In this week’s session, I demonstrated various ruching and draping techniques used in corsets, gowns, and other fitted garments. We explored the differences between ruching and micro-pleating, discussed fabric choices, and I showed how to create these effects on a dress form. I also answered questions about attaching corsets to dresses and working with different zipper types.

Demonstration Steps:

1. Explained the difference between ruching and micro-pleating
2. Showed examples of ruching and micro-pleating on different fabrics
3. Demonstrated how to gather and pin tulle fabric onto a dress form
4. Explained techniques for creating ruching on a corset
5. Discussed fabric choices for different ruching effects
6. Showed how to stabilize and hand-tack ruched fabric onto a corset

Questions & Answers:

• Q: How do we attach a corset to a dress and what type of zipper should be used?
• A: There are two main ways – either construct the corset underneath the dress and wear them separately but attached at certain points, or create the corset and do the draping on top of it. For zippers, I generally prefer lacing or hook-and-eye closures for very fitted corsets, as invisible zippers can break under tension.

• Q: How do you finish a dress with a corset underneath when using different zipper types?
• A: It’s best to avoid invisible zippers with heavy corsets as they can break. For a clean finish, you can use bias strips to cover the attachment points between the corset and dress. Hand-stitching these areas gives the cleanest look.

• Q: What’s the best approach for creating a dress for a busty client?
• A: For busty clients, I highly recommend using a corset underneath. Create the corset first, preferably with lacing in the back for adjustability, then build the dress on top of it. This gives you much more control over the shape and support.