Adjustable vs Custom Dress Form | Bootstrap dress form review (I was skeptical) 

I made a Bootstrap, and maybe I was just really lucky, but it came out perfectly to my measurements, with no adjustments needed. I also decided to make mine out of a pretty floral fabric, so Mildred would be pretty to look at all on her own, and honestly, it’s really helped with my body confidence- because Millie is pretty, and Millie is Me. I’m really, really happy with my dress form.

Years ago, I made a duck tape dress form. It wasn’t that great at first. But then I made some sloper patterns of myself and put them over the form and kind of used stuffing to fill in the gaps. Then, a few years after that, I covered the whole thing in upholstery fabric and evened out some other parts and kind of molded it to the shape and measurements I wanted. The final result was a dream come true. It’s perfectly pinnable and sturdy. I even put a cup in the neck to hold little items I might need while doing a project. I put the whole thing on wheels too. It took years of perfecting it, and if you cut it open, you would be utterly confused at all the layers of weird items inside. But I absolutely love it!

Thank you so much for stopping me from buying an adjustable form!!

You beating the crap out of your dress form to arrange the stuffing made my day 😂 I’m in tears from laughing so hard

I made the bootstrap dress form cover, which is intended to fit over an existing dress form padded out to my actual measurements. It is essentially the same pattern as the dress form, except for some reason it does not include a center front or center back seam. I added those. I agree that you should absolutely include the additional optional measurements for an accurate fit. Apparently they use an algorithm based on your height to determine your back length, back neck to bust apex, etc. For someone like me, who is taller than average but shortwaisted, these generalized algorithms just do not work. The optional measurements did give me an accurate pattern for the upper body, with a minor adjustment for the upper bustline fullness (not). Unfortunately, as you point out, they do not give "optional" measurements for the lower body, like high hip and distance from waist to high/low hip. So their algorithm produced a profile that was way too slim at the high hip measurement, and the low hip was 2" below my actual low hip measurement. I adjusted the pattern and reported this to bootstrap. Their response was that their algorithm fits "most" people. Well - if you are going to market yourself as a custom pattern company, BE a custom pattern company . Adding three additional measurements can't be that heavy a lift compared to the measurements required for the upper body. I'm curious if anyone else has had issues with the lower body.

Drop cloth at Home Depot would be a frugal alternative to the thick cotton canvas. I’ve made curtains and slip covers out of it.

I just finished my Bootstrap in January. It’s my first dress form and I love it. I’m a big plus size lady and the only problem I had with the pattern was also the tummy “pudge”. To be honest the form looks like it has a front “butt”, crack and all, down the front seam. But as long as the measurement is correct I really don’t care what it looks like. And yes for the price I’d do this again if I needed too. Those laser forms are waaaay too pricey, they are way far outside of my budget. I loved using the form though to finish my latest 18th century open robe. I was absolutely tickled the first time I tried on the gown and it fit ahhh life changing moment for sure. Love your videos keep them coming.

For the pipe/ stand, you can use PVC pipes. Or metal. A Christmas tree stand will do the job, just be sure your pipe will fit an artificial tree stand. Not so pretty, but one can trade up later.

I made my bootstrap form for only $50. It’s not 100%. I’d say it’s more like 90%. I stuffed it with scrap fabric and used this sheet found at the thrift store. Totally worth it.

It was so reaffirming to hear someone else describe all the same issues I have always had with collapsible forms. One of my favorites being how the adhesive residue from the pealed sticker on the stand doing more to hold the form in place than the mechanisms designed for that purpose. I’ve never known anyone to but one a second time. How are the manufacturers of these things still in business?

Thanks for posting this one. I've got plans to make this one in the future. Did spend $10 to get measured by a dressmaker which varied from what I did. Also she better adjusted for my weird body type than I could while being twisted up, trying to judge. Now have the pdf format and will take it to the print shop to put on architectural print paper. Now its a matter of just buying parts as can be afforded until I have all that is needed to start the project. So far I have the pattern and heavier all purpose thread.

