DTD's - Duct Tape Doubles

Let me start off by saying I LooooovvvVVVEEE my duct tape double - my buddy whom I've actually named Elna.  This fitting mannequin has helped improve my alterations tremendously.  I now know how my shoulders round forward; which shoulder is higher, how deep to make darts; which seams should be curvier which should be straighter, etc.

One of my children offered to help me make a duct tape fitting model.  (Lack of cash serves as a wonderful inspiration!).  So, one cold Sunday afternoon, I donned 2 oversized T-shirts and wrapped my neck in a strip of fabric.  And we began taping.  And we taped.  And....we taped.  We even taped my upper arms though I may cut them off.  This is optional, they can get in the way of trying on garments that have little or no stretch.  Finally, when I was mostly immobilized with two layers of tape, we marked my center front, back, and sides with vertical lines; then my exact waist and hip with horizontal lines parallel to the floor.  This was important so I could attach my model to a support at the correct height and stance.

Finally, the center back was cut in a zigzag manner and I was freed!  Not done, just freed.  I had a bit more work to do.  I found that I could simply post this model over an old mesh My Double that I had inherited.  This swerved quite well as my "legs" because it swiveled and was the correct height.  Now, fore the real work - the stuffing.  It took awhile and a whole lot of poly fiberfill, but I wanted to make absolutely certain it was packed firmly without stretching the duct tape.  Finally, I went over the entire model with a third layer of tape and remarked the lines.

Elna's been working hard for me ever since.  I can fit patterns, check fit as I go along, and finalize any fitting corrections.  I also use her to try out various fabric combinations and different design or embellishment ideas like adding pleats or gathers to a garment.

Try it!  There are a lot of good instructions on line.  And Good Taping to You!