Dress Forms / Mannequins - Do you need one for sewing? What I recommend?
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- Опубліковано 6 сер 2024
- Let's talk about one of my most asked questions. Do I need a mannequin / dress form to sew? What are the uses of a tailor's dummy? And what mannequins or dress forms do I recommend?
In this video I cover these 3 questions and more... Talking about the mannequins I used and have used in the past, how I use my dress forms and the different price points for mannequins I recommend.
Here is a corresponding Blog Post: madetosew.com/lets-talk-dress...
I will continue to add brands and recommendations to this list. Please feel free to email me (info@madetosew.com) if you have any additions.
ANEKA WEARS:
Made to Sew Aria Pattern: madetosew.com/product/aria-to...
FEATURED
Royal Dress Forms: royaldressforms.com/
Alvanon Mannequins: alvanon.com/
Website: www.madetosew.com
Email: info@madetosew.com
Facebook: / madetosew
Instagram: / madetosew - Навчання та стиль
When I made a dress for my sister, SHE was the dress form, haha. She had a lot of patience and the dress turned out well!!
Wow! Amazing, you cannot get better than the real thing.
What a nice sister. I ask my son to wear my dresses when I want to cut the length hehe but I have to beg him for a few minutes
Thank you so much for this, it's like you could hear me wondering if I should get a mannequin! You have taught me to sew over the past year -- from knowing absolutely nothing and watching your most basic tutorials, all the way to now, following along with a small bust adjustment and invisible zipper. Your videos are clear and detailed and I just want to thank you for making a real positive impact on my life!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much Jo. I am so pleased you enjoy my videos and that I have been able to help you. Glad you liked this video too. ❤️ Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely comment. X
My god her clothes are tailor perfect 👌 the way it drapes down her body complement her body type very talented woman
Thank you very much, this is very kind. ❤️
I’m a home sewist. I grew tired putting a garment on my body and awkwardly tried to fit it. I bought a dress form, padded it to my measurements and I love using it to fit garments.
❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉 thank you so much 🙏🏾! Am watching your videos daily from beginners, the invisible zipper now today mannequins. You really explain well enough for me to understand.
Thank you, again, Anika, for another interesting video. A while back I began to want a dress form. I am not a standard size. I looked at adjustable dress forms on the internet, but I saw that when you move the upper torso pieces to enlarge the bust, it also expands the shoulders, which is exactly what I am trying to avoid, as I am a small 5ft.(152cm) frame with a very large bust. Then I found Bootstrap Patterns, where you input detailed measurements, download a computer-generated pattern, and sew, stuff and mount it yourself. The pattern was, I think, $24, and the materials were inexpensive and easy to acquire. This was a fun project, not too difficult for a person who had only been sewing for about a year, and I love the result. It is just invaluable. My tip would be to use a fun fabric you really like for the shell. Many women are not satisfied with their shape. But when I look at my double, instead of seeing my inelegant figure, I see the budgies and parrots all over her and it makes me happy. This has helped me not only to make the many adjustments I need for any pattern, but also enabled me to make some simple clothes without patterns.
My daughter-in-law, seeing how well mine has served me, is considering making one, too.
Thank you so much for sharing Gwendolyn. I have heard of Bootstrap Patterns and I planned to include them in the video. Although as I haven't used them myself I couldn't give much detail other than I had heard good things! Anyway, I added them to the blog post to make sure they weren't missed. Thank you so much for sharing, I am sure others will find this useful. it is such a good price point too. Aneka x
Thanks for posting your experience with Bootstrap. I, also, purchased their pattern, but haven’t sewed it up yet. You have given me the motivation and confidence to start doing that.
@@janissharkey7174 I have heard lots of people recommend them! Please let us know how you get on Janis! Aneka x
@@janissharkey7174 Good luck! Mine is worth so much more than the time and money I put into it.
@@hyderhode very good to hear that! Thanks.
I always appreciate your videos-so professional, so well-produced, and jam packed with information and tips. I would love to purchase one, but since I am not in the business of sewing, I see your point clearly. Thanks for all your help and advice, as always. 😊
Thanks so much Susan. Really appreciate your kind remarks.