Wow. This was an excellent, detailed review of the Bootstrap form. I was just getting ready to purchase an adjustable form and so glad to see the reasons why those forms are problematic. Thank you for this video.

Everything you say here about the "adjustable" plastic dress forms, I saw at a glance the first time I laid eyes on one. They have not really changed or improved since the 80s, and while I always longed for a dress form so I could drape out clothes for myself, I never seriously considered buying one of those useless items. Your review just validated that

I hated my adjustable one too. Had ALL the same EXACT problems I thought only I had gotten a dud.

I adore my bootstrap!!!!! Never been happier, plus I really enjoyed the making process

Thank you -- that is really useful feedback on the Bootstrap. But also on the hard "adjustable" form. I have had a few chances to get at a lower price through someone selling theirs on but I just wasn't convinced. You've finally captured what was drifting around in my fuzzy thinking -- getting your garment on and off the form would be really, really tedious. Thank you so much for capturing that.

I made this, and even with the slightly low bust point, it's still 10x better than any adjustable form I've used, padded or no. I also used the contents of cheap bed pillows to stuff it because it was way cheaper per kilo than stuffing, and the leftover shells made good mock-up or tracing material haha

Love your review. I didn't do this pattern myself but chose their made to size dress form-cover. I owned a really cheap (under 50$) decorative styrofoam dress form already and I wanted to use that. I used many layers of quilting batting to cover my dress form to shape her to my measurements and size. I worked on it about one month but I love the result! As your form she's not perfect but much better than everything I had before (and much cheaper too!)

I have the kind of dress form you did and I hate mine also. Last week I was removing a polonaise I had sewn and the pole nearly ripped my arm open. Luckily, the cuts were minor and the bruise looks worse than it was. Your video came at just the right time. I might try the bootstrap now. Nothing I tried before worked, so I am glad your appraisal was so well crafted. Thank you.

this is awesome and just what I was hoping to find at some point! Thank you!!!

I too made a Bootstrap form. I like it. I'm 72 and much more in line with some of their choices of body shape. It is very affordable. I have used it and found it helpful with fitting up to a point. The final fitting I did on my body for exact fit.

I made my own as well, and Never scrimp on good fusible webbing,!! Mine started to peel off the fabric shortly after ironing it on,, but over all I'm pleased with my dress form,,

I can NOT thank you enough! I'm a single mother and do not have a dime to spare on things that are not adding serious value to my life. And I do have a very odd shaped body, which worried me before I saw this, but now I know for sure the adjustable form would not be a wise investment for me. I'm very slender but with thickness in my hips and thighs. I have a huge ribcage yet no boobs, a long torso and I'm tall for a woman. All that considered I think I have more time to waste than money and more reasons to make my own than risk it. I was so unsure before this video. Thank you!🙏🥰

I had bought my adjustable dress form like you did some time ago ( I just recently heard of Bootstrap ) I also was looking to have a more accurate fit. So I did the duck tape process then put that over the dress form and put stuffing into the areas that needed it. I put one of my bras that still fit but was old onto the form then put a men’s t-shirt over the whole thing. Dress form gave me a nice base, duck tape accurate fit, t-shirt something to pin. I made this like 15 years ago where my options were limited but it worked for me. I love your base.

I enjoyed this very much. I bought my Bootstrap pattern but haven't sewn it yet. I feel like I need a dress form to adjust this dress form. But yes, way better than the plastic one - I threw mine in a "donate" box and kept the stand to use for my me-made one. Thanks for your video!

I'm so tickled by how this was my exact experience. We used all the same materials and made the same adjustments, except I'm really short waisted and had to take 2.25" from the waist. Mine turned out sort of crooked and I might re stuff it. The bust is way too low, unfortunately

I have seen a few made. I'm glad this worked out for you. I seriously doubt that I could do it, just because I doubt that I can do it accurately.

That corset is so pretty.

