Designers sometimes use fabric directly onto a dress form or mannequin instead of working with flat patterns.Draping allows you to play with different looks and quickly compare them to each other.Designers can either use draping to create one-of-a-kind pieces or use it to make their patterns.Once you have a design, you can record the measurements from your draped fabric and make a pattern.
Step 1: To make your dress fit, adjust it to the size you want.
The final garment and pattern will be measured to fit the form used to create it if you use a dress form or mannequin.If you are designing a garment for yourself or someone you know, it is best to use a form that can be adjusted to fit that person's measurements.
Step 2: There is a basic outline of the garment.
Start with an idea of how you want your piece to look, because most of your design will be created on the mannequin.Draw out the neckline, shape of the garment, length and sleeves.
Step 3: On the right side of the dress form is where you start.
Traditional fashion design starts on the right side.Place your fabric on the right side of the form.
Step 4: Black tape or ribbon is needed to mark the neckline.
To match your sketch, pin the tape or ribbon to the dress form.Once you have created your neckline, cut the excess.It won't be part of the final pattern or garment, but it will act as a guide for creating your design.Black tape and ribbon can be found at a craft store, sewing store or online.
Step 5: Your fabric should be pinned to the neck and waist.
Attach the piece of fabric to the form with fabric pins.At this point, your fabric doesn't need to be cut or shaped.Attach the entire piece of fabric to the form.If you want to use fabric for a final product, you can use muslin.You can use a yard of fabric for the back of a dress.The yard of fabric would be pinned to the dress form.If you want to create a final pattern for a garment, you will need to use a pencil to mark the measurements.You can use other fabrics to make the actual garment.
Step 6: If your garment is for a female, you should start your design on the bust.
Use fabric pins to mark the bust.The highest point is the apex of the bust.If you prefer, you can create darts in your garment to shape around the bustline.If you want, you can leave the garment billowy around the bust.You don't need to mark the bust of your design if you're designing a garment for a man.
Step 7: Make a fabric base for your garment.
This will become the lining of the garment later.The basic shape of the garment you're creating should be Pin the fabric base around it.You want to get fabric onto the dress form so that you can start creating.Your fabric should be four inches longer than the dress form and final pattern on each side.The length of your fabric should be 25 inches (64 cm) long to allow for an extra four inches on each side of the dress.Your base doesn't need to be creative.Once you've sculpted the actual garment, you can trim it back.
Step 8: The fabric should be draped onto the dress form.
Use your fabric to create the look you want.You can create any shape you want.This is where you can use the artist inside you to create a designer garment.The part of the garment you're working on will affect how you drape the fabric.If you want to create a billowing skirt, you should wrap fabric tightly around the bodice.To create a unique look, try different arrangements.
Step 9: You can use pins to make the fabric look different.
Pin down your fabric when you find a style you like.You can always rearrange your pins if you change your mind about a look.If you are making a pattern, mark it with a pencil or fabric pencil.
Step 10: Do not use the fabric until you change it.
Since working on a dress form can result in tight, flat designs, you can add pleats, bunches, or artistic detailing to your fabric before you drape.You will be able to create more artistic, sculptural designs.You can use different types of fabric.
Step 11: Attach objects to a dress form.
Remove the objects and work with the excess fabric.You can either let it hang or fashion it into a design detail.This technique can be used to create designs that are different.You may want to start with simple designs.Being a fashion designer requires you to be creative.
Step 12: Excess fabric is getting in your way and you need to remove it.
You don't want to rearrange the fabric so make your cuts when you're sure.If you are certain that the fabric is in the way, you can cut it off with your fabric scissors.You can pin it down by folding the edge of the fabric into a shape you want.
Step 13: If you are making a pattern with a pencil, mark it.
If you want to make the final pattern, you need to mark the design features of your garment, such as the neckline, seams, and sleeves, so that you can pull the muslin from the dress form.You don't want to mark on your fabric if it's the fabric you're using for a final garment, except for where you need to sew or add design elements
Step 14: When creating a design, avoid fighting gravity.
When wearing as a garment, let the fabric fall as it will when you pin it to the dress form.Remove as many of the pins holding the fabric to the dress form as you can to get an idea of how the garment will hang when worn.If the straps start to fall down or the skirt hangs flatter than expected, you can see it.
Step 15: Allow enough room for the person to move around.
A dress form that is the size of the wearer will make it hard to wear.It is not possible for your wearer to move around, sit down, or raise their arms.The amount of room you allow depends on how tightly the wearer wears their clothing.Adding 2- to 4-inches (5- to 10- cm) to the bust area is a good estimate.You may need to add more fabric if the person is larger than average.If you are making a dress, you can make a corset that fits your wearer to use as a base, so that your garment will not be too tight.
Step 16: You should Baste your fabric together.
Attach the fabric pieces together with a sewing needle.To sew, use a basic stitch.A good or straight stitch is not required.You should hold the pieces together until you can use your sewing machine.If you want to add fastenings, leave part of the garment un-sewn.The garment can be removed from the dress form.If you are using muslin to mark a pattern, you don't need to baste your garment.
Step 17: Take it away from the dress form.
Unpin the pins that you used to attach the fabric to the form at the neck, waist, and possibly bust.You don't need to take apart your design if you slide the garment from the dress form.You can unpin the pins holding the fabric to the dress form if you are making a pattern.
Step 18: You can use a sewing machine to sew your garment.
You should follow along where you pinned your fabric pieces.If the basting is not straight, you can remove it.You can sew by hand if you don't have a sewing machine.You will need to make tight stitches because it will take longer.
Step 19: Your fastenings should be added.
There are buttons on the garment.If you want to add more adornments, you can do that as well.
Step 20: Take pictures while you work.
If you decide you don't like your final look, you want to track your progress so you can go back to an earlier stage.You can use photos to recreate the design in the future.
Step 21: As you go, sketch your design out.
You can sketch out a series of designs as you arrange the fabric, or you can add to a final design.One option is to make sketches of designs you like so that you can change them into different looks.
Step 22: You should make notes about the design.
Take a moment to think about how the designs look and what you would like to try again.It's a good idea to make notes about things you can't see.If you want to recreate your look, these details might be helpful.
Step 23: When you are done with your dress, make a final pattern.
If you want to make a pattern, use your draped fabric pieces.If you are making a final designer garment, you can use your sketches and photographs to create a pattern.If you want to design one-of-a-kind pieces, making a pattern is not necessary.