So glad to see you are back with your informative and professional videos.
Thank you. 😊
I find your videos the best out there for serious sewers. Thank you
Wow, thank you!
Excellent and informative as always! It's so good to see you back!!
Thank you kindly!
Absolutely helpful, clear explanations! Thank you! :)
Glad it was helpful!
Your videos are always so informative. Thank you for sharing your valuable knowledge with us.
Thanks so much.
Very articulate thank you.
I have a cheap mannequin that is almost my size (it’s a bit smaller) that I plan to pad up. I make a lot of my own clothing and also tailor purchased items so they fit me. I find a mannequin useful when fitting patterns or just to see how an item fits, especially from the back, if I need to adjust things. Padding a cheap one is easy. I also made a removable cover for mine out of a thin t-shirt material turtleneck and made a pincushion top for it so I could just put my pins in the neck top when using it. This video was great for the info you gave. I got rid of my hard adjustable one, never could adjust it to fit me.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your experience and opinion. It is very much appreciated. Glad that you have a mannequin you plan to pad up. Aneka x
Very informative, as always! Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent.All the information I needed.
Glad it was helpful!
Great advice as always .
Glad it was helpful!
Hi , thank you for this video the information has been fantastic xx
Glad you enjoyed it Jane. xx
Great content! Thank you for posting this!
So pleased I could help.
Thank you. Your videos are really helpful
You are welcome!
Thankyou so much you answered so many questions I had.
You are so welcome!
Thank you for this video...so informative 🌺😊
Glad I could help.
Really helpful! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you! Very informative.
Thanks Lara.
Very informative and useful...
Thanks Sue.
Thank you for this. Is there plans on a tutorial on how to pad it out? It’s something that has me baffled where to start and how to do it successfully especially if padding out a big difference between measurements and body form.
Yes, I will plan something as I think this will be useful for all! 😊
Yes please! I would very much like to see a tutorial on how to pad out a dress form.
I made one of the bootstrap dressforms. It turned out OK for a first try (more my own sewing skills than the pattern). She is pretty close to my size. I might give it another try. It was pretty easy to make in my opinion. Works great when patterning armor pieces for cosplay. I hate the time it takes to do the cellophane/tinfoil and tape method on myself. I lose patience because I get tired and sweaty and my patterns usually don't come out very well. With the dressform I don't have to do it all in one go and i think my patterns are less frustrating to make.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Bootstrap dressforms. I have only heard good things about them from customers. I definitely agree it’s easier than the tape method, I also dislike putting garments onto a tape form, as it’s hard and not like a real body. Thank you for sharing. Aneka
Thank you!
Hey Aneka, I honestly think you've got the Best UA-cam Channel with the MOST video thumbnails with the MOST BEAUTIFUL SMILE on all of them of yourself and that Fabulous Sparkling Glint in your Eyes, It's just totally fabulous 💞 I've looked at them a few times and yes, 21/8/21 Aneka, I hereby award you with the Best UA-cam Collection of Thumbnail Smiles 💞 Such a very very Beautiful Smile, Have a wonderful weekend and Blessed Be from Lockdown 4 New Zealand 🙏💞
Steph, you are so kind. Thank you so much for such a lovely message. Made my day! All the best, Aneka x
Thank you Aneka
Thanks.
Very helpful. 😊
Thanks
Love ur videos its also very hard to see ur back when sewing lol
Thanks Ruth! x
Get a three way adjustable mirror. I grew up with one and it helped doing my hair so much.
@@ayjamay Love this idea. Thanks for sharing. 😊
Great video thank you so much
Glad you enjoyed it
Thanks for sharing...
Thanks for watching!
Very instructive vidéo, thank you 🙏 would you consider making a tutorial on how to pad the different areas of a mannequin ? Also to lower the waist ? And how to go about choosing a size ? It would be so useful 🙏🙏🙏🌸
Yes, of course! I thought this might be a question. I will plan something. 😃
@@MadetoSew thank you ! Thank you ! 🌸😊
Thanks for this. I was about to splash out £100 on one from Singer but you've made me realise I really don't need one! X
So pleased I could help. Aneka x
Thanks for another great video! I got an adjustable mannequin that was great as a beginner for getting an idea of what clothes would look like on, but now I'm thinking of replacing it, so this was perfect timing.
