Make a dress-form cover from linen or medium-weight fabric using the basic-sheath dress pattern. Add a center-front seam to the pattern or mark a centerline on the center-front panel right side. Cut out the cover so it's at least 2" longer than the form.
With right sides facing, stitch the center-front seam and baste the center-back seam. With wrong sides facing, baste the remaining seams except for the side seams. Serge- or zigzag-finish the neckline, armhole and hem edges.
Place the cover on the form with the right side facing out and align the center front and back with the marked lines. Pin through the cover centerlines into the form so the cover doesn't shift while working. Pin-fit the cover at the princess seams and side seams until it closely conforms to the shape (19).
Release the basting from the seams where adjustments were made. Mark all the stitching lines (except the center-front and center-back seams) by spreading apart the seam allowances and marking both sides along the pins. Make horizontal marks across the seamlines, especially at the waist and bustline to line up the seams exactly when repining. Release the remaining basting from the princess seams. Repin the seams with right sides facing along the marked lines and align the horizontal marks; stitch the seams.
Remove the center-back seam basting. Clip the curved seam allowances almost to the stitching and press the seams open. Place the muslin back on the dress form, and then hand sew the centerback seam closed.
Turn the hem to the underside of the base, stretching it slightly. Hold the muslin temporarily in place with tape. Glue the hem to the base to secure. If plywood was used for the base, use a staple gun to secure the fabric.
For an even closer fit, spray the muslin lightly with water and steam with an iron or garment steamer to shrink the muslin to the form.
Cover the neck smoothly with matching fabric or craft felt. Leave the neck open in case you ever need access to the form interior.
Mark the waistline with twill tape. Pin the twill tape to the form at the center front, center back and side seams.
Dress Form Arm
A dress-form arm is used to drape garments, check pattern designs and examine the finished sleeve fit.
Use the arm pattern from a garment or see Sources at the end of this article for a dress-form arm pattern. If using a garment pattern, closely fit the sleeve to your right arm.
With the sleeve on your arm, measure the circumference of your upper arm, elbow, below the elbow and wrist; lightly mark the sleeve where you measured.
Remove the sleeve and stuff it somewhat firmly, measuring the marked areas to be sure they measure the same as your arm.
Close the arm upper and lower openings with fabric circles. Add a flap to the shoulder portion of the arm to pin it to the form (20).
Make a dress-form cover from linen or medium-weight fabric using the basic-sheath dress pattern. Add a center-front seam to the pattern or mark a centerline on the center-front panel right side. Cut out the cover so it's at least 2" longer than the form.
A dress-form arm is used to drape garments, check pattern designs and examine the finished sleeve fit.