Understanding Skirt Volume: Fabric and Pattern Shapes

We’ve already looked at fabric drape earlier in The Fashion Design Book. Besides the fabric, what is the next critical item in achieving a silhouette of a style? Can you guess? 

That’s right, it’s the shapes of the sewing patterns. 

In case you didn’t see the video showing the impact of fabric drape on a circle skirt fullness, click the link to that blog post HERE.

Let’s explore the pattern shapes for different silhouettes, such as the pencil skirt, straight skirt, a-line skirt, and the timeless circle skirt.

Grab your sketchbook, and let’s bring those patterns to life. In the video, I’ll guide you through sketching the different skirt silhouettes using the book as a handy reference. 

Let’s talk about common mistakes to avoid when creating full skirts. Picture the drape of the fabric along with the shape of the pattern. Do you recall the fist test we did in another video? It’s a fantastic way to study how fabrics drape differently. The more you do this test, the better you’ll understand drape.

Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just starting on your creative path, understanding the relationship between fabric, pattern, and silhouette is crucial. 

I hope you enjoy drawing the different silhouettes in this video. Remember, mix and match all the sketches in The Fashion Design Book to create your own unique styles. If you don’t like any part of a sketch, change it! That’s the best thing about drawing. Let the drawing speak to you as you find your style.