Draping: The Complete Course
By Karolin Kiisel
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I had to include this book in my recommendation list simply because it covers draping. The only difference from this draping book and others I have seen, is it shows you how to drape some of the most iconic, and classic garments worn by celebrities. The book shows you step-by-step how you too can make one of these dresses. The layout of the book is nicely presented and spacious. The line illustrations are crisp and clean. Lots of colourful photos throughout the book. The fashion is more contemporary than your usual daily attire. Not many pattern cutting books come with DVD tutorials. CLICK
Remember this is draping so you are required to work on a mannequin stand with pins and cloth. Draping is the art of using cotton muslin to create a fashion design directly on a mannequin. It is an essential skill any fashion designers, fashion student or pattern cutter/draper. There are simple projects for the beginner to start with. Starting with the basics of choosing and preparing the dress form for draping, the book advances through pinning, trimming and clipping, and creating shape using darts and tucks, to adding volume using pleats and gathers, and handling complex curves. Once you are more comfortable and get more experienced you can come back to execute the more advance and challenging designs. This will include how to use support elements such as shoulder pads, under layers and petticoats and how to handle bias draping.
I find this book exceptionally inspiring for students as well as pattern cutters and sewers out there. With the DVD, it is extremely helpful for those that don’t fully understand draping. Draping and pattern cutting should go hand in hand and work together. If one method doesn’t work for you then you should be able to use the other. You should never rely on solely one technique. Always widen your horizon. This is one of the best draping books I have seen since I was a student studying fashion. I wished this book was around back then. You will be truly inspired if you ever get your hands on this book.
Happy Pattern Drafting!
Shan x
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