Print PDF
Favorite
Email
Make a custom dressform, display mannequin, body double, cast, or a big pinata with some help and a little paper gum tape. You could also use this technique to make paper casts of other body parts, objects, or people!
I got the basic directions and idea from here: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00002.asp
But since they didn't really go into that much detail, I've made an Instructable (my first! yippee!) since I was originally looking for one here anyway.
Making the dress form is pretty easy, and only took us about 2 hours to complete.
I got the basic directions and idea from here: http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00002.asp
But since they didn't really go into that much detail, I've made an Instructable (my first! yippee!) since I was originally looking for one here anyway.
Making the dress form is pretty easy, and only took us about 2 hours to complete.
Remove these ads by
Signing UpStep 1What you need
You will need:
- a roll of kraft paper gum tape (its the kind with dry glue on one side)
I got mine relatively cheaply at Staples. To make my form (I am a size 4), we used less than half the roll, if you are larger, you will need a bit more tape.
If you can't find the paper tape, I think you can also use duct tape, but you will need a few rolls to make the layers stiffer since it is flexible. The beauty of using the paper tape is that it shapes itself after drying like instant paper mache strips. And later on you can put pins through it without lots of sticky residue getting on your sewing pins.
- scissors (make sure they can cut through fabric)
- a rag or sponge to wet the tape, maybe a bowl to hold a little water (or just do it by the sink, and keep the rag damp)
- an old turtleneck or fitted t-shirt that you are willing to sacrifice to this project
The shirt should be as close fitting as possible and not too thick or textured. Crew neck or turtleneck are ideal, and the length should not be too short. If you don't have a turtleneck or longer shirt, don't fret, it is easy to extend the length of the form to cover your hips and neck.
- hairdryer
- marker
- someone to help you
Optional:
- a hanger (to make a hanging dressform)
- old pillow or polyfil to stuff it when finished, or a bag of packing peanuts, packing foam or a few cans of spray foam (if you want to stuff/coat the inside for reinforcement- not necessary since it holds itself in shape but maybe it keeps the thing more durable)
- old lamp base, tripod or music stand (to make a standing dressform)
- a roll of kraft paper gum tape (its the kind with dry glue on one side)
I got mine relatively cheaply at Staples. To make my form (I am a size 4), we used less than half the roll, if you are larger, you will need a bit more tape.
If you can't find the paper tape, I think you can also use duct tape, but you will need a few rolls to make the layers stiffer since it is flexible. The beauty of using the paper tape is that it shapes itself after drying like instant paper mache strips. And later on you can put pins through it without lots of sticky residue getting on your sewing pins.
- scissors (make sure they can cut through fabric)
- a rag or sponge to wet the tape, maybe a bowl to hold a little water (or just do it by the sink, and keep the rag damp)
- an old turtleneck or fitted t-shirt that you are willing to sacrifice to this project
The shirt should be as close fitting as possible and not too thick or textured. Crew neck or turtleneck are ideal, and the length should not be too short. If you don't have a turtleneck or longer shirt, don't fret, it is easy to extend the length of the form to cover your hips and neck.
- hairdryer
- marker
- someone to help you
Optional:
- a hanger (to make a hanging dressform)
- old pillow or polyfil to stuff it when finished, or a bag of packing peanuts, packing foam or a few cans of spray foam (if you want to stuff/coat the inside for reinforcement- not necessary since it holds itself in shape but maybe it keeps the thing more durable)
- old lamp base, tripod or music stand (to make a standing dressform)
| « Previous Step | Download PDFView All Steps | Next Step » |
Before you wrap the torso, it's very important to TAKE A DEEP BREATH and hold it...or instruct the person you're wrapping to do so. Otherwise, it's easy to over-compress the lungs...and next thing you know, your dress form model's lips are turning blue. Happened to us; had to tilt her onto the bed quickly so she could re-oxygenate (next option, of course, was cutting the unfinished mold from her and starting again--but, once horizontal, she recovered quickly).
Great Instructable, thanks!
Also, I used a mound of plastic grocery bags to stuff mine. Worked well!
Thanks for posting this 'ible, it was very helpful!
Page 52 (from google books)