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How to Make a Form for a Corset

A corset or dress form is also known as a sewing dummy. These are life-size mannequins or parts of mannequins that seamstresses use to create an article of clothing to the exact specifications of a person's body. The corset form is made of an outer shell with soft stuffing inside and allows the seamstress to poke pins and needles through the "body" to hold the fabric up, make fabric marks and make the proper cuts and tailoring necessary to create a perfect fit. The use of a form also prevents the model from having to stand for hours while the seamstress completes her task. A form to create a corset can be made at home using duct tape and upholstery stuffing.

Things You'll Need

Duct Tape
T-Shirt
Scissors
Upholstery Stuffing
Hanger

Instructions

- 1
  Place the t-shirt on the model for whom the corset is being made. Use an old t-shirt that you don't mind destroying as it will be cut later on.
- 2
  Wrap the model in duct tape from the shoulders down to the hips. Only use the duct tape over the shirt so it is not touching the model's skin. Wrap the duct tape only as tightly as you wish to make the actual corset. Leave some breathing room for the model. Layer the duct tape at least twice so there is no t-shirt showing.
- 3
  Cut the duct tape and t-shirt to remove it from the model. Cut the back of the shirt from the bottom through the neckline. The model will be baring skin once the shirt is removed, so make sure to remove the shirt in a private area.
- 4
  Secure the duct tape form back together with a piece of duct tape where the cut had been made.
- 5
  Place a hanger through the shoulders of the form so it can hang freely from a closet or hat stand. Fill the form with upholstery stuffing to create a 3-D mannequin. Other types of stuffing like stuffed animal stuffing from a craft store will be too soft and you may have difficulty creating your corset on the form.

Sewing