Duct tape dummy guide

A duct tape dummy, or DTD, is required for any costume with a bodysuit. This tutorial will give you all the information to be able to build a sturdy, accurate DTD which is essential to a well-fitting bodysuit.

Before you start

  • You will need at least one friend to help you make your dummy, ideally two or more. Ensure you’re comfortable with whoever you enlist to help you as you will be left in your underwear once you’re finished being cut out of the DTD.
  • Both yourself and your helpers should read the entire tutorial before starting.
  • Try not to move around too much once taped as this can cause the tape to stretch. A small adjustment is fine but don’t make full body movements if you can help it.
  • Wear comfy, but not favoured underwear under your overalls. Though only the tape should be cut, your underwear may also suffer a casualty or two so bear this in mind.
  • Make sure you use the bathroom before you start and have water nearby to stay hydrated as making a DTD can be a long process.
  • If you’re prone to anxiety/panic or are claustrophobic, ensure the people helping you are aware of this and know the warning signs so that they can help you if needs be.

You will need:

  • A pair of disposable painters overalls
  • 4 – 6 rolls of duct tape, ideally in two different colours if possible
  • A permanent marker
  • Strong scissors, ideally bandage scissors with rounded tips
  • Plastic bags or paper towels for extending the overalls where needed
  • A fan if needed, making a DTD can get very warm
  • Shelves or brooms to keep your arms up towards the end of the process

Important info

  • Only use good duct tape. Do not use parcel/packing tape, masking tape, gorilla tape etc.
  • Cut/rip the tape into approximately 6” strips to apply, and apply in a criss-cross pattern as you go.
  • Do not wrap the tape too tightly. While a close fit is necessary for a good bodysuit, do not tape so tightly that there is a risk of cutting off circulation. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or faint, ask your friends to cut you out immediately and start over once you feel better. 
  • Taping one foot is required.
  • Using painters overalls is required. Do not use spare clothing, especially anything elasticated.
  • Multiple layers are required. DTDs go through a lot of manhandling and need to be able to stand up to this. One layer will not suffice.
  • Write your character name on the DTD upon finishing.
  • Please tape your DTD back up once you have been cut out.

If these requirements are not met, you will either be asked to make a new DTD or will be charged by the hour for any fixes that need to be made. After this your DTD can be folded and packed into a small box ready to be sent.

Now let’s get started!

Step 1:
Put on your painter’s overalls! Your arms will need to be raised while placing any securing pieces of tape (steps 2 and 4), but can be relaxed during the rest of the process until the arms/shoulders themselves need to be taped.

Step 2:
Starting with your darker duct tape if you have 2 different colours, begin by taping over your crotch from your belly to your butt. Make sure it’s snug enough, but not so much as to give yourself a wedgie. Then tape around each thigh just under your butt cheeks, and then around your hips. This should create a harness-like shape and secure the lower half of the overalls in place.

Step 3:
Tape down the legs starting from the hips and finishing at the ankles. If the overalls have ridden up and no longer reach all the way down, you can extend them with some paper towels. You can either do both legs at the same time, or one after the other. Once you reach the ankle, cover one foot with either a plastic bag or paper towels and tape over the foot.

Step 4:
Raise your arms into a relaxed T-pose and tape all the way around the chest directly underneath the armpits, and then around the shoulders/upper arms. Ensure there are no gaps in the armpits as this will create an ill-fitting bodysuit.

Step 5:
Fill in the tape between the hips and the chest.

Step 6:
Before moving onto the arms, go back over your first layer of tape with a second layer (use the lighter colour if you’re using different colours). Ensure there is none of the first layer showing through, this is where using different colours for different layers comes in handy!

Step 7:
Continue the second layer all the way up to the chest. Once you have completely covered the first layer, raise your arms again into the relaxed T-pose and begin taping your shoulders and arms. Use brooms or furniture to help you if your arms get tired as they will need to stay up during this process.

Step 8:
Go over your first arm layer with your second layer, again ensuring none of the first layer is showing through.

Step 9:
You’re done! Write your character name on the front, as well as marking the knees, elbows and tail hole placement. Mark your cut lines and draw an ‘X’ every few inches so that these can be matched up when the DTD is being taped back up. Cut the arms first, being careful to lift the tape away from the body as much as possible with your fingers or a wooden spoon etc. Next cut down the central body marking and leg, and lastly the remaining leg. Tape your DTD back up following your markings and your DTD is ready to be sent!

Thank you for following this tutorial, a well-made DTD is the most important part of making a well-made bodysuit so I appreciate you following these instructions carefully. I look forward to starting on your suit and bringing your character to life! If you have any questions, please do let me know.

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