In this very technical and detailed session, we completed the final and most crucial step in bringing our creative fold dress to life: translating all of our draped pieces into precise, flat paper patterns.

We took everything off the form and worked through the puzzle of marking, tracing, and trueing each piece—the front top, back top, front skirt, and back skirt.

This process is all about ensuring every curve, seam, and notch matches perfectly so that when we get to sewing, everything comes together beautifully.

Demonstration Steps:

• Began by reviewing the fully draped dress on the form and adding final matching notches along the side seams, shoulder, and waist to ensure perfect alignment later.

• Carefully removed all the draped pieces from the dress form and took them to the table, separating the top pieces from the skirt pieces.

• Started with the front top piece, which contains our first “creative fold.” I showed how to unpin the stitched fold, mark the ‘X’ and ‘O’ points, and trace the fold line so we can easily recreate it.

• Traced the entire front top piece onto paper, carefully transferring all markings, including the grainline, center front, and bust points.

• Traced the simple back top piece and then began the “trueing” process, where I walked both pattern pieces together at the seams (shoulder and side seams) to check that the lengths and curves matched, making minor adjustments for a perfect fit.

• Moved on to the complex front skirt piece, which also has a creative fold. I showed how to open up the fold, mark the ‘X,’ ‘O,’ and fold line, and trace the entire unconventional shape onto paper.

• Traced the back skirt piece and then trued all four pattern pieces together, checking the side seams and, most importantly, walking the top and skirt patterns together along the waistline seam to ensure a smooth, continuous line.

• Finalized all four pattern pieces by adding all the necessary information: piece names (front top, back skirt, etc.), size, cutting instructions (cut 1 self), seam allowance, and notes on suggested fabrics (crepe/satin for the front, jersey for the back).

This was an intense but incredibly rewarding session where we transformed our artistic 3D drape into a technical, ready-to-sew 2D pattern.

It really highlights how you have to work like a puzzle master, fitting all the pieces together on paper to make sure your final garment is flawless.

Now that the pattern is complete, the next step is to cut our fabric and bring this stunning dress to life.