Loved this review! I have playlisted it for future ref

The Bootstrap Form is similar to my Uniquely You foam rubber form. The cost is similar. The zippered cover is tailored skin tight to the user so that the foam rubber approximates the user’s figure. This is mostly true. The caliber of help you get while tailoring will directly affect the end result. I also found it necessary to reshape the under side of the bust and lower abdomen. The Uniquely You works well with corsets and it firmly holds pins when draping. They last a long time. My first form is around 30 years old.

I have made one and while I had some of the same problems as you in the stomach and bust area , after I fixed them ( The bust with a bra and stomach as as you did ) I personally love it !!! Definitely recommend if you are on a budget

That was just what i needed! Thank you!!

This is the most helpful and also the most hilarious sewing video I’ve ever watched 😂😂😂😂😂

Thank you for your excellent candid and thorough review - I am a new sub today. Looking forward to seeing your other videos!

You can move the stuffing around with a 12 inch upholstery needle. The holes that the needle make can be rubbed out.

Thank you, it was very helpful. I think I really need something like this to improve my sewing

I too had a plastic form and had all of the same problems with adjusting the sizes. I made the bootstrap pattern and totally love it. I had some pretty upholstery fabric on hand and it came out a little frilly. No regerts (lol)! I've recommended it to my sister. I used a pvc pile from hardware store and I paid $5.95 for it (it also longer than I need). Lastly, I didn't read the instructions and my pipe, at first, was cut to long. I hope you get some good use out of it. I really have.

Thanks for the good review of the Bootstrap form. I think I am going to order one. Thanks again!

Great Video 👏 I have wondered to try this sort of a dressform because padding Out a Standart form doesn't work because... I'm tiny and can't find a dressform smal enough even without padding it 😂 I have made my own dressform using an antique pattern but this obviously only works for 'victorian' stuff 🙈 This was very informative so thank you 😻

You just gained a new subscriber, thank you for making this video

Thank you so much for this video sharing your own opinion! I am thinking now to buy the pattern or de adjustable mannequin and this video has solved a lot of questions for me :)

Thank you for this video. The review playlist doesn't work for me unfortunately but i did watch the tutorial video and checked out the website, I decided that this was something for me too. Hadn't heard of it before and have been looking at dressforms every now and then but never found one within my budget that had the right functions. I do have one of the adjustable ones, but like you say, thats rubbish for draping and fitting. So now I'm looking forward to getting all materials assembled and making the form. Thanks again.

I made this and put it over my adjustable form stuffing out to fit. My measurements came out very close so i needed almost no adjustments.

I am about to embark on this journey. I bought some foamy fusible interfacing and I have the paper pieces cut out. That's as far as I've gotten. I'm just trying to watch all of the bootstrap videos and every single one of them gives me great ideas. Including yours.

I had a similar experience. I redid this project about 3x and even though the shape isn't perfect, it's better than the adjustable dress form I used to have. The bust is a little low, and I had to take in the waist multiple times. Plus, the lines in the bust didn't line up at all. Thus the reason it took me 3 tries to make one successfully. But at least now I have a dress form that has the same bust, waist, and hip measurements as me.

I really want to make one of these. Whoever came up with this is an angel! They are genius! The ones u buy are so so janky.

Your rage with the adjustable dress form 😹 But I totally agree with you that they are garbage. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Great idea about ordering the bootstrap fashion one in CAD to being able to some adjustments! I really should have done that. My concern was also the lack of including the high hip measurement, and as a result, my hip/bum area isn't as closely matched as it could be. I made a video on making my own dress form and I mentioned in that video that my hip bone goes out much sooner (or as you call it "prominent hip bone"!) from my waist and then I am not as round around the hips as on the dress form. But I forgot to mention in that video that this might be due to the lack of high hip measurement. I also have that thing called hip dips, but a bum on top of that, so most of my size around the lower hip measurement is at the bum not at the side of the hips. In hindsight, I think a pair of shoulder pads inside of the dress form might also have helped to get a nicer shoulder. If I get ambitious I might also restuff and add that. 😅Otherwise, my dress form turned out great!