So pleased that I could help Megan. 😊
Maybe you want a half scale dress form for design?It can save a lot of fabric and space. :)
Great tutorial. Will you be doing a session on the best way of padding out your manequin
Yes, happy to do that! 😊
Hi Anika...this is Tina from India...I mailed you few months back...hope you remember...I always keep checking on your videos...and again this video is very useful for me....Thank you once again ❤️
Yes I do remember. Thank you Tina. It is lovely to hear from you. Aneka x
Good video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you very much for another wonderful video! I love how well your clothes fit!! What type of fabric is the top that you are wearing? Does your top have bust darts? Does your top have a lining? I'm learning to sew and trying to learn about the types of fabric that are best for different types of garments. Thank you!
Thank you for your kind message. The fabric for my top is this: madetosew.com/product/off-white-poly-viscose/ it is a poly viscose. It doesn't have bust darts but I will be selling this as a pattern as it does in some of the sizes / Cup sizes. The pattern will be launching soon on my website. This one doesn't have a lining but I will be teaching how to line it if people want on my website. Aneka xx
@@MadetoSew Thank you very much, Aneka, for the information! Your hard work and attention to detail is noticeable on all your videos. I already signed up to be notified when the patterns become available on your website. Best wishes and much success with all your endeavors!
@@lapalma1928 Thank you so much. The first one will be here in a month or so. Best, Aneka x
Thank you
Glad I helped.
The link to the aria pattern that it says you are wearing opens the Paxton jacket ? Love the video, very informative and a great help.
Sorry Lynn, I will change it now. Glad it could help. The Aria pattern won't be available for another month or so, but it is on it's way. 😊
Really informative video, please can you do a demonstration on how to pad out a mannequin?.
Yes, it is in my plans now. 😊
Hello! Enjoyed your video. Very helpful, thank you. Question? What do you think about the dress forms with the buttons/nobs for adjusting? Haven’t bought one. What kind do you recommend?
Hi Janet, I have had a couple of dress forms with knobs for adjusting. I show the 3 adjustable mannequins I have owned in this video. I personally wouldn’t recommend them. Usually you can’t adjust the mannequin to the right shape and size for you, and you end up with these gaps of space. I personally would choose a polystyrene one and pad it up to your measurements. Or try and make your own, I have had a few customers make Bootstrap mannequins and they have been impressed! Thanks, Aneka
Wow this video was very helpful. I just want to ask, what mannequin do you recomend, if I am a fashion design student? Next year I am going to study first year at university, but I would really like to start working on my little shop, where I would like to sell some clothes. Firstly I would like to sew clothes only for one size, it would be the size that is closest to mine.
Love the video on another note may I ask did you make or buy your top it’s gorgeous!!
Hi Sarah, I made it. It is one of my patterns called Aria, coming soon. Aneka x
thank you, what are your thoughts on using the outer part of the bootstrap mannequin with extra padding ON a cheap smaller dress form, I am thinking that this might be the way to counteract some of the aesthetic issues some ppl have. the stuffing allows a slight amount of adjustment, I think
I think this is a great idea. I have heard people have great success with the Bootstrap forms. I need to try one!
Thank you. One other option is to make your own dress form using a customized pattern from various websites. I just watched a video where the young lady used a pattern purchased from bootstrapfashion. When ordering the pattern you put in your specific measurements and they will send you a file to print out and tape together. You then make it out of fabric with facing and stuff it with polyfil (so it is soft enough to move). Looks like they have patterns for arms . Not sure if they have legs as I haven't visited the site yet.
Another option would be to do the tape form and use it to make a cloth form that you stuff like a pillow. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to do arms and legs. I suppose you could use pvc and maybe some wire inside for stability. I need to figure out how to make arms and legs detachable if necessary.
Buying a dress form won't work for me since I have very odd measurements-- none of the ones I've seen can account for my short torso.
