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Member since 1/18/03
Posts: 356
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Re: Making your own dress form from duct tape- video (posted on 5/26/09 10:06 PM ET)
Many of you starting out with sewing will want to get yourself a dressform at some point- and instead of purchasing one, you can MAKE one yourself, to your own EXACT shape, VERY cheaply, using duct tape and a few other supplies.

There are many instructions/tutorials on the web describing how this can be done, but I came across this one the other day on another website and its the best and most thorough I've encountered.

http://www.janessewandso.com/episode12.html
-- Edited on 5/26/09 10:07 PM --
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www.thisisemilykate.blogspot.com
  
Member since 3/27/07
Posts: 2438
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Posted on: 5/27/09 7:27 AM ET
In reply to Emi1yKate
I think I've seen every dress form tutorial out there and I think this is a very good one. I'm almost tempted to make me another one using this tutorial.
  
Member since 1/18/03
Posts: 356
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Posted on: 5/27/09 7:50 AM ET
In reply to halleyscomet
Quote: halleyscomet
I think I've seen every dress form tutorial out there and I think this is a very good one. I'm almost tempted to make me another one using this tutorial.

I know, right? I tried making one years ago and it was never really satisfactory and I ended up throwing it out. But the lady who did the video has really nutted out the specific way to wind the tape and how to pad it so it keeps the right shape. I have two store-bought forms but I'm tempted to have another crack at it too.
-- Edited on 5/27/09 7:50 AM --
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www.thisisemilykate.blogspot.com
  
Member since 6/2/06
Posts: 389
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Posted on: 5/27/09 8:14 AM ET
That is a great tutorial!

Here's a direct link: Duct Tape Dress Form

I'm pleased to also find out that this show airs on one of my local stations on Saturday AM. Thanks for sharing!

Larri
  
Member since 12/6/03
Posts: 2758
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Posted on: 5/27/09 8:32 AM ET
Thanks from me as well. Jane really makes the tape winding make sense and look easy. I have done the paper tape double, but it did not fit my exact measurements, and I have lost weight since, so I think I might have to make a new one using these instructions.
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"Sewing should be fun; make it that way!" Margaret Islander
Flying through life by the seat of my pants and hoping I get my crotch curve right.
"No humiliation is too great for a well fitting pair of pants!" Heidi Cooper
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Member since 1/27/09
Posts: 428
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Posted on: 5/27/09 9:53 AM ET
Wow, I watched a lot of these and read a lot of articles before making mine (which did not turn out so great) and this video is fantastic. I'm getting ready to make a form for a friend of mine (and maybe a new one for me too!) and I will definately be watching this again and taking notes! Thanks for the info
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Member since 4/8/07
Posts: 2911
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Posted on: 5/27/09 10:40 AM ET
Thanks for the link. This looks easy enough to do. I cringed, though, when she sewed over those pins!
  
Member since 2/19/04
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Posted on: 5/27/09 11:45 AM ET
That's a great video. Thanks for sharing.
  
Member since 3/23/09
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Posted on: 5/27/09 12:00 PM ET
Wow!!! I tried duct tape before, and the form ended up about 3-4 inches too big all over (except the bust, but that was just a wash). I also tried plaster 2x, but the first one we made the mistake of making a uniboob and the second one . . . lets just say don't skimp on how many rolls you buy, or it ends up too thin and cracks. I had just about given up because funds are tight, but I think I'm going to try again, especially because I already have a base!
  
Member since 5/17/05
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Posted on: 6/2/09 11:11 AM ET
I was told by a friend that you shouldn't use duct tape because the sticky residue will accumulate on your pinning needles and ruin them. He suggested to use clear packing tape instead. Seeing how I've never made one of these things before, anyone have opinions?
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