1.

Many types and sizes of dress forms for women, men and children are
made to fulfil the requirement. Fashion Draping is the process of
positioning and pinning fabric on a standard size dress form to develop the
structure of a garment design. Fashion draping is the oldest method
used since the 18th century. Currently, it is considered to be an important
part in fashion designing. 1.
2. 2. In U.S.A. designers use very light weight fabrics, which is called as
'toile', and U.K. designers call it as 'muslin' cloth. After draping, the toile
fabric is removed from the dress form which was used to create the sewing
draped pattern for making fashionable dress to suit an individual. A
dress can be draped using a design sketch as a basis, or a fashion
designer can play with the way fabric falls to create new designs at the
start of the dress design process.
3. 3. In this way a personal reference library can also be created and
developed. Designers must devote time to collect swatches while
shopping and catalogue them by width content. Designers/drapers must
have the knowledge to distinguish among different fabrics which will enable
them to select the most appropriate fabric for flow and line of each design.
The techniques for draping fabric require the knowledge of the fabric's
characteristics.
4. 4. Mostly, very light weight to medium weight fabric is suitable for draped
garments. Drape ability plays an important role in making sophisticated
draped garments. are most suitable for fashion draping purpose.
voile, and light weight silk fabrics sheer cottons, organza, georgette,
chiffon, such as stretchy knitted fabrics, Fabrics and clothes must
relate to our lifestyles and our active lifestyles are made of many different
fabrics.
5. 5. Soft muslin will simulate the draping quality of natural or synthetic silk,
and knitted cloth. .The quality and hand of the muslin should represent
the texture and characteristics of the actual fabric used for the garment
design. Garments made of woven goods are usually draped in muslin or
an inexpensive fabric where the grain and cross grain are quite visible.
6. 6. Also, canvas muslin will simulate the draping qualities of heavy weight
fabrics such as denim or imitation fur. Coarse muslin will simulate the
draping quality of heavy weight wool and cottons. Medium-weight muslin
will simulate the draping quality of wool and medium-weight cottons.
7. 7. Approach each design with a positive attitude and a clear fashion
sense. Analyse and understand the structure and characteristics of the

fabric to create the proper ease, hand feel and balance of the garment or
pattern drape. The fabric selected for a garment drape greatly influences
the finished look. Consider the large collection of fabrics available before
beginning any draping steps.
8. 8. In simple words, draping technique means the way a fabric hangs in a
dress form as well as on the human body. This procedure may vary,
however, this is the standard rule when fitting and draping any type of
garment. The right side of the front dress form is used to drape the front
basic pattern or garment. However, the sample knit should have the
same stretch value as in the fabric selected for the finished garment.
Garments made of knitted fabrics should be draped in less expensive knit
fabric.
9. 9. dark coloured twill tape, measuring tape, hip curve, sleeve curve are
the tools required. foot-ruler, grade-ruler, French-curves, notches,
sharpeners, pencils, marking-chalk, pins, graduated-square,
arm hole curve, scissors, Draped-cloth, Dress form with sizes like
US8, US10, US12 can be chosen according to the requirement.
10.10. Even sleeves are constructed with the help of the sloper. Sometimes,
basic sloper patterns (master- patterns) are also used to create draped and
stylized garments. The method of fashion draping includes stitching the
garment by the use of loosely hanging material to create of flowing effect.

11.11. The fabric is manipulated, moulded, and shaped through the skilful
use of the draper/designer's hand, until the design is replicated in threedimensional form. Draping process is a way of interpreting the design
regardless of the style, size and shape Designers sketch that turns into a
three- dimensional functional garment. Draped pattern making, is the link
between design and production of a specified dress.
12.12. The basic sleeve is not draped, although it could be, but the results
would be dubious. This does not minimize the value of either pattern
making method, but it does enhance the pattern marker's ability to create
design patterns accurately and within time constraints. It is true that
those using the flat pattern making method may incorporate some aspects
of draping in creating specific designs. Draping does not rely on the aid
of a pattern to create designs, although a draper may choose to
incorporate parts of an existing pattern in the preparation of the muslin to
assist in the drape.

13.13. 4. Darts, seam location, finishing 3. Pattern, texture and muslin

mock-ups 2. The bias, selvage of the fabric 1. GSM of the Fabric
(Weight) The important points that should be taken care of when draping
the fabrics on dress forms are:
14.14. Thus, students can easily understand the art of draping and will be
able to create more fashionable garments. In present day, draping
techniques are taught in fashion design schools, academics and colleges.
It always help in checking the proper fitting of the garment. It is mainly
used to drape the fabric to make new and innovative designed garments.
Dress form is an excellent tool to have in a designer's studio.
15.15. Draping normally requires little bit of extra time but, with continuous
practice this will become easier and more customers can be satisfied with
accurate draped dresses in less time. Evening wear, stage wear, and
party wear garments are made with the fashion technocrats. Fashion
draping is mostly used in theatrical costumes. In modern days women
prefer to wear draped style garments.
16.16. THANK YOU
Art of fashion draping
R.S Balakumar
SFDA/HINDUSTAN UNIVERSITY