Duct-Tape Dummy Guide

ꕤ Supplies You’ll Need:
❀ Old clothes: Clothes you don’t mind sacrificing for this process. It’s important these clothes are NOT baggy, they should be as tight as possible to your body.
❀ Scissors: Preferably medical or blunt-tipped scissors to avoid accidental injuries.
❀ Markers: For drawing cut guidelines and alignment markers.
❀ Duct tape: Around 4–5 rolls (better to have too much than too little!).
❀ A sturdy surface: Something to rest your arms on during the process.
❀ Friends: You’ll need at least one friend to help, but having 2–3 makes the process much easier and faster. Make sure you feel comfortable with them!

ꕤ Important Notes:
✿ Use short pieces of tape, around 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long. This helps avoid cutting off circulation and ensures accuracy.
✿ Your DTD needs two layers (or three in some areas) to make it strong and usable.
✿ You do not need to tape the full left arm and left leg. It’s enough to tape up to mid-thigh and mid-upper arm to provide a starting point.
✿ If you're unsure what type of duct tape works best, feel free to ask for recommendations!

ꕤ Instructions:
❀ Below is my preferred method for creating a DTD. There are other ways (like using painter’s coveralls), but this method works best for me. You may use other methods as long as the DTD is in good condition. A fee may apply if your dummy isn't up to standard.

ꕤ Step 1: Prepare yourself
✿ Bathroom break: Don’t skip this! You won’t be able to move freely once the process starts!
✿ If you have extensive body hair (e.g., chest or armpit hair), consider covering it to prevent discomfort or the loss of any unfortunate hairs.
✿ Be prepared to sweat! Wear breathable clothing, if possible.

ꕤ Step 2: Start taping the legs
❀ Stand in an “A-pose” (legs slightly apart).
❀ Begin at your right ankle and work your way up to the inner thigh. For the first layer, apply tape with the sticky side facing outward. This ensures it doesn’t stick to your clothes or skin.
❀ If it feels too tight at any point, let your friends know so they can adjust or cut you out if necessary.
❀ Once the base layer is complete, you can begin taping over it with the sticky sides facing inward (so the tape sticks to itself). Make sure to leave some sticky part to continue working your way up the body.

ꕤ Step 3: Lower torso and groin
✿ Starting below your belly button, tape your lower torso. Work down toward the groin, connecting the tape to the legs and lower torso sections.
✿ For your left leg, tape up to mid-thigh. This partial coverage will serve as a helpful starting point for future adjustments.
✿ Once the base layer is complete, you can begin taping over it.

ꕤ Step 4: Torso, arms, and left side adjustment
❀ Continue taping up your torso. Use longer strips of tape to create “overalls,” which act as anchors and add stability.
❀ When taping your tummy or chest, remember to relax your stomach and take a deep breath before applying tape.
❀ Make sure to tape up your neck as well.
❀ For your arms, stand in a “T-pose” (arms outstretched horizontally). Be careful not to move, any shifting can distort the DTD. Tape all the way up to your right wrist.
❀ For the left arm, it’s sufficient to tape up to mid-upper arm. (edited)

ꕤ Step 5: Mark cutting lines
✿ Draw cutting guidelines on the tape:
✿ Arms: Draw a straight line from the top of your shoulder (and your neck) down to your wrist on both arms.
✿ Body: Start at the outside of right ankle and draw a straight line up the side of your leg. Then, 10cm (4 inches) before your armpit area, pivot around and up to the neck, aiming towards the cheek, not front face.
✿ Make sure to have space between the arm and main body guide line.
✿ Add alignment markers: Draw an “X” every 10–20 cm (4–8 inches) along the cutting lines to ensure everything aligns correctly when retaping.

ꕤ Step 6: Cutting out the DTD
❀ Slowly have your friends lower you to the ground. Use medical scissors (or similarly safe scissors) to carefully cut along the guidelines.
❀ To avoid cutting skin or clothes, have your friends place their fingers between the DTD and your body as a guide.
❀ Other leg: Try to wiggle out if you can, if needed cut a little bit around the side.

ꕤ Step 7: Reinforce and dry the DTD
✿ Once you’re free, allow the DTD to air out and dry completely (it’s likely a bit sweaty).
✿ Tape the seams back together, aligning the “X” marks as you go. Use extra tape to reinforce weak spots, such as, groin, armpits etc. Especially areas with only one layer. This is very important.

ꕤ Step 8: Label and ship
❀ Write your First name and character name on the front and back of the DTD. Fold/roll it carefully to avoid warping during shipping. And you’re done!

Congrats on completing your DTD! If you have questions or need clarification, don’t hesitate to ask.