Yes! I have have heard a few good things about Bootstrap mannequin patterns. I would definitely recommend giving them a try as they are reasonably priced too. I have made arm patterns before from calico that I stuffed. Basically a sleeve pattern with no ease and then add a gusset to attach it to the mannequin. 😊
@@MadetoSew I'm still at the learning stage of sewing so I will have to look up what a gusset is for sewing. I'm familiar with gusset plates for roofs but not with sewing. I've got more experience with carpentry so I'm trying to translate that in to working with fabric.
I'm designing a sewing desk that I will build and I want to have some mannequins for my family members and myself so I can hopefully make custom clothes.
I want to have ones with legs and arms-- I'm thinking detachable ones would be cool. Saw some cool ideas for legs. Not satisfied with what I've seen thus far for arms, but I have a crackpot idea of adding dowels inside the filler of the arms that are separated at the elbow but have some sort of hinge to make them pivot so that the elbow can bend in a more natural way.
I'm still confused about the lines on mannequins. I know they serve a purpose (for lining things up?) but I am not familiar with where they should go. LOL.
Thank you very much for this video.
@@mycats7321 Oh my goodness you have some incredible plans. Please do share them when they are finished. I would love to see. 😊 Glad you liked the video and it was useful. The lines are usually for draping and for checking the placement of the garment on the bust, waist, hip etc. My mannequins also have lines for bicep, thigh etc. Of course I need these when making patterns for as standard a size as possible. Aneka x
@@MadetoSew Thank you for the encouragement! I may be able to upload videos at some point when I get better internet. I'm not great with taking videos. As much as I make fun of the Blair Witch Project and how much the camera moved, I can't seem to hold my phone still. LOL. I did find a good video on how to make an articulated elbow using PVC, eyelet hooks, and zip ties. I think I can make that work for knees if I put the zip ties in the right place.
Do you know of any good guides on how/where to place the lines on a mannequin?
@@mycats7321 You want to place them in the same location as your Bust, Waist, Hip. Check our my measuring video if you don't know where they are: ua-cam.com/video/oOQMeXW8ewc/v-deo.html Then you will need to take lots of length and circumference measurements to get them in the same location as yours. 😃
Thanks for the lesson
unfortunately in my country we only have standard mannequin that are nit really pinnable 😭 but I think I will just try to pad it to my real body shape with polyester or something 🤔
Yes, and once you have padded it up it will be pinnable. 😊 You can work on the none pinnable mannequins, just when you are padding them up they can be a bit more hard work; I know my fingers were a bit sore after padding up my adjustable mannequins.
Thank you for this video. Can you show us how to actually pad a mannequin? That would be very helpful. Thank you
Yes, I will plan something. 😀
I would love this. Looking to update from my very old and now too small adjustable one and love the idea of padding to my size but find it quite daunting....
Oh my goodness I've never seen one with legs and arms in South Africa
It is really handing having the arms and legs; but it does make them expensive usually.
Thank you ! I’m learning pattern making & draping. I’ve got a dress form padded up to my measurements.
Question - can you drape on Alvanon form ? Is it just for fitting or be able to use a lot of pins as you do on a normal dress form?
Yes, you can drape really well on a Alvanon form. The soft forms you can really stick the pins in, whereas the harder version is more like a traditional mannequin, so have to pin on the slant rather than push the pin into the mannequin. Hope that helps. Aneka x
@@MadetoSew that’s very helpful, thanks Aneka.
@@kasemchatphumchan9468 Happy to help! 😊
If I have a longer upper body than "standard size", would it be possible to move the waist further down by padding it that way?
Yes, when padding start from the top of the body down and move the waist of the mannequin down when you do this. Of course just make sure the mannequin you get is still smaller than your waist at this lower area. It is possible and have down it a lot in the past, I am long in the body from waist to crotch / low hip so I have even padded up the inside of the crotch on the Classy Form to lower that shape. Hope that helps, Aneka
Hi Anika, thank you for another lovely video with so much useful information. I've seen that mannequins come in ecru and black colours normally, I just want it to try the fit of my garments and make small adjustments in clothes for myself, which mannequin colour would you recommend? Does it matter? Thank you!
