Abstract Customized 3D digital human model (DHM) is required in many fields. In the clothing industry, there are many professional technologies, such as high-resolution body scanners and commercial 3D modelling software. As e-commerce opportunities have grown, non-professional users, such as fashion designers and consumers, have begun to access the technology of 3D DHM. Thus, a low-cost modelling process, which requires few professional skills, is needed. A customized 3D DHM rebuild method was presented based on orthographic body images using an open-source 3D modelling software, Blender. The research was composed of three parts: body cross-section contours template establishment, body rebuilding process programming, and tests of the methodology with evaluation. Finally, a group of seven subdivided templates and an easy-operating body mesh rebuilding program were developed. By testing with 74 scanned body models, highly accurate torso models were obtained. The method is license-free and has potential to be extended for customized garment modelling.