Choosing a Dress Form or Mannequin - what SHOULD you be looking for?

Gosh, after being on the hunt for a new Mannequin to replace my wonky old one I am so thrilled to have found the perfect one! And today's video is about how to find YOUR perfect mannequin for sewing too!

You know I only talk about companies that I have used and love, and my new Dolly happens to be my new favourite in the studio!

Thanks to my friends at JK Trading for gifting me my shiny new professional dress form, plus they were generous enough to pass on a special discount for you too! Head to the @jktradingua website and use ‘evelynwood10’ at the checkout to get 10% off your own mannequin!

//Get your own mannequin:
Discount code for 10% off any mannequin: EvelynWood10

My mannequin is this one

//Learn to sew with me
and even take a free class!

// LINKS:

* Get my SEWING GUIDES

*My new sewing MANNEQUIN - Dolly!

// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT:

DO YOU REALLY NEED A MANNEQUIN TO SEW?? 👗 Plus, the best and worst types of dress forms to choose!

No mannequin, no problem! My 5 tips on how to actually pin and fit clothing on yourself!

DON'T LET SEWING BREAK YOUR BUDGET! What to spend on and what to save on??

SEWING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT - What to upgrade in your dressmakers toolkit - Beyond the basics

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#sewingforbeginners #sewingtools #sewingmannequin #sewingdresform
#sewingforbeginners #sewingforbeginners #sewingpatterns #learntosew #sewingclothes #vintagesewingschool #jktradingau

[shangri-laj]

I’m in the USA and I have had my professional dressform for over 10ths. I have ballooned in size and i didn’t want t get rid of it. The bust and waist are fine but my hips MERCY!!!! I found a company “Fabulous Fit” has kit with foam pads for bust, hips, tummy, back etc and it come with a fitted knit dress to place on the dressform and you can move the pads around under the Knit dress and get your prefect or close to perfect fit.

[cynthiasloan]

I have had Matilda for about 40 years and she is a champ. She is a basic foam model from the fabric store that came with a heavy canvas cover that you fit to yourself. As I have changed shape, so has she. I used quilt batting and a cheap bra to pad her out and bought a shapewear slip to go over it all.

[lunzie]

Believe it or not, I use a store display mannequin as my dress form. There is a man locally (USA) who has a couple of barns full of old store mannequins and I found one that is standing straight and has detachable arms! I sized her up to fit me by covering her with a couple of fulled wool sweaters, so she is pin-able as well. It was also 1/4 the cost of a professional dress form. What luck!

[marathorne]

I was super lucky that my daughter bought me a basic Styrofoam mannequin for my birthday a couple of years ago. I then found a class where we were guided through the process of padding them out to reflect our individual shape. Doris is a pretty good body double now, and she is very useful when I am checking both design elements and fit 😊

[brendabrenda]

Have you seen the Ditto Form? The company will scan your body with a computer and create a custom form that is a replica of your body. It’s amazing.

[crystalrickett]

Morgan Donner did a great video on making her own personally sized dress form. I would probably have to do that as my measurements make a custom fitted one necessary.

[yolanderogers]

Where I work, the floor below threw a bunch of forms out for the trash! I went in to work and saw one all on it's lonesome at the freight entrance. It was in stella condition and pretty much my size! I was overwhelmed. I felt like it was waiting for me. Needless to say, I grabbed that girl and with the help of a dear friend, took her on the train home! My best find EVER!🙏🏼🙌🏽🙌🏽💕 If I'd been aware of the others thrown out, they would have come home too!

[riseabove]

I just started sewing a little over a year ago. I got my mannequin (medium) from Walmart (on sale). It’s a lovely dark blue, vertical pinning, adjustable form. I purchased it because I wanted to start sewing for my daughter.
WELL!!! Once I unboxed it, I quickly realized that the bust area will NEVER fit her in this life time (waaay tooo small). The rest of it did match her size.
So, I figured that I’d use it for myself. My hips!!!! Even adjusted to the widest… NO!
This video has given me hope for my mannequin, so I don’t feel like I have to get rid of it.
Thanks a million, Evelyn!!! 😅❤

[SuzyTaylorOakley]

I've wanted a dress form but never actually looked into buying one. Your video has prompted me to look into it! As usual, you've given such good, detailed info, Evelyn. Thank you!

[fempilled]

I help my students pad out their personal dress forms. What I have found often is that while the manufacturer will tell you to use the body circumference, especially bust to select the dress form, this often results in having a body form that is too large for the person. Measuring around the chest, above the bust is a better measurement for the “bust” of the form… especially if the company making the form tends to give them wider backs

[shericreates]

My daughter works at Hobby Lobby and bought me one - for a reason. I was having a heck of a time altering her wedding gown. She bought it second hand and I don't think it was the fit for her. Anyway there were beads and I mean beads! And they were all falling off! I was trying to sew them back on and trying to alter. Anyway. She bought it and said, "now you can finish my wedding dress". Of course she married a year ago. Hmm She has a one year old. I better get busy! I also picked up an adjustable one from Habitat for Humanity. Can't wait to start using both.

[susandickerson]

Very helpful and realistic for every budget. Many thanks!

[Cyrilmc]

Thank you so much Evelyn, I really really enjoyed listening to you talk about the dress form. My first one was brought to create my daughter’s wedding dress. And it’s adjustable too. And your so right it doesn’t replace fitting with your person your making a garment for. I might be having a look for another one soon. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[gigi]

Eileen, I will never think of that name the same, lol Very useful info, thanks. Take care, be well

[vincentallen]

Very helpful and I love your energy! Thank you so much!

[ritaborde]

I'm from Germany, living in Croatia. Both of my mannequins, adjustable, are from Burda, Germany. My first one I ordered from Germany, and I had to pay the same amount of taxes as the price was, because at that time it was not allowed, as a private person to buy and bring into the country of Croatia a professional tool from another country. So it was quite expensive 😱. The second one I got from my Mom, when she stopped sewing garment for herself and others. Its a pity that they dont have wheels, but you just gave me the idea to put some on to the wooden cross(now the feet of my repaired mannequin ), Imagine a simple cross foot of a Christmas 🎄 tree ... Thank you for this very interesting video. See you🌹

[pyenygren]

Wow! This is such a good explenation. Thanks. 😀

[ginette]

I made my own Diy using a pre-ordered pattern to fit my body shape. I had to buy all the materials : fabrics, fiberfiller and a stand. I am happy with the result, so far it costs me 1/4 of the price of a pre-made mannequin and I can pin through it. But it's a LOT of work. Please let me know what you think.

[mrsvickigriffin]

Ive my great grannys form. I fully intend to get the pattern to make a me sized one but ill put it over top of hers! That way ilĺ be using something of hers whilst make things for myself

[bv]

I love your videos. You are an expert who describes things plainly and well. You cover a thorough range of topics and skills. Also, you are adorable. Your eyes are so bright with enthusiasm. Your outfit in this video makes you look like Snow White. I especially note how well it fits and how well it is crafted. We are so lucky to have you, Teacher!