Using a Dress Form

Measuring for and Using a Dress Form

Tips to make the perfect dress

When purchasing a dress form, the most important measurement is bust size. While the forms come in the whole range of women's sizes, not everyone's body is a perfect match to the hourglass shape that the forms are designed in. So buy your dress form according to the difficult-to-fit bust size, not the waist or hips.

There are many body measurements that need to be taken in order to accurately fit a dress. If this is your first time using a dress form, a quick internet search will yield a check list of all the different areas that need to be measured. Also, never take your own measurements. Always have someone else handle the measuring tape when you're making your own clothing. This ensures the tape lays flat and will greatly increase accuracy.

Dress forms are primarily used for the pinning and alteration stage of the dress making process. Once you have cut out your pieces either from a pattern or your own design, pin them together using the dress form as your model. Once pinned, the dress can be taken off and sewed on a machine.