Making a DTD

WHAT IS A DUCT-TAPE-DUMMY?

A duct-tape-dummy (or DTD) is a 3D representation of a person’s body shape.

 

WHY DO I NEED ONE?

By having a DTD to work with, we can quite easily make complicated costumes fit the owner. It’s the equivalent of using thousands of measurements.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO MAKE ONE?

  • Several rolls of duct tape. It doesn’t matter what color you use, but please limit it to one solid color.
  • Scissors
  • A black sharpie
    You will be cutting away your outer layer of clothing in the last step so be sure to be careful. Thin, easy to cut clothing works the best. We require the use painter coveralls. These are very cheap and can be purchased at any hardware or paint store. Before you begin, get as many people as you can to help. You can not do this on your own. The process will take 60+ minutes.  Don’t forget to use the restroom beforehand! And do this is in air conditioned environment and STAY HYDRATED! There are lots of tutorials out there to follow but below is our recommendation on how to do it.
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    HOW DO I MAKE ONE?

    Step 1: Suit Up!

    Put on your painters suit! 

    NOTE: Under the painters vest make sure you wear what you are expecting to wear under the fursuit (underarmour, cooling vest, etc) so everything fits

    Step 2: Prep!

    Prepare for taping by cutting the duct tape into strips. This is so you can apply the tape quickly. (Make sure you apply the tape in a crisscross pattern. DO NOT apply the tape directly from the roll to your body. This will create a weak DTD that will fall apart.)

    Step 3: Start at the Crotch! 

    Since your limbs are not yet restrained, you can do this part mostly on your own (or with a really good friend). Make sure to get this part as tight to your body as possible, otherwise your fur-suit will not fit well. 

    Step 4: The Torso!

    Now start moving up from your waist. Make sure a friend does this as it is important that as you must keep your Back Straight (Proper Posture, No Slumping) If you do not stand up straight with good posture still while the tape is being put on otherwise your fursuit will be too short and/or cause your waist to wrinkle. (NOTE: make sure to do crisscross tape pattern)

    Ladies, to be careful to tape under and around your breasts, rather than over them. Otherwise your dummy will be very flat-chested.

    Step 5: Moving to the Legs!

    Your heels should be spread apart, approximately width of your shoulders. Keep your legs straight. Now tape down to your bottom of your ankle so we know where to stop the suit. 

    Step 6: Wrapping the arms!

    Spread your arms out into a T-Pose as flat and straight as possible with palms facing downward, as this insure proper tailoring of the arms. 

    Note: Use any suitable surface to rest your arm on to make the strain easier. Be very careful to tape tightly into the armpit. Not doing so will result in a fur-suit in which you can't lift your arms!

    Step 7: Details Details!

    Collar: Tape half way up your neck (make sure its covered with suit or bag)

    Reinforce: Add additional tape around waist, chest, legs, and arms as needed

    Check for holes: double check that there are no holes or missed spots.

    Draw cut lines: Draw out cut lines with “X” marks every 4-6 inches so the duct tape will be lined up correctly after you cut yourself out.

    Tail: Draw on the Back/Butt approximately where the tail should sit

    Knees/Elbow: Mark where your knees and elbows are

    Labeling: Write Front, back, and your name and order number on the suit

    Step 8: The Escape!

    Now that you're screaming to get out have a friend slowly and very carefully cut you out. We suggest cutting up from your hand to the shoulder, past the shoulder, and carefully to the neck. This cut should free your arms and neck.

    From there have your friends can cut down the center of your body toward your hip to free your torso.

    Next your friends should beginning cutting from your foot up to your opposite hip. Once the dummy is cut past the knees you should be able to wiggle out

    DO NOT make any unnecessary cuts. Your DTD should be in one piece. Do only enough for you to get out of the dummy. 

    DO tape the dummy back up!

    Step 9: Ship to Rising Sun Kemono!