This was a great video...thank you! I was debating between a store bought adjustable form vs. making a Bootstrap version. You just convinced me not to buy the store bought adjustable. I have a full bulges and curves that I was afraid the adjustable kind would not be able to adjust to. Well, I guess I'll be making a Bootstrap!!

I came here looking just for the bootstrap review and suddenly see flashes of historical dressmaking?! Huzzah! 🥰🤗

I’m about to start mine! (Bootstrap) Got all my materials together, actually for around $45 (the cost of the pattern, of printing it, the fabric, and the fill, I already had a coat rack and some other supplies) because I’m using a lot of stuff I already had

I used a cylinder of floral foam wrapped in batting for my neck. No cutting necessary!

thanks for the advice!

Oh I wish I watched this earlier! I just finished my Bootstrap piece and agree about the low under the bust measurement, other than that it is a very good fit. I sadly ordered the 'slip over a pre-existing form pattern instead of the version you made (and I thought I ordered) so after trying to unsuccessfully stuff m cover I ordered tge Dritz adustable form to slip the Bootstrap custom cover over it. I'll cross my fingers it will do for my needs. I do recommend the Bootstrap DIY system.

Great video! I need to buckle down and make one of these...

Lol I just bought the Dritz dress form. I hope I like it more than you did! I did notice that I can't adjust it to match my tummy without making the top part too big. I see your point!

I am in the process of making mine from Bootstrap. I ordered the one with the extra measurements trying to get it to be more like me. The bustline is low, so I plan on putting one of my bras on it to make it level with mine. I found the instructions to be somewhat lacking and I tried to contact their customer service which was/is awful. I sent emails and called their number and never rec'd a reply. Will keep working at it though! You have given me hope!!

The capo was a brilliant idea :)

Love the office space reference!

Thank you. This confirmed im going to give the gummed paper tape dummy a try. (I did duct tape before and HATED it.)

I made one of these Nd made an H stand with PVC, already had fabric & fiberfill on hand, cost me $37 in total. 😎love itttt

One of the best videos I've watched on this for a beginner. I'm glad i didn't make the mistake of buying those plastic adjustable mannequins 😅

I was struggling with the forms as a beginner who hasn't even spent the 2500 on the sewing/ embroidery machine yet I thought a form would be a great way to kick off this hobby. I looked at all my options online the adjustable forms just didn't look right and without actually feeling and seeing the firms in person I decided on getting a 200 $ form that isn't adjustable and had the arms in fabric. Watching this video showed me I made a good choice. If that ridged crappy form would have made it to my doorstep I would have been livid

I have this pattern in my shopping cart but other considerations for our funds need to come first. I've got one of those adjustable forms and it doesn't come anywhere near my actual measurements. The thing is too small. And I bought a Plus Size version, too. (I'm a really big Plus Size.) Actually, if I could stand long enough I'd do what Morgan Donner did for her dress form. I have arthritis in both knees and I'd fall over before the plaster bandages dried. So I guess it's the Bootstrap form for me.

I got an adjustable form at an auction, or rather my husband brought it home for me. Lol He does find good stuff! But I never used it and got rid of it. I have a very old dress form that is also adjustable with a tube of matching fabric that slides over the form. But she is small so she holds handbags and all sorts of things. If I’m going to sew clothes I guess I’m going to have to try and do one of these projects. You guys comments are giving me confidence that I can do it. When I made clothes growing up I didn’t have adjustments to make but this 66 year old body needs adjustments.hahaha thanks everyone

Your confusion and caution about the "tell us what you look like" bit is what's been stopping me from getting a Bootstrap pattern. Being plus size and having not very proportional parts of my body is not fun - I 100% have the same issue with the underbust being too low fot me! I'm so glad yours turned out lovely though :)

I keep getting videos about this and I'm so tempted 😭My only worry is about what happens if one loses weight? I suppose the illustrator file is pretty easy to adjust, but it feels like it would require some trial and error in order to really nail down the right shape.

i also have one of those adjustable dress forms. i've been thinking about robbing it of its pole and hardware to make a Bootstrap form since it's the complete wrong size for me (but i only really bought it to level skirt hems anyway) but I have a medical condition that causes my body to be quite disproportionate and generally a bit odd shaped compared to other people, so i'm moderately concerned about having to edit the pattern and completely messing it up, lol. but i think your video has convinced me, the pattern's quite cheap so all i'm really gonna waste trying is my time and some calico.

