In this week’s session, I continued developing our creative draping project, translating the successful folding technique from our Nicole dress into an innovative trouser design.

I demonstrated how to transform a basic trouser block into a distinctive design featuring strategic pleats and side draping, creating a high-end look inspired by designer brands like Loewe.

Demonstration Steps:

• Started with the basic semi-fitted trouser block and marked placement for side draping
• Added a 10cm pleat near the side seam, positioned about 4cm from the side
• Demonstrated how to angle and zero out the pleat towards the hem for a flattering drape
• Modified the back pattern piece to complement the front design, including adjusting darts and adding corresponding pleats
• Created clean pattern pieces with proper markings for pleat direction and fold lines

Questions & Answers:

• Q: Should the pleats go straight down or angle toward the side?
• A: After testing both, I decided the pleats look best angled slightly and zeroing out a few inches above the hem, creating a more natural drape

• Q: How will pockets work with the side drape?
• A: We’ll need to carefully position pockets to work with the draping, likely placing them where the side seam meets the body

• Q: Do we need darts in the back with the pleats?
• A: It depends on your body shape – those with more curve may want to keep one dart along with the pleat for better shaping

Next week, I’ll have the pattern transferred to clean paper so we can add the finishing details like the waistband, zipper fly, and pockets to complete our Nicole trousers project.