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How to Make Your Own Sewing Double

Materials:

2 T-shirts (one to cut up)
6 rolls minimum (more depending on size)
1 sturdy poster tube
1 wooden hanger
4-5 bags of polyfill (more depending on size)
1 piece of foam core board
Bandage cutting scissors
A good friend!

First things first. Cut the sleeve and the bottom of the extra T-shirt as shown in the diagram.

Sew the bottom piece cut from the extra shirt to the bottom of the good shirt to lengthen it. Next, sew the sleeve to the neck of the good shirt. What you are trying to accomplish is a length long enough to include your hips and a place to create a neck.

Now you need an extra pair of hands to help. There is no way to do this by yourself. Have your friend wrap you with the duct tape. Make sure you get from your hips to your neck. Pull the tape slightly snug so you can add a few layers without adding size. But don't pull too tight as you don't want to end up wearing a girdle after making clothes with the thing. It's supposed to be your exact double. When you have been wrapped at least twice around (3 to 4 is best), have your partner cut straight up your back. Use bandage scissors because they have a flat edge on one side to avoid cutting skin. They also are pretty sturdy since they are used by paramedics to cut clothing and plaster. Pull straight off the front.

Next take the poster tube. It has to be sturdy. Cut a niche on each side of the top for the hanger to rest in. Trace lines using the hanger as a pattern.

Fit the hanger into the niches and duct tape them in place.

Drape the duct tape covered T-shirt on the hanger. Using more duct tape, seal the opening in the back. Stitch the top of the neck and the openings in the sleeves. From the bottom, stuff with the polyfill until it is firm, making sure to fill in places where you might have a bulge or two. The breast area is important because it is important in pattern measurement. When your second self is significantly stuffed, stand it up on the foam core and trace around the bottom. Using a box cutter, cut around the outline. Take this piece and stuff it in the bottom. Cover with the remaining T-shirt pieces and stitch shut. Add an extra layer of duct tape or paint, whatever you want to finish it off.

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