Help me choose a dressmakers dummy......

[pointyshoes]

I'm getting back into to dressmaking after about 25 years. I've been offered a Christmas present of a new dressmakers dummy. I've looked on line and in John Lewis but not really sure which one would be best. Anyone have any recommendations? Or just any points I should look out for? I want to get this right!

Are you making just for yourself? If budget was no limits, I'd buy a good dressform in a size as close to my measurements as possible and then pad it to match me exactly. You might be able to pick up one on Ebay if you don't mind second hand, but the K & L brand ones are in the £800 region. No you're not hallucinating.

The adjustable ones are useful but they're not particularly sturdy and require a lighter hand when working with them. I broke one of mine within a year. They're a much better option budget wise, and if you're only ever going to set them for your measurements, I'd go for it as it's the constant resetting and changing that broke mine. You'll still probably have to pad it to match your own body, but that's easy done (loads of tutorials online) and then you can add a cover to hold it all securely in place.

I love my KL & wouldn't use anything else,I have an adjustable one, but it just doesn't cut it for me.

If it's just for you, I'd suggest asking for other dressmaking accessories & make my own made to measure dummy by wrapping myself with cling film & electrical tape. It's easy, you get something that is perfectly your size & theres tutorials on you tube

It is just for me. I hadn’t heard of KL - they look good but pricey. As I’m just starting out again I think I may be better with a cheaper adjustable one to start with - hopefully I won’t have to adjust it much once I ‘ve got it right. In time I might move on to a KL one if I can justify it! I feel I’m just sort of dabbling at the moment and I would hate to splash out unnecessarily. Many thanks for your replies, really helpful as Iwas floundering/ slightly overwhelmed by options