How to choose a mannequin

Mannequins may differ from each other in size and degree of similarity to natural human figures, but what is most important is the distinctive features of a particular figure that allow you to work comfortably on it.

Regardless of the intended use, you need to choose a tailor’s mannequin, paying attention to the following factors that primarily determine the convenient and long-term use of this tool:

Types

• Having a fixed size. It corresponds to a certain type and size. It is made in accordance with all GOST standards. Considered a standard type of product;
• Sliding. You can adjust its parameters to specified sizes;
• Equipped with the ability to smoothly adjust the necessary parameters.

You should start by understanding how to choose a professional mannequin that has a fixed size. Its dimensions are unchanged, so if your parameters differ slightly from the standard ones, then choose the one that most closely matches yours.The parameters of different parts may vary depending on the manufacturer. This product is made from polymer materials that can be elastic or rigid. You can stick needles into them without any problems.

At the same time, a special cover is put on it. It is easy to remove and wash if necessary.

Selection rules

Selection based on the following parameters:

• Case. It is one of the important parameters indicating the quality of the product. Many manufacturers use cotton materials for covering. They do not slip, do not leave puncture marks, and are easy to clean. But the price of such products is appropriate. At the same time, cheaper options are covered with synthetic knitted material. Most often, the fabric can be either black or light in color. Expensive models may have a cover made of designer fabric or velvet. When buying a mannequin for work, it is better to choose one that has base lines on the surface.
• Stand. Some people do not take this detail into account, but this is wrong. The stability of the figure depends on the stand. When choosing, be sure to check this option. Tripod-shaped wooden stands are fragile and often break. It is better to choose a metal product. The product also needs constant movement, so the presence of removable wheels is only a plus.
• Height adjustment. To work comfortably, the seamstress must be able to set the required height of the figure. Therefore, the presence of height adjustment is an additional plus.
• Ease of putting on the product. There are soft fabric mannequins that can be fitted with non-stretch items. Some tailored clothing can be difficult to pull on.
• Ironing on a mannequin. Sometimes you just need to steam and iron clothes directly on your figure. When choosing, you need to find out about the quality of the base and cover from the model you are interested in. You need to make sure that the product can withstand high temperatures.
• Complementing the figure with legs. This may be needed when sewing and modeling trousers and shorts. Not all species have this capability. At the same time, it is an additional advantage, and with it there will be more opportunities to sew various products.
• Device for hems on skirts. See if the kit includes a device that hems the bottom of clothes. Then you can easily align the bottom line of the products, and you can also fix the hem with pins. It is worth noting that if the selected mannequin model is not equipped with such an addition, it can be purchased separately.

There are manufacturers who offer fixed mannequins tailored to your individual measurements. Then you will have a product that exactly matches all your parameters. In this case, you won’t even have to try on clothes for yourself. Everything will fit perfectly on you. Of course, you will have to pay a considerable amount; the price of this type differs significantly from the standard one.

It is worth noting that there are models that use elastic polymer materials. They are not susceptible to moisture. Therefore, you can use the sculpting method on them.

Choosing a sewing mannequin is not that difficult. It is important to consider several important nuances. Wherein pay attention not only to the base of the product, but also on other details that are no less important. The case, stand and additional features will help you choose a quality product that will serve you for a long time.

Material

As for the material from which the figure is made, there are figures made of hard plastic or wood and so-called soft mannequins.

Solid figures have a number of significant disadvantages. They often break when dropped, you cannot steam or iron things on them, you cannot stick a pin into them, which eliminates the possibility of using the tattoo method. The main advantage is their low price, which in no way compensates for the inconvenience associated with their use.

Covering hard mannequins with thick fabric does not greatly improve the characteristics of these products, although a number of manufacturers call them soft for marketing purposes. You can attach pins to such a product, but you cannot, for example, attach marking tape to it, you cannot steam and iron the item being made.

Real soft mannequins are made entirely from special materials that allow the figure to be slightly compressed to accommodate non-stretchable blanks. They are moisture resistant and can withstand high temperatures. Steaming and ironing the product directly on the figure greatly facilitates the work of making the collar and lapels. This is also important when working with a sleeve - it is possible to iron its fit, making it more comfortable to work on the shape.

A soft mannequin is perfect for using the tattooing method when making a model. The patterns are easily and securely attached; in addition, pins can be stuck into the figure, which is very convenient for placing marking tapes.

Flaws

Commercially available sliding mannequins are considered by many tailors to be extremely unsuitable for professional work. The main disadvantages are:

• the presence of gaps, which is especially noticeable when moving parts apart to increase the size;
• mannequin size increases evenly, that is, when the size changes upward, the thickness of the neck and shoulder becomes extremely disproportionate;
• Mechanisms that ensure size changes often become loose and break. When steaming, the metal parts of these mechanisms may rust;
• relatively high price.

As a result, after using such a mannequin for some time, the only thing that remains comfortable is its use in the smallest size (without extension) at a price that is significantly higher than that of analogues with a fixed size.

If the question arises about how to choose a figure for long-term professional use, a very useful quality of this tool will be the ability to use various additions to it:

• removable legs and arms;
• head for modeling complex collars, hoods, a more complete understanding of the image being created;
• shoulder pads;
• a mechanism for hemming the bottom of products.

A comfortable and high-quality mannequin is no less important for designing and sewing clothes than a good sewing machine or cutting table. Its acquisition is an important step towards raising the level, an indicator of a professional attitude towards tailoring.