Should I buy a dressmakers dummy?

Cacran · 6 October 2018 at 3:48PM

I have not made any clothes in ages. I have altered a number of clothes having been inspired by Pintrest.
I am a funny shape, lol! Top heavy, narrow shoulders and very short.(Paints a pretty picture, doesn't it???)
I have been thinking of getting a tailor's dummy, an adjustable one. Not sure if it would be worth the money. I wonder if any sewers out there, use one. I would like to hear what they think of them.

Wraithlady · 6 October 2018 at 4:11PM

There are tutorials on Youtube and such like about making your own from duct-tape (gaffa tape in the UK). You will need someone to help you but it has the advantage of being relatively cheap and tailored to your form. Commercial ones can be adjusted, but only to a degree, and messing about padding them seems a bit of a faff.

PollyWollyDoodle · 6 October 2018 at 4:26PM

I was lucky enough to be given one, but I have to be honest and say that I hardly ever use it. They are never exactly your size and shape, so they always need a bit of padding or adjusting. I thought I would use it for getting hems level but I haven't even done that. Truly, the most use it has had is displaying garments for sale on eBay!

Cacran · 6 October 2018 at 4:37PM

Thanks both of you. I will not bother with one. I would probably not use it, if this is your experience. I am likely to do the same. I will go onto YouTube and have a look. I appreciate your comments.