So i have a duct tape dress form. It ruins pins, they come put covered in sticky goop and get super bent. so there's that. It was fun and interesting to make. I bought a bulk of ductape from amazon (about 30) and used an old t shirt. I used a christmas tree stand for a base and a pole from a christmas tree we were getting rid of at the time.. I only used this a hand full of times. because after a while things just started sticking to it. Im looking at the boot strap form and loved your video on it. I have watched several others and it seem like it would be the most accurate. My mother in law has that adjustable one. ive looked at it real good a few times and even she said it isnt the best to use. and it was pricey.

I want to try this ! I have a very thin body shape, even the smallest adjustable dress forms are slightly too big for me (and they always have boobs... I don't). Thank you for this video !

I spy a capo. I rock this combo also, sewing and guitar!!!🎶

This has been on my to do list forever! So are you gonna give your old form the Office Space treatment?

I think there is a video by Morgan Donner on how to D.I.Y a dress form to your exact shape.

Also getting that 3D rendering preview fully sent me into a dissociative existential crisis ARE WE OUR BODIES? 😂 😭

I just made one myself and I love it! The only thing I found was that even though the measurements were almost perfect it is more 'round' or 'tube-like', where my own body is flatter when looking at it sideways and wider when looking from the front. But overall I'm really happy with it!.

10/10 use of a capo! 🤣

The duct tape dress form didn't work for me. I'm experimenting with the masking tape and Saran wrap form. I could not rectify the price for the plaster mold form, it looks cheap but then when you actually look at everything it's actually rather pricey for a quick and dirty on the budget form. What I'm planning to do is to draft a pattern of me and use some mock-up fabric to make a bodysuit, and lay the final pieces out onto my dress form fabric (it reminds me of Van Gogh's starry night 😆💞.) and twill tape in the hips waist and bust. I suppose I will be lining it now, with linen or cotton herringbone from Burnley & Trowbridge (the prices make it doable). I was thinking a filling the breast area with lentils or beads to mimic the weight and seat of real breasts, mostly for making stays and the like. I'm not sure if I should put boning in or not though. the most obvious reason against would be pins, two reasons for, would be to 1 mimic the rib cage, and 2 to keep it In shape, perhaps a cardboard cylinder rib cage wrapped with rag stuffing. I have been saving up my worn out rag clothes for this project.

The Bootstrap customer service was extreme disappointing. I bought a couple of patterns and neither one fit well. I contacted CS and felt the rep was not only very unhelpful but was blaming the bad fit on me. I also felt the rep was disrespectful and had an attitude like, “ ha ha, I’m not helping you and there’s nothing you can do.”

Thank you

I orderd mines am workin on it at the moment but my waist are low but I saw that measurements after I done order as to more measurements but that ok I guess will see when it's done good job on urs

Great information, thank you. I’m sewing shirts for my grandson who buys store bought 8XLT. Question I have is whether you know of a source that sells large patterns for men. Any advice from you or others is much appreciated on how best to enlarge a shirt pattern for the men’s casual shirt.

Rust marks still less prominent than my actual birthmarks. I was not raised around dress forms so it's fascinating to see how people make and use them.

Yes, I have an adjustable form mannequin (Her name being Euphemia) and I do agree it was one of the worst purchases I've made. Most of the adjustable parts are broken now and I've got her firmly corseted down to a size 8 ish which is unfortunate because I'm a size12. If it wasn't for the fact that she would be very jealous and hurt, I would just buy one of those cheap £20/£30 pound decorative ones on Amazon. But Euphemia and I have history, and I'm nothing if not loyal.

