I am currently in the process of building my own suit and I've been trying to learn how people figure out what pattern to cut for the pillow inserts. I've read several tutorials and googled the heck out of it, but all I can get is things like "then make your pillow inserts..."

Would you be able to give a tip or a hint on how I do dis? I've got the DTD getting ready to cut apart to make the fabric patterns, but not sure how to go about figuring out what shapes to make my pillows in that empty space between me and the fabric.

I can help!

I generally make a pattern using the DTD and paper. I trace the leg shape from the DTD onto the paper and then draw what I want my padding to look like over it (Big pieces of newsprint paper help). From there I transfer that pattern onto my chosen fabric and cut out two pieces of the pattern. I pin those pieces and from there use the shape they make to pattern the 3rd piece that goes on the bottom and holds all of the stuffing in. I cut it out of the fabric as well.

Sew it all together and stuff it then you have your pillow form. :3 I hope that makes sense! Kinda hard to word it. XD If you need more help feel free to send me a note!

Thank you so much! I am sending you a note with a couple more questions. :)

Don't cut up your DTD!! You'll need it to pin your fur together over it so it will fit properly when you put it on. Use some inexpensive cloth or paper to make patterns with.

I meant my secondary DTD. I built up the form I wanted my character to take on top of my original DTD. The one I'm cutting up is the second shell so I know what patterns to make. Or are you saying don't cut that either? I'm just following a tutorial. :P

If you have two DTD, then go for it.
I usually get cheap cotton, make a cloth bodysuit dummy that fits, draw the markings on it, and then cut that up for the pattern for the fur.

It is so amazing to see all of the work you put into these. I've been wanting to try a quad suit but they're intimidating to say the least.

Keep on trucking! This is looking great and I can't wait to see the finished product!