Choosing a Dress Form

Choosing a dress form for home sewing is an investment, which can take your hobby to the next level.

But with so many options out there it can be overwhelming, and you may not even know where to start looking.

The dress form you choose should match your needs, be flexible enough for all your projects, look good in your space, and not break the bank!

Here’s a mix of things to consider, to help find one that’s just right for you.

Size

We’re all beautifully unique in shape, so you’ll need a dress form that’s as close as possible to your specific body measurements.

Measure your bust, waist, hips, and compare to the form’s size chart.

If your measurements are fairly standard then you may be able to get away with a selecting an ‘off the shelf’ dress form.

If your measurements deviate slightly then don’t worry, you can always pad out your dress form by adding batting or foam to get the shape just right in key areas, so that it matches your silhouette.

Here’s an article by Threads Magazine on how to pad out a dress form.

This is especially useful if your bust, waist, and hips aren’t perfectly proportional to the form’s measurements (because, honestly, whose are?).

Adjustability

If you plan on sewing for others or if your shape tends to fluctuate, an adjustable dress form might be a safer bet.

You can tweak it for different sizes, allowing you to really get a custom fit.

Whether you choose a fixed or an adjustable dress form, just make sure it’s close to your actual measurements, otherwise you’ll spend a lot of time having to adjust your designs down the track.

Collapsible Shoulder

Collapsible shoulders are a total lifesaver for dress forms, especially if you’re working on fitted garments.

They make it much easier to get clothes on and off, especially tight dresses or jackets, without stretching or damaging the fabric.

They also help reduce strain on delicate fabrics—no more wrestling your garment over hard, rigid shoulders.

And if you’re into draping, collapsible shoulders give you more freedom to work, then pop back into place for that perfect fit.

In short, they make everything smoother, easier, and way less stressful when fitting or draping garments!

Customised Dress Form

If getting the perfect fit is a top priority for you and you don’t mind paying a bit extra, then there are companies that can 3D scan your body to create a fully customised dress form which perfectly mimics your body shape.

Having a custom dress form is really going to take the guess work out of draping and drafting patterns for yourself, and elevate the entire experience.

The only downside being if your weight ended up fluctuating, then your carefully crafted form would no longer be accurate.

Full-Body vs. Partial Dress Form

Now, do you want the full-body version or just the upper half?

Full-body forms are perfect if you’re planning to sew pants or jumpsuits, but they might take up unnecessary space or push your budget over the edge.

Partial forms, on the other hand, are more compact and affordable, perfect for most projects like tops, dresses, and skirts.

They’re the most popular because they’re versatile and easy to use.

If you’re not sure whether you need a lower half, it’s good to know they are available to buy separately, so you can always incorporate into your set up at a later date.

Extra Apendages

Do you envisage making more involved projects like tailored shirts and jackets?

If so, you might like to accessorise your dress form with arms.

Also, an attachable head, whilst not essential, can help gauge the proportion of a design.

Fabric Cover and Pinnable Surface

The surface of your dress form is really important.

You want a form with a fabric surface that’s easy to pin into—usually something like canvas or foam-backed fabric.

The fabric cover should also be durable since you’ll be pinning fabric on and off all the time.

Look for something smooth and sturdy, because you’ll be doing this a lot!

The Stand

Do you want a fixed, stable stand or would you prefer to be able to slide the form around on wheels?

(I would have preferred wheels for ease of movement when draping, but I have little children so opted for a classic stand for now.

I knew the roller-wheeled version would have inevitably ended up as a new-found favourite toy/mode of transport, and I wanted to minimise the chances of kid-inflicted damage!

Aesthetics

Arguably not the most important aspect, but hey, your dress form is going to be hanging out in your sewing space for years to come, so make sure you like how it looks!

Whether you go for a classic vintage-style form or a sleek, modern one, choose something that’ll fit in with your space and vibe.

Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?

Let’s talk money. Dress forms can vary from super affordable to pro-level splurges. If you’re just starting out or don’t sew constantly, an adjustable form can give you the flexibility you need without breaking the bank. But if sewing is your thing and you plan to use it a lot, a more expensive, solid form can be a great long-term investment. Think about how much you’ll use it and how precise you need to be.

Conclusion

Ultimately, your dress form needs to match your sewing lifestyle. If you sew occasionally or just for fun, an affordable, adjustable dress form will do the job.

But if you’re planning on taking your sewing to the next level, and intend to drape and draft your own sewing patterns, it might be worth investing in a more professional dress form.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you’ll enjoy working with, looking at and that is going to bring you joy in your practice.

Happy sewing, Leanne xx

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