Duct Tape mannequin for patterns/displaying/sculpting!

[Dougie Fett ()]

Rob asked me to post up some pointers on making a duct tape mannequin for patterns and costume design. The mannequin was required to make a pattern in this instance. Dont have very many photos but here goes!

What you will need!
1. TK or sports wear style undersuit (the more figure hugging the outfit, the better)
2. Roll of clingfilm/sarann wrap
3. 3 to 4 rolls of duct tape (grey preferably)
4. A scissors/knife
5. Pillow or duvet filling
6. Mannequin/polysterene head (optional)
7. An assistant (essential)

Step One: Get your assistant to wrap your entire body in at least one coat of cling film, leaving your hands and head exposed (feet optional). Be careful not to wrap it too tight. In this case I chose a neutral pose, with my arms raised out from my waist slightly. You can adopt any pose depending on what your use is for the mannequin.

Step Two: Apply the duct tape, at least two layers, more if you can. Again be careful not to wrap the tape too tightly (especially around the neck), it's better to apply it in strips rather than wrapping it from the roll. When taping around the chest area, it helps if you breathe in and hold that shape while taping.




Step Three: Time to cut the tape form off. Make an incision around the Adams Apple area and cut an opening vertically as far as the waist. Do the same at the wrist area, cutting an opening just beyond your elbow, and at the ankle area to just beyond your kneecap.

You should have something similar to the photo below, the cling film will have prevented the tape sticking to your undersuit.


Step Four: Tape up the incisions on the legs, stuff the legs full of the duvet/pillow filling before you go any further. Same applies to the arms.
You can now tape up the torso, applying the filling as you go. Be sure to pack it as tightly as possible to give the mannequin structure. Insert your mannequin head and tape up the neck. You know have yourself a clone!!!



The form may require a PVC pipe skeleton if you plan on using it for displaying a costume to give it more strength.
You can also give the mannequin a few layers of plaster bandages for the same purpose or if you wanted to sculpt armour etc on it.

[Nikkos Khann (Conley Nichols)]

Stickied this! Great Tutorial!
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