How To Choose A Dressmakers Dummy

July 2009

7 July 2009 - Joanne Williams

There are many different models of Dressmaking Dummies on the market; choosing the right one for your sewing needs can be a daunting task. To go about making the decision, first you must examine what your sewing needs are.

Sewing Solo.

If you sew for yourself alone, you may want to consider the simpler version of the dressmaker’s dummy, like the Standard Dress Form. If your measurements are fairly consistent year after year, you won’t need to do a lot of adjusting.

But let’s face it; our bodies change over the years, whether it’s because of childbirth or just simple gravity. You might want to consider a model with more adjustments, like the Deluxe Dress Form.

Either way, you want to make sure your dressmaker’s dummy has the length adjustment for a longer or shorter torso. Very few of us have bodies that are perfectly aligned to a dress form. You’ll also want to make sure that your dress form is height adjustable and has at least 8 sections. These sections emulate the main parts of our bodies that can be… oh so different for each of us.

Sewing for others.

If you sew for family and friends, or if you are a professional, you will want to use a dressmaker’s dummy that is sturdy and easily adjustable. If the adjustments are hard to make, it will become tedious, or add unnecessary time to your sewing.

Professionals will want to consider the dress forms with 12 adjustable sections, for the most exhaustive fitting choices. If you make trousers, you’ll find the Deluxe Trouser/Dress Form a very handy tool.

The Lady Valet Dress form is truly the top of the line for dress forms, with many finite adjustments. Its wooden stand and matching wood cap give it beautiful heirloom quality. The fabric cover is great for pinning, pattern fitting, and all types of necessary sewing operations. If you are considering displaying your creations, this model will make for a very attractive display.

Whichever model you choose, you’ll find having a dressmaker’s dummy is like having a third, very useful, hand. It will become indispensable in your business as well as your personal sewing.

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