Pattern Draping PD201A - Draping for Design - the Intro

There are two fundamental schools for pattern design: flat pattern drafting and draping. Many designers employ both methods in their design work. In flat pattern drafting measurements are taken either from a dress form or from the body, and those numbers are magically translated into a bunch of intersecting straight and curved lines on paper that becomes a garment pattern. There’s LOTS of math involved. (If you were good at geometry, you’ll be great at drafting!) Draping, on the other hand, begins with a dress form (or body) and fabric. Fabric is placed, or “draped” on the form or the body and pinned, pinched, pleated, smoothed and cajoled to create the design. Certainly, there are some fundamental rules to draping, but I (Russell, here) found draping much more intuitive than flat pattern drafting and more instantly gratifying. In this 12-part series, you’ll learn to twil tape the dress form to make it easy for tracing. You’ll learn to drape muslin on the form correctly all the while making the basic pattern, skirt, top, and sleeve. The last three sessions will be devoted to working on your own individual design. $499, plus text, dress form and supplies.