Fashion Design Drawing

On left side of sketch drop a line from this point for arm blocking.

Elbow to fall at umbilicus.

The wrist starts just below the end of the trunk.

On right side of sketch place the arm in a horizontal position so as to keep a clear space for notes on arm-holes, sleeve lengths, and cuffs.

Carry up a line from each shoulder to about the bridge of the nose. This will give the right line for neck notes, which should indicate whether high or low cut is intended.

Mark outline of onion shape, its root at the pit of the neck, its narrow end falling at umbilicus.

Place another onion root on the level of the trunk line, its full breadth about twice the width of the head, with its narrow end inclining to nipple line.

The hanging arm at side will be useful as a guide in checking heights of folds, trimmings, etc., by simply judging " elbow length," " wrist line," or " hand level."

The finished sketch of a garment drawn by this method will be found to be gratifyingly true to proportion.

The lower portion of lay figure is found by placing the root end of the onion at umbilicus, the narrow end flowing down to the knee at a quarter the length of figure.

The lower leg and feet are blocked in the same manner. The back blocking will have the same outline as the front. The same principles will apply to the side, the usual general outline being kept (see B).

Practice will soon make these blocking figures the work of a few seconds. It is absolutely necessary to have a record of the right proportions, or the whole character of the garment will be lost. The divisions of the figure given above are near enough to the truth to use for relative heights and spacing in rough sketching.

The next point for consideration is the garment itself. Study the article, its general style, line, type and natural environment when worn. Place it upon a lay figure stand, which should be of the right shape for the mode of the day ; it may be provided with arms or not.