I don’t think mannequin colour really matters. Of course the lighter colours can get dirty more easily, so that is a positive for the darker colours. You could also consider your skin tone and / or what colour mannequin would look better with the garments you are making. Hope that helps!
@@MadetoSew Thank you for you answer, very helpful! 🤗
@@desenbutifarron Glad I could help. xx
Hello mam 🤩 nice video as always.
Please make a video on how to fold round edge 😍
Thank you. Yes of course, do you mean like this: ua-cam.com/video/IUkC4ug3zTA/v-deo.html let me know and I will do something. Aneka
@@MadetoSew Thanks mam for quick reply😍
I am talking about folding of Curved edge or circular edge as in umbrella skirt.
Please make a tutorial 😁
@@reetk852 Yes of course I can. I understand now. I will add it to the list.
@@MadetoSew Thanks Mam😍
6:34 The mannequin should be easy to pin for fitting purposes, because it's more like a real person. At this point I imagined your clients with a garment pinned to them :)))
Ha Ha, it is comical when I listen back to myself. I don't think about what I said at the time. Ha Ha!
Quick question is mannequins good for cosplay making? i'm starting to make my own cosplays and i wondered since cosplays can be pretty detailed?
I want the best one
Of course.
Larry bought me a wonderful mannequin that was slightly smaller than my size. Then I gained weight and couldn’t use it without padding. Now I’ve lost so much weight it’s too big for me! It’s just a coat hanger now. So sad. I can still use it for wrap dresses and boxy patterns I suppose. I wish that I had used it when it was just my size! Great video Aneka - well done!
Thanks Loriann. Changing size can be very frustrating when it comes sewing; new mannequin, new patterns, new clothes! 😆 You look wonderful in all the pictures though. 😘
Hello? Can we dry clean mannequin when it's dirty? Or can we wash it with water? Any suggestion?? Please help.
Hi Aneka! Do you have any tips for hemming a circle skirt without a dress form? I don’t have room for one in my apartment but I’m unsure how to hem my skirts after I’ve let it hang for a few days.
Hi Kailey, of course the easiest option is on a mannequin. Or get someone to pin it on you. However if you don't have either option I would measure from the waist band of the skirt using a metre ruler and making sure you are measuring straight, do this around the skirt. Just put pins in to start or sew a row of hand stitching, so that you can try it on and check in the mirror that when it is on the body it is perfectly straight. Does that help?
@@MadetoSew thank you! That is very helpful. I will rope my fiancé into helping me :)
@@kaileyreinhart8761 That sounds a great idea! 😊
And believe me I try and try and I hardly us the sewing machine welli dont it sews for a little bit thenbi dont know it gets stuck andbi get frustrated with it so ivstart sewing by hand
It shouldn’t do that. Have you had it looked at recently? Maybe get a service on the machine? You need to get the machine working well so it’s enjoyable.
nice
Thanks
Can you make a tutorial for the dress beside you pink floral
It is one my patterns and will be launching soon. xx
Thank you Anika! This is good content. Are you from the UK?
Thank you. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Yes I'm from the UK, currently living in Australia!
@@MadetoSew Always! 😊👌🏿
Can you get a mannequin that the size adjusts, I am worried about standard ones when you put on weight.
Hi Tracy, I would recommend that you pad it up to adjust the size, rather than get some of the adjustable mannequins. I think that is more accurate if you put on weight. 😊
I would like one for personal use and to use for sewing for family, my family members seem to be taller than the average people including smaller kids
Great news, let me know how you get on.
@@MadetoSew I sure will and thanks for the video explaing everything
It is very much needed trust me and everyone who watches :)
So like for me im baerly learning iv mad somethings I eather make them to biborbto small and I waist a lot of material becouse I dont like how it looks what would u recommend me I live onva fixed in com but I like sewing I like to make thing but I get frustrated becouse they don't come out like I se them on the videos
Hello! I am so sorry you feel this way. I do think it’s really hard because we don’t get a chance to see the garment or item first. Whereas in a shop we would be able to try it on and check that we liked it or not. I would suggest that you maybe try a garment on that looks similar first to check if you like it on your body? It might help you to think of things to chance on the pattern too. I would also make a sample; this is time consuming but at least you will be able to check you like the fit and you can practise techniques prior to making the real garment. Hope this helps! Good luck you will get there. Xx
Anyone know any dress forms that allow you to adjust the height of the shoulders separately for those of us with scoliosis? It's not a matter of *adding* height. One of my shoulders is shrunken lower.
