reviews for "dress form" with Bootstrap Fashion selected as the pattern company and you'll find quite a few reviews for the patterns.

Making one is quite a bit of work, though, and you'll need intermediate sewing skills as there are lots of curved pieces to sew. I made one a couple of years ago and love having one in my sewing studio. If you decide to do this, read the reviews as there are many with helpful tips and suggestions -- that's where I got the idea to use an IV stand for the support. My review is here.
  
Member since 6/5/20
Posts: 1873
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Posted on: 10/21/20 7:10 PM ET
In reply to LifeofJanine
Thank you for the excellent video. I've been wondering about that fitting system. My dress form is padded with batting. Most of it is accurate but, what I'm learning is that it's really important to have a very tight fitting cover. Mine is a stretch knit that doesn't bounce back quite enough. I've had it on the form for a year now and I think I will have to take it off and tighten it. Once again thanks
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Muslins are the sketches of sewing. I sketch a lot... and now I finish things, too.
Learn something new every day.
  
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