Duct Tape Dummy Guide

What You'll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Put on your base layer

   Wear a tight-fitting long-sleeved shirt and leggings or thin pants. This will be your base layer — the tape goes directly on top of it. Make sure the clothing fits snugly without being uncomfortable. Avoid baggy clothes as they'll make the DTD inaccurate.

2. 2

   Start taping the torso

   Your helper should start wrapping duct tape around your torso, beginning at the waist. Use strips about 6–8 inches long. Apply them smoothly without pulling too tight — you need to breathe! Work upward toward the chest and shoulders, overlapping each strip slightly.

3. 3

   Tape the arms

   Hold your arms out slightly from your body (not straight out — just a natural relaxed position). Have your helper wrap tape from your shoulders down to your wrists. Make sure to keep your arms slightly bent at the elbow for a natural pose.

4. 4

   Tape the legs

   Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your helper should tape from the waist down, doing each leg separately. Go all the way down to the ankles. Avoid taping your crotch area — leave a gap there for comfort. Two layers of tape is enough for the legs.

5. 5

   Add a second layer

   Go over everything with a second layer of tape, this time wrapping in the opposite direction (if you went horizontal first, go vertical now). This makes the dummy rigid enough to hold its shape. Don't add more than two layers — it makes it too stiff and hard to ship.

6. 6

   Mark reference points

   Use the permanent marker to draw reference lines on the tape: mark your waistline, the center of your chest, your shoulder seams, elbows, knees, and crotch line. Write "FRONT" on the front and "BACK" on the back. These markings help me align patterns correctly.

7. 7

   Cut yourself out

   Your helper should carefully cut a straight line up the back of the dummy, from the lower back to the neck. Be very careful not to cut skin! Medical shears work best. Gently wiggle out of the dummy. For the legs, cut along the inner seam.

8. 8

   Tape it back together and ship

   Tape the cut seams back together loosely — don't overlap them, just close the gap. Stuff the dummy lightly with newspaper or plastic bags so it holds its shape during shipping. Fold it carefully and ship it in a box. Include your name and order number inside!