Unfortunately I don't. I have had a few customers with scoliosis and usually we pad the shoulders on the one side and this then makes the other one lower. But if the pitch of the shoulder is lower (on the low side) than your shoulder I would suggest that you get a mannequin made from something that you could shave down the shoulder. For example the polystyrene mannequins have removable covers and I am sure you could sand / file down the shoulder on that one side? Otherwise a bespoke mannequin based on a scan of your body would work, but I know these are expensive. I hope that helps? Aneka
@@MadetoSew Thank you! It figured that was probably the case, but thought maybe there might be mannequins with more modular limbs.
@@pyrotheevilplatypus Not that I know of, I wish there were. Of course you can buy or make arms to attach but this doesn't help when it is shoulders.
Please what is the normal size of a dress form
Can a Mannequin be used just for fashion styling purposes of clothing being sold online (thrift or antique clothing)???
Yes that’s a great use for them! ❤️ I often use mine to sell clothes. Just make sure the mannequin is the right size if you wish to put vintage or antique clothing on it.
How do I purchase the Alvanon dressform? I clicked the link but it’s only providing information. There’s no price or purchase option
Usually you have to contact them. I find their website quite confusing! Here is the contact page: alvanon.com/contact-us/ I would drop them an email based on your country. I bought 1 of mine when I was in the UK and I dealt with the UK team, they have offices there. When I moved to Australia I had to deal directly with Hong Kong. Price wise they must have a guide somewhere, but I can't seem to find it on the website; depending what you get, what size, what elements you have on the mannequin, extras the price can differ quite a lot. I hope that helps? Aneka
@@MadetoSew Thank you. I will use the link to contact them.
I had a laugh at the end- I have a pregnancy bump but it's all me!! My problem is I hope to lose that bump so it is difficult making clothes with a fantasy weight loss in mind.
You're right, it is hard when you make them for the size you want to me. Good luck with the sewing.
I padded up the styrofoam one... it came out ok
Amazing Vanessa, thanks for sharing. 💜
Mam I have numerous questions and doubts regarding gents sewing that I have asked in comments how can you help me to figure it out.
Yes, I am planning some gents videos.
@@MadetoSew mam can I ask doubts regarding gents clothes you will be fine. I mean you are making video for ladies wears as you are expert in it so can you provide me sewing tips or techniques on jents wear it is ok for you....mam
@@abrarmoriya7774 Although I specialise in womenswear the sewing techniques are much the same between mens and womenswear, so I can easily help.
@@MadetoSew thanks
Where can I buy my size maniqucane I am 48 size
It depends on which of the mannequins you want to go for. I have a size 24 UK which is about a 54 European from the Alvanon brand. This is what I make my patterns on. But they are quite expensive. You could probably find a polystyrene mannequin on Amazon that you could pad up to your size, you will need to choose a mannequin that fits your smallest measurement so do check things like neck measurement and shoulders. Or you could make your own with a company called Bootstrap, I have heard good things from them. Hope this helps? Aneka x
I bought one 20 years ago and must replace it because it's to small
I hope the video was useful.
I winder if royal dress form went out of business
Perhaps. I think they might have changed the brand name?
No, you don’t need a dress mannequin, you need a cook and a house keeper.
Ha Ha!
Okay, I don't think I need one. Thank you so much.
Glad I could help. 😃
@@MadetoSew Thank you again, beginner-friendly content is always difficult but a relief to come across
@@liviemillie6455 ❤️ ❤️
I am from India and making same menniquin if you buy one get one free
Thanks for sharing.
I make my own mannequin out of duct tape.
How did you get on with it? I would love to know. 😊
@@MadetoSew there are tutorials on You Tube on how to do this but you cut it down the back to get it off and then tape it closed.
@@cleanqueen75 Amazing, thanks for sharing. I hope you find yours works for you. 😃