In this week’s session, I opened up about some personal challenges I’ve been facing and thanked the community for their support. I then delved into an in-depth discussion about fabric grain, stretch, and how to choose the right orientation when draping or constructing garments. I demonstrated how to identify straight grain, cross grain, and bias on different fabric types and explained their impact on garment fit and drape.
Demonstration Steps:
- Showed how to identify straight grain, cross grain, and bias on various fabric types
- Demonstrated how to measure stretch on different grains using a 10-inch fabric sample
- Explained the impact of grain orientation on garment fit, drape, and stability
- Discussed when to use straight grain, cross grain, or bias depending on the garment style and desired outcome
- Showed examples of different fabrics and their stretch properties
Questions & Answers:
- Q: How many pounds of weight fluctuation cause the need to shift up or down in size?
- A: It typically starts around 5-6 pounds, but by 7-10 pounds, you’ll likely need to go down a size. However, this can vary depending on where you gain or lose weight.
- Q: Can you show how to put off-grain fabrics on grain?
- A: I didn’t fully understand this question, but I explained how to identify grain lines and measure stretch on different fabrics. I’ll consider making a more detailed video guide on this topic for Draping Society members.
- Q: How do you incorporate an elastic band waist in a pencil skirt made with satin?
- A: For a pencil skirt with an elastic waistband, the fabric itself needs to be stretchy. Otherwise, you’ll need to add a zipper opening. If you want to avoid gathers at the waist, the fabric stretch should be similar to the elastic’s stretch.
