How to Make a Dummy

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Things You'll Need

  • Wire cutters

  • Stiff wire

  • Nylon stockings

  • Garbage bags or clear plastic sheeting

  • Long-sleeved shirt

  • Safety pins

  • Latex gloves

  • Knee-high nylon stocking

  • Mask

  • Wig

  • Needle and yarn

  • Acrylic paints and brushes

  • A costume for your dummy

How to Make a Dummy. Whether making a scarecrow, a prop for a play or a scary Halloween decoration, all life-sized dolls begin with a basic dummy that you can personalize. With a few simple materials, you can make yourself a dummy in no time.

Step 1

Cut two pieces of stiff wire the length you want your dummy's legs and bend them to make the shape of the feet and bent knees if you like. Stuff the toes of a pair of nylon stockings with strips of garbage bags or inexpensive plastic sheeting. If you plan on keeping your dummy inside, use newspaper, otherwise plastic is a better option for withstanding the elements.

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Step 2

Insert the end of the wire into the stuffed feet of the nylon stockings and then continue stuffing up the legs around the wires.

Step 3

Attach the bottom edge of a long sleeved shirt to the waistband of the nylon stocking with safety pins and then fill the shirt with plastic stuffing. You can cut and bend wires to shape the arms and elbows if you like.

Step 4

Stuff two latex gloves with plastic strips and then slip them over the wire in the arms if you have chosen to use them. Attach the gloves to the arms with safety pins.

Step 5

Use a knee-high nylon stocking to make your dummy's head, stuffing with plastic strips until you reach your desired size.

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Step 6

If you like, you can place a mask and wig over the stocking, sew strips of yarn for hair or paint on a face with acrylic paints. Attach your head to the neckline of the dummy's torso with safety pins.

Step 7

Dress your dummy however you like and then bend the wire arms and legs to your desired position.

Tip

Using clear plastic stuffing will help to make the hands, legs and head more realistic.

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