Guide to buying a dressmakers dummy_SWMAY16.indd

FEATURE Guide to Buying a Dressmakers Dummy
Guide to Buying a Dressmakers Dummy
A dressmaking dummy is a handy addition
to your sewing room. It can give you a threedimensional view of your garment in progress
and it can be incredibly helpful when fitting
garments; making sure that seams and fabric
drape are hanging correctly, measuring
accurate hems and making garment alterations.
A dummy will also be able to offer you views of your garment
which would otherwise be impossible for you to see ie.
how the collar at the back of the neck is lying or how those
back darts look. And if you plan to draft your own dress
patterns, then a sewing form will be an invaluable tool. But,
dressmakers dummies can be a fairly costly purchase and
also take up precious floor space. And how do you choose
which dummy will be the best for you? Our guide will help you
decide what you need and show you a few of the different
options available.
What is a Dressmakers Dummy?
A dressmakers dummy (also known as a tailors dummy
mannequin, sewing or dress form) are essentially a true and
life size mannequin that you can dress or try your garments
on. They usually have a padded foam covering that you can
pin to hold fabrics in place. They come in various sizes and
shapes and with differing amounts of adjustment depending
on which model you invest in. The more basic ones will have
fewer adjustable elements and the higher end of the market
offer the most flexibility and adjustable parts. Whatever your
size or shape, the best scenario is for your dressmakers
dummy to best reflect your own body shape and figure, this
way you will be able to fit the garments you are making with
ease and hopefully achieve better finished results.
Which Size?
When looking to buy a dressmakers dummy, you will have
different sizing options to choose from, very much like when
you are buying a dress pattern. As we all know, we all come
in different shapes and sizes and few of us fit the stereotype
dress size that is available on the high street (which is
possibly one reason why we are opting to dress make in the
first place!). But knowing our true body measurements is a
key place to start when buying a sewing form. Remember, you
can pad out a dummy to add your curves but it will almost be
impossible to remove any excess. Look at the sizing range the
sewing form offers and opt for the best match to you.
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www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk have a great section on
their website helping you take correct measurements of
yourself to then help build up your dressmakers dummy as a
reflection of your own body shape. They advocate (with the
help of a friend) taking specific detailed body measurements
which then act as your guide to customise your own sewing
form. They also give useful and practical hints on padding
out areas where necessary with foam or wadding.
(www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk/dress-form-information)
How will you use it?
Another question to ask yourself is how you intend to use the
dummy. Are you a dressmaker who likes to make trousers? If
so, you may want to consider those products with leg forms to
make life easier. Do you need the extra add-ons such as hem
marker? Would it be useful for your dummy to have wheels for
ease of moving around?
And if you want to dip your toe in the water, it may also be
worth considering buying second hand. Often people’s
ideas and requirements can change; body size and shape
fluctuates, equipment is updated, no longer used or simply the
sewing room is running out of space. Look out for good deals
on second hand buying websites, classifieds or perhaps ask
around at your local haberdashery or sewing group.
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Guide to Buying a Dressmakers Dummy FEATURE
A selection of the Dressmakers Dummies available to buy:
Adjustoform Lady Valet Dress Form
Adjustoform Sew Deluxe Leg Form
This Lady Valet Dress
Form is made from
8 sections with 12
adjusting wheels
which means it can
give many precise
body measurements
including adjustable
neck and waist length.
Not only very practical,
the neutral cover colour
and wooden stand
make this an attractive
dummy to have around.
Available in two sizes,
small and medium.
An 8 part dress form
with 12 body adjusters.
The addition of legs;
shaped hips, bottom
and thighs, make this
ideal to use when
sewing jackets, skirts,
coats and of course
trousers. The height
can also be adjusted
for fitting taller framed
ladies. Available in
two sizes, small and
medium.
Approximate price is £139.50
Where to buy: www.sewessential.co.uk
Approximate price is £108
Where to buy: www.hobkirk.co.uk
Adjustoform Supafit De-Luxe Dress Form
Adjustoform Diana Dress Form
This dress form has
12 adjustable wheels
for infinitely variable
settings at bust, waist
and hips. There is
a handy scale tape
showing back length
and the tripod stand
has scale tapes too for
measuring shoulder
and hemline height. It
also comes supplied
with a chalk hem
marker attachment
for ease in marking
hemlines. Available in
four sizes, petite, small,
medium and fuller
figure.
This dressmakers
dummy has an 8 part
body along with 12
auto set dials at the
bust, waist and hip
measurements. You can
also adjust height of the
waistline when a longer
back measurement
is required and it
has a handy built in
pincushion. Available in
four sizes ranging from
dress sizes UK 10-24.
Prices start from £120
Where to buy: www.sewessential.co.uk
Prices start from £119
Where to buy: www.sewingmachinesales.co.uk
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