Creating a body padding

[TTailor]

I am starting the process of making a body padding for a character.
I made one about three years ago, incidentally for the same actor, and it was something I wasn't expecting to land in my workload. It was given to me at the last minute, so I didnt document it fully then.
Now I wish i had.
The good thing is that I have access to the old body padding for reference.
The bad thing is getting a late start on it (things beyond my control)

Step number one
Make a stretch power net body suit to fit the actor. Look for power net in our supply room. Get white power net dyed to a flesh tone.
Figure out the stretch factor of the power net and make a pattern.

My pattern consists of a bodice, sleeves and shorts. I cut the bodice with a "princess" seams (my front bodice pattern was modified after the picture was taken) The back of the shorts has a seam over the centre of the buttock, side seams as well as a regular cf/ cb seam. This gives me a multitude of options for fitting.
Possible issues? I dont have up to date measurements for the actor, and he wont be available to remeasure until rehearsals start in six weeks. I don't know if the memory foam we used for the padding last time was unbearable to wear, so I have to wait on that.

I am working on the photo embedding from Flickr ........standby!

[TTailor]

[Schneiderfrei]

Great post, thank you Terri.

I look forward to observing your progress.

G

[Zanzare]

Good project.

Out of interest: with what kind of machine are you sewing the power net?

[pfaff260]

interesting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TTailor]

We put together the bodysuit with a zig machine for the fitting.
I left fairly ample seam allowances because I didnt have up to date measurments of the actor.
Once he arrived and was remeasured, he had gone up a full size, so I was happy to have the ability to let it out.

After the fitting, we took it apart, I marked all the alterations, and it was put together with a four thread serge on a domestic serger. The seam allowances were then stitched down with a multi stitch zig.
The zip goes in with a straight stitch.

I will take a photo of it tomorrow for you.
Its ready for the next step.

[Zanzare]

Cool, thanks.

I mainly use powernet for bustflatteners and therefore the zig zag is sufficient.

I've been working in the past in places with special industrial equipment for stretchy seams were we made a lot more costumes with all kinds of elastics and sometimes I miss them.... especially when it comes to hemming those elastics.... maybe I need to investigate in the domestic overlockers a bit more as sometimes that would be very handy.

Anyway, looking forward to see your boddypadding evolve!

[Henry Hall]

I've never even heard of 'powernet'. I am so behind the times.

Maybe I should investigate.  I might need it for 'support' in later years.

[theresa in tucson]

Henry, powernet in different weights is used in girdles, bras and other shapewear.  It's also used a lot in things like compression socks, knee and ankle braces.

[Henry Hall]

Oh right. I know compression socks and support tubing. I'd never heard the name powernet though.

[TTailor]

This is on a stand that I had to pad out with a layer of 1/2" foam to get it to be the size of the actor.



This time we reinforced the underarm area with a double layer of the net. This is on the body as well as the sleeve.


Neckline finish

[posaune]

neat necklinie finish! The pin in the front neck give me the creeps! Does he sing ?
lg
posaune

[TTailor]

He cant sing now! Ouch!

[Schneiderfrei]

Perhaps its acupuncture?

[Zanzare]

Nice finish, love the neck!