Thread: Manequin help

Hello all, just wondering if anyone has any advice on the best adjustable manequins to buy, I'm looking at a maximum budget of £260 I think. There are so many available but it's hard to know which ones are sturdy and adjust well, I've read reviews of some that look good but are apparently useless.

If anybody uses one that they would recommend please let me know, I'm currently working from patterns only and am having a hard time with adjustments when my model is not present!

Thanksies! Mxxx

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I think Sewing Online do some good ones and cheap too...Dressmakers Dummy, Tailors Dummy, Adjustable Dressmaking Dummies, Dress Forms - sewing-online.com

Personally I never use adjustable stands ; they have gaps exactly in the places one most needs to put pins in - down the centre front and back, across the bust and waistlines etc. They are also not very sturdy.
Your best and cheapest bet is to buy a solid one which is nearest to your own measurements, or if anything slightly under, and then pad it up to shape, using wadding ( shoulder pads make great boobs!). You can buy polystyrene ones for less than £60 ( not including the stand) from places like Morplan, or from shop-fitting suppliers, with a stockinette cover, and for the money they're pretty useful.
If you keep your eyes open you may be able to find a proper Stockman or Kennet and Linsell dress form on ebay. K & L also sell off shop-soiled or old-stock stands cheap - check their website regularly.

V

Thanks gals, I don't have any problem pinning over the joins, I've used them before but never owned one, trouble is I'm selling stuff long distance and so can't arrange fittings regularly and need a vast range of sizes fitting in my tiny weeny house! Now to see if I can work out ebay (never attempted to use it before).... Thanks for your help! Mxxx