LAURENCE KING PUBLISHING Draping: The Complete Course: Second Edition

Excellent for serious sewing practice.

This book is full of wonderful knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or advance this book is great because it covers all the fundamental basics in an easy step by step process. It shows images of the fabric draped on the mannequin, along with flat patterns, instructions and tips and tricks. For the price-tag that it is, it’s fantastic.

Bellissimo libro che spiega in modo chiaro ed è un piacere usarlo. Da avere nella libreria personale per chi ama il cucito e le cose belle.

This is a very detailed and comprehensive book. I’m slowly working my way through it. There are sections on how to drape all the main garments, focussing on the feminine/curvy form only. One amazingly cool thing is the huge number of worked examples: each one begins with a photo of a garment (eg a publicity shot of an actress in a lovely dress), then you get a series of photos and instructions where that EXACT shape is recreated in calico or a relevant material (for lightweight or other interesting fabrics). Not that they use the word “muslin” to describe the fabric which is called “calico” in the UK. I admit I am skipping some bits, and going back as needed, but even given that, I’m already getting some good results; first ever draped bodice block! I have no formal training in dressmaking, so cannot give an expert opinion, but as a home sewer I’m finding it very accessible - if you read carefully and take it at your own pace. I am very happy with the information on how to alter the fit, though I would have perhaps liked more photos of incorrect fits and how to ameliorate them. Next: the Gibson Girl blouse! I highly recommend this book.

Wonderful resource to learn how to drape. I am SO HAPPY I bought this book. It's kind of pricey but it's a full on course book with QR codes that take you to videos that demonstrate a lot on the concepts. It's well written, easy to understand and full of pictures, too. I think it's worth every penny and I'm super happy I came across this awesome book.