I'm in need of a dress form, but they are expensive. I'd like to get one that is adjustable, so I don't have to buy one for each size category. I've read some not-so-positive reviews of the My Double form (I think it's by Dritz, but I can't remember right now). Anyone have recommendations? I need to start with one that is for small to medium size.

I've actually seen a few places online that explain how to make a "duct tape dress form."  I've been meaning to try it, because I've been having a tough time getting the Civil War bodices I sew for myself and my daughter to fit right. 

Here's a link that has photos with the directions:  etsylabs.blogspot.com/2007/03/dress-form-tutorial-want-to-make-exact.html

Hope that helps!

Dana

Okay--I kept looking for other versions of home-made dress forms.  I found one that looks like more work--but the finished form looks professional.  When you click on the link, be sure to read all the pages of the directions so you can see how it progresses.  I was really impressed!

sewnews.com/resources/library/0806form/index.html

I've seen those, but I don't sew for myself that much. I make clothes for others, so I need an actual adjustable dress form. Thanks for checking it out, though!

I recall seeing an online "how-to make your own dressform" pdf from Thread magazine a while back.  Try googling and see if it is still online.

Good luck,

Hilary

I've had a My Double before and I currently have a very basic, adjustable form that I purchased at Joann's fabrics.  (I can't remember the brand name, and this one does not conveniently have it blazoned across the chest as the My Double does.)  For modern sewing it works just fine, and I'm pleased with the range of measurements I can get out of it.  I do like my current one a slight bit better than the MD version, as it is easier to adjust.  My recommendation is that you futz a bit with the floor model to see how difficult those little nobs are to turn.  My MD one killed my fingers whenever I needed to adjust the measurements.

I do find that if I need a more accurate fit, I need to make the form smaller and then pad her up a bit.  I adjust her to my smallest measurement (which is typcially my waist) and then give her something a bit closer to my chest and bum.  (I pin a little pad to her back side, and put one of my bras on her with a bit of stuffing.  She still isn't a perfect immitation of my body shape, so it doesn't work for my historical costuming, but it certainly helps me do my own modern hems and quick fit checks.

I ended up getting a TwinForm by Dritz in small. It has a pretty good range and I can pad it out if needed. It was on sale, and they sold me the floor model, which saved me an extra 10%. I think it ended up being a little over $100. So far, I'm pretty happy with it.

I looked at the My Double, but I read so many negative reviews about them, that I took a pass.