I had a dress form which I never used--the old, old metal link kind. For pants, took apart a pair of good fitting ready made ones and used it for a pattern--just remember to make your seams 5/8 inch because ready made pant seams are usually quite a bit narrower. I have had good luck doing this for many years and have made all of my clothing thru the years--how many garments can you make in 60+ years--wish I had kept a count.