Principles of Design

in Dressmaking
Balance
 . According to this principle, from the
centered of the dress, design should be
identified on both sides
 Formal or
Asymmetrical Balance
- can be described as having equal "weight" on equal
sides of a centrally placed like a see saw. This is an
easy way of balancing but such balance lends
monotony to the design.
Informal or Asymmetrical Balance
 When the structure decoration and
accessories are different both sides from
the center of the design. In this design
attraction both sides is created by
using different accessories.
Proportion:
 is the pleasing relationship of all parts of
the object with one another. Proportion
refers to the relative size and scale of the
various elements in a design. The issue is
the relationship between objects, or parts,
of a whole.
We use ratios when looking at
proportion
 Take the top half of this design and
compare it to the bottom what is the ratio?
 There are 2 parts so the bodice or skirt to
the garment as a whole is 1 to 2
Remember everything is divided into
ratios
 If we look at this garment we focus on the
smaller section which is the bodice. We
can fit 2 bodice pieces into the skirt so the
bodice is 1 to 3 as a whole and the skirt is 2
to 3 as a whole garment.
Rhythm:
 The feeling of movement in design created
by line, shape, or color
 these are smooth movement repeated
again and again. Rhythm is an important
principle of art. It is created by repeated
use of the design. If there is rhythm in a
design, the eye would move easily from
one part to the other.
Rhythm can be created in three ways
in a design:
 a. Repetition of lines, colors, or
accessories. Parallel lines are formed by
the use of seams, buttons, embroidery,
lace, etc. which helps uninterrupted eye
movement.
b.Radiation. Rhythm can also be created by the radiated
lines. These lines are created by gathers. Eyes can
move easily from one part to the other on the small
lines created by gathers. Such lines can be seen in
gathers on neckline, arm and skirt
c.Gradation. Rhythm can be created by
gradual change of lines, shape or shade of
the color.
Emphasis:
 every pleasing design has one part that is
more interesting than any other. This is the
emphasis or the center of interest.
 The waist of this garment is the focus
because it is shear and makes it stand out
in the garment.
 The waist is again emphasized with the
pink bow over the black fabric on each of
these dresses.
 Or in the lower picture
your eye follows the
décor and folds in the fabric
at the bust.
Harmony:
 All parts of the design look like they belong
together.
 means a relationship of
different portion of a
design. Harmony
should be achieved through
judicious use
of color, shape, and texture to give a

feeling of oneness.
Examples of Harmony where the outfits look
like all parts belong together.