Have you ever needed a mannequin for sewing?Real mannequins can be expensive, and even the fancy, adjustable ones aren't guaranteed to be an exact body double for you.It is easy and cheap to make a mannequin at home.The mannequin will be an exact replica of you.Any garments you sew on the mannequin will fit you like a glove.
Step 1: You don't mind ruining an old shirt.
If you want the shirt to fit your torso, make sure it is straight.The shirt needs to come down to your hips.A baggy t-shirt will create too much bulk.You won't be able to get this shirt back.You will cut it up with tape.
Step 2: Wrap your neck and collar with a piece of plastic.
Attach the sheet of plastic wrap to your neck by folding it.Wrap it around your neck.The two ends of your shirt should be under the front color.You need to protect the delicate skin on your neck when you are taping it up.You can use paper towels if you don't have plastic wrap.
Step 3: Wrap a strip of duct tape around your torso.
If you can't breathe, wrap it firmly so that it conforms to your figure, but not so tightly.Wrap the tape under your pecks if you are a male.You will need someone to help you during this step and the rest of the steps.
Step 4: There are two pieces of tape on your chest.
Put one piece of tape on your left shoulder and the underside of your right breast.Place a second piece of tape on your right shoulder and underside of your left breast.The center of your breasts should be between your X-shape.
Step 5: Wrap the shoulders, breast, and back area with tape.
Put a strip of tape across your shoulder.Bring one end across your left breast to the horizontal strip of tape.Take the other end across your back.Continue adding strips of tape until you reach the edge of your shoulder.Overlap the tape by 12 inch.This is the first step for the right shoulder and breast.
Step 6: You should fill in the gaps under your body.
Remove the smaller strips of tape.Put your arms across your ribcage.You should cover the gape between the horizontal strip of tape and your body part.Again, overlap the strips by 12 inch.
Step 7: There are gaps on your chest and back.
A V-shaped gape should be on your chest and back.Put the strips of tape across your back and chest.Make sure your chest is covered with plastic wrap or paper towel if you have a low-cut shirt.
Step 8: Put the tape around your neck.
Wrap a couple of strips of tape around your neck.Smaller strips can be used to fill in the gaps.
Step 9: Wrap more tape around your waist.
Wrap the tape in rows and overlap them by 12 inch.When you reach the bottom hem, stop.
Step 10: The back of your shirt needs to be cut up.
A person you trust can help you cut down the back of your duct tape shirt.They need to cut through the layers of duct tape, shirt, and plastic wrap.
Step 11: Take the shirt off.
A body-double is made out of duct tape.Use your fingers to push the mannequin back out if it became damaged during this step.
Step 12: The gap should be sealed with a strip of duct tape.
Place the ends of the cut together.To close the gap, cover them with a strip of duct tape.Extra security can be achieved by applying tape to the inside and outside of the shirt.
Step 13: Touch the top and bottom edges.
Take a look at the edges of the mannequin.Leave them be if you're happy with them.Touch them with more tape if they look ragged or jagged.Consider cutting the top edge of the neck to make it look like a mannequin.You should make sure that you have some neck left.
Step 14: Stuff the shirt with stuff.
If you have to cover the neck hole, use a few strips of duct tape to keep the stuffing out of the other end.The mannequin should be stuffed until it feels full.You need two bags of stuffing.
Step 15: Take the base of the mannequin and put it on a board.
The mannequin is standing on a sheet of foam board.A marker is used to trace around a mannequin.The bottom of your mannequin will eventually be made from this.
Step 16: The base can be cut with a box cutter or craft blade.
You should cut just inside the lines that you drew.It's important to make your cuts smooth and precise.
Step 17: The base should be taped to the mannequin.
The mannequin is upside down.The base should be put in the bottom of the mannequin.Duct tape can be folded over the edges of cardboard to make a mannequin.If you want to make it look like the rest of your mannequin, you can cover the bottom of the cardboard with more duct tape.
Step 18: You can use the same method to cover the top of the mannequin.
Take a sheet of cardboard and trace the neck opening onto it.The circle should be cut out.Place it on top of the neck.All the way around, secure it with strips of tape.If you want, cover the top of the cardboard with more tape.
Step 19: Attach the foam base to the stand.
A lamp post is a metal stand.The metal stand is against the mannequin.Set the mannequin on top of the stand by cutting the hole.Use hot glue to seal the seam between the hole and stand.If you want extra security, use industrial-strength glue.If you are using a lamp post, make sure to cut away any wires so that you can use the metal stand.
Step 20: If you wish, cover the mannequin with fabric.
The easiest way to do this is to find another fitted shirt and place it over the mannequin.You can use cotton or jersey fabric to make a corset-like cover.