Pattern-drafting for Fashion: Draping

Draping is an art without rules as such, but to master it, you must understand the relationship of fabric to the body. It allows for freedom of garment design, and the opportunity to create customised clothing. Pattern-drafting for Fashion: Draping is the definitive guide to draping techniques and pattern design.

Understanding grainlines and the effect they have, on not only the drape of the fabric and seams when being stitched, but also the stretch and therefore fit of a garment, is essential. Then you need to understand the complicated task of how to transfer your draping into pattern form. Once removed from the stand, you will need to know how to put the garment back together, and how to make adjustments to the pattern that won't alter your idea, but will work when you actually stitch it up.

This book contains key chapters on understanding fabrics, grainlines and bias cutting, translating designs into patterns, making adjustments, constructing the lining, and finishing with zips, buttons and buttonholes.

Pattern-drafting for Fashion: Draping is about problem-solving and provides a complete guide to how to achieve fantastic draping techniques and adapt these to the crafting of perfect patterns.

About the Author

Teresa Gilewska has worked in fashion design for over 30 years, in France, China and Poland. In 1989 she set up her own studio in Paris where she worked until 2000. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge of design, particularly for the ready-to-wear market, and her books on pattern-making are a welcome addition to the literature of fashion.