Duct tape gums up the pins. Though it’s better than no dress form and gets one by. And is super cheap, I spent all my money on a new really nice machine. What you gonna do? 🤷🏻‍♀️

I am tempted to get a bootstrap dress form but as i am trying to lose weight at the moment i am waiting to see what my measurements will be once everything settles.

I think I need to make one of these, or maybe two, which brings me to my question - can you put your period corsets onto the form and then it shapes to the period or would it be best to wear the corset and get a pattern to those measurements? On an amusing note, my husband, who has no interest whatsoever in historic costume, was fascinated and watched the whole video, laughing in all the right places. High praise indeed! Than you once again for a very helpful video.

Lolol. I laughed so hard at your description of what was wrong with the adjustable dress form. Had one inherited from my mother waaaay back and can confirm it's uselessness. Didn't help, that it was quite curvy and I'm basically a stick, of course. Those things are just awful!

"What if you have a really high, prominent hip bone" Well that rules out the Bootstrap form for me then. :D My problem is that I need a squishy dress form for historical costuming, but as a matter of fact most of me isn't squishy. And I can't solve this problem just by padding up a regular dress form, because I also have a longer torso... :P I think I decided that the best option might be a thick felt, like The Modern Maker made (not sure if he ever shared it anywhere but Facebook). Still, nice tips on how to make this type of dress form in a better way! :-)

The only good thing about those wonky hem measuring thingies on these hard shell dress forms is that my foster cat ABSOLUTELY LOVED scratching her chin against it 😹

How do you put pants on the dress form when the rod's in the way in both openings?

this is so helpful! Can you estimate how many hours it took?

Suggestion for cutting foam - use one of those electric serrated knives. Cuts like the proverbial butter. The guitar capo as a clam is Brilliant. I'm putting off making my own version of a Bootstrap because - a) space, b) budget, and c) not sure if I'm ready to have me represented in three-dimensional space that I'm not currently occupying. And I want to see how much of this Covid weight comes off when we return to normal life (if/when that happens; in the meantime I really need to start climbing the fire stairs in our apartment building). Your Boostrap looks great. I love how tough that base looks. - Cathy (&, accidently, Steve), Ottawa/Bytown

In the costs, the plastic already had the cost of labor and no fidling with the patern, though did it have shipping costs? While yours would probably be more expencive if you asked another seamtress to make it, because of those fit modifications and the time and efort expended. I know its an easy thing to forget, but lets acount for the making/building time as well. Your time is valuable! Ps: could flat bit of fabric, sewn inside across the low bust line, with a hole for the rod, help keep the bust stuffing at the bust, instead of drooping? Anyways, Thanks for the video, it was quite interesting :)

I'm curious, if I use my regular measurements and then add a corset to the dressform for costume fitting.... will the dressform expand back out to my regular measurements once the corset is removed

Can you share where you got the stand? Thx!

I'm in the midst of making one of the Bootstrap forms. I had one of the nasty plastic forms, and it never worked for me as I am very short waisted. I had a duct tape dummy, but that sort of "melted" with the heat. :( Now to see how this works.

👍⭐ Thank you!

I have been considering buying the pattern for a while now. I have a shop mannequin and was thinking of buying the type that fits over the mannequin and you just add the requisite padding. The thing that puts me off is the breasts though. Does Bootstrap account for pendulous breasts that are very easy to hoik up in stays and corsets?

How did you get to choose your measurements?

The customized measurements option is not available to this extent in their plus size form. I am, busty, short-waisted, sway backed, low waist to hip ratio, and muscular. I'm concerned that a large cup size would be hard to make the bust line "moveable and moldable/smashable" to accommodate the range of bust positions in various fashion eras, e.g., Regency up-to-your-chin vs Edwardian down-to-your-waist and 1920s flat vs. 1950s nose cones. I didn't find the online fill-in form adequate for my measurement needs

yay capo!