Happy Saturday,
Do you need Christmas ideas for you or someone who loves to sew? It is getting close to Christmas and a dress form is a great gift idea for yourself. You are probably wondering; will I use it? Is it worth the cost? Or is going to be sitting in the corner, gathering dust.
Let’s first discuss the different types of forms.
Types of Dress Forms
- Adjustable dress forms
- Custom Dress Form
- DIY Dress Forms
Why should you get a dress form?
There are several reasons. First, you can see what the sewing project looks like on the dress form. Dresses, blouses and jackets would be the clothing you would use most often on the form. Also, it is fantastic to help with hemming.
You don’t need to use the mirror to look at the back of the outfit while you have it on. You can also drape fabric or a flat pattern. This helps decide how the sewing project will fit. Then, make necessary adjustments. You can pin these items on and make the necessary adjustments.
I am only 5’2″ tall. Many times, these patterns need adjustment in the shoulders. This helps with overall fit. I place the pieces on the form. Then, I take it in until I achieve the desired fit.
Pros and Cons
Adjustable dress forms are probably the most common and is what I use. I like the ability to alternate the shape depending on who I am sewing for. These are very affordable. It can be purchased Amazon or Joann’s. The newer models which have a dial instead of the spinner is an improvement. The Con is that you are having to constantly change it depending on who you are sewing for. Here is an article that I found that rated the adjustable dress forms from Just to Sew.
Custom Dress Form is very appealing because it is a mini you. It will give you a more precise fit. There is an investment of time initially to get the measurements for the form but so worth it. The Con is the cost and if your weight changes. If you have managed to keep a steady weight than this is for you.
A DIY dress form would be a mini you and there is of course the cost savings. The con would be the time in constructing the form and you would need someone to help you. The costs is pretty minimal since it entails 2-3 rolls of duct tape, saran wrap, cardboard and a stand.
Here is a blog on doing it yourself from Burda. https://www.burdastyle.com/blog/blogdiy-duct-tape-dress-form. You overall would have the advantage of the custom dress form but without the costs.
Which dress form works for you? There is no wrong answer. If you are purchasing the form, make sure you read the measurements. You don’t want to buy a form that is too big. Worse, it is too small. If you do go ahead and make the dress form, send me the pictures. I love to hear which one you would choose.
Happy Sewing
Valerie
The Saturday Seamstress 