How to Make a Fabric Dress Form

Make your own dress form for the fraction of the cost of buying one.

Dress forms are essential for any DIY-er or aspiring fashion designer. However, as an initial investment, they can be expensive, especially if you have one custom-made to suit your measurements. An easy-to-make and cost-effective mannequin that's custom-built for your body type can be made out of duct tape. To add a touch of class to your dress form--and to make it easier to pin fabric--you should cover the dress form with a layer of fabric.

Things You'll Need

• 1 assistant
• 2 rolls duct tape
• A long T-shirt
• Plastic wrap
• Scissors
• Newspapers
• 1 can spray-on adhesive
• 2 yards of fabric

Instructions

Creating the Base

1. Dress in undergarments and an old T-shirt that falls to mid thigh.

2. Cover any skin showing on the neck or arms with plastic wrap to protect it from the duct tape.

3. Wrap the duct tape around your body starting at the bottom hemline of the shirt. Have your assistant help you. The duct tape should be wrapped around snugly but not so tight that your body shape is altered.

4. Wrap the duct tape in circular, horizontal layers until you reach the waist. Make the first layer loose so your measurements are accurate. It's OK if folds form in the tape.

5. Make an "X" with the duct tape from one shoulder under the opposite breast and then around the other side. This will define your bust area.

6. Continue to apply the duct tape, with the help of your assistant, until it covers your body from mid thigh to neck. You'll need to repeat this process three times to create a sturdy dress form that mirrors your measurements.

7. Have your assistant cut the duct tape and T-shirt off your body from the back bottom seam to the neck. Work slowly to avoid injury.

8. Add two more layers of duct tape after the dress form is removed to create a 3D copy of your body.

9. Stuff the dress form with newspaper until it maintains its own shape when propped up. Tape up all the openings.

Creating a Finished Look

1. Cut the length of fabric into two-inch wide strips.

2. Spray the spray-on adhesive all over the dress form. The entire form should be sticky to the touch.

3. Cover the dress form using the strips of fabric. Try not to overlap them, as that will add unnecessary bulk to the form.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of a spray-on adhesive, you can also use craft glue or hot glue.

• You can use colorful tape as an alternative to fabric to create a finished look for your dress form.