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FASHION DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY - CITS

Introduction of drafting

Introduction of drafting
Drafting is the process of creating a flat pattern on paper from measurements or from draping a fabric on a
dress form. This method is used to create the basic shapes that will be used to create the garment. It’s more
mathematical and technical than draping. (Fig 1)

Fig 1

Definition of drafting
Drafting is defined as a method of drawing patterns on paper with mechanical precision using body measurements.
A basic pattern or a ‘block’ or a ‘master’ or a ‘foundation pattern’ can be generated through drafting. A ‘slope’ or
‘block’ is a custom-fitted basic pattern from which patterns for many different styles can be created. It consists of
five basic pattern pieces or set – bodice front, bodice back, skirt front, skirt back and the sleeve. This basic block
does not contain seam allowances, hem allowances. Design features are frequently added to a copy of this block
to create variety in a design.
Drafting is the technique of construction a complete garment by giving construction methods for the given
measurement and making a draft using a smaller scale on a graph paper for example.
1inch =1cm
or 1inch = 1inch on 1/4inch scale.
There are two types of drafting scales: inch scale and cm scale

1 Various inch scales that can be used in drafting: 1/4inch scale, 1/5
Inch scale, 1/6th inch scale and1/8 inch scale.
2 Various centimeter scales that can be used in drafting: 1/4 cm
Scale, 1/5 cm scale, 1/6 cm scale and 1/8 cm scale.
Upper basic bodies block drafting
A basic bodice is the body of a blouse or top; the garment worn on the upper part of your body. A basic bodice
block is a great starting point for creating endless Designs; it can be used on its own or be paired with a sleeve
block to make blouses, shirts, dresses, blazers, jackets and coats.
Drafting of back & front basic pattern
Get one-half sheet of pattern paper. Construct a of back and front bodice pattern. Draw perpendicular line T
• 1-2=3/4 inch (2cm) down
• 1-3=4 inches (10cm)
• 1-4=5.5 inch (14cm)

• 2-5= bust point height measure
• 1-6= back figure
• 2-7= front figure
• 8 is the middle of 2 and 7

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CITS : Apparel - Fashion Design & Technology - Lesson 1