Fashion Drawing and Flat Sketching
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in CAD for Fashion Design course at HealthCareStudies (An LSPM brand). Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Apparel Design #
The process of creating clothing and other fashion items, from initial concept to final product. This includes researching trends, sketching designs, selecting fabrics and colors, and constructing prototypes.
CAD (Computer #
Aided Design): A technology used to create, modify, analyze, and communicate details of design ideas. In the context of fashion design, CAD is used to create detailed technical drawings of clothing, which can then be used to produce patterns and samples.
Flat Sketching #
A type of technical drawing used in fashion design to show the front, back, and side views of a garment in a two-dimensional format. Flat sketches are used to communicate the design details, construction, and fit of a garment to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers.
Fashion Drawing #
A type of illustration used to communicate fashion ideas and concepts. Fashion drawings are often used to present designs to clients, buyers, and manufacturers. They can be hand-drawn or created using CAD software.
Garment Construction #
The process of creating a garment by sewing together pieces of fabric according to a pattern. This includes cutting the fabric, sewing seams, and adding details such as buttons, zippers, and pockets.
Gerber Technology #
A company that produces CAD software and hardware for the fashion and apparel industry. Gerber's AccuMark software is widely used for creating technical drawings, patterns, and grading.
Patternmaking #
The process of creating a pattern, which is a template used to cut fabric for a garment. Patterns are created by drafting a series of flat pieces that, when assembled, form the shape of the garment.
Spec Sheet #
A document that outlines the details of a garment, including measurements, fabric, and construction details. Spec sheets are used to communicate design details to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers.
Technical Drawing #
A detailed, two-dimensional drawing of a garment that shows the construction, fit, and design details. Technical drawings are used to communicate design ideas to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers.
Vellum #
A type of translucent paper used for creating patterns. Vellum is often used in the fashion industry because it allows designers to see the fabric grainline and make adjustments to the pattern before cutting the fabric.
Virtual Prototyping #
The process of creating a digital prototype of a garment using CAD software. Virtual prototyping allows designers to make adjustments to the design and construction of a garment before creating a physical sample.
Zio #
A CAD software specifically designed for the fashion and apparel industry. Zio is used for creating technical drawings, patterns, and grading.
Apparel Design: #
Apparel Design:
Apparel design is the process of creating clothing and other fashion items from… #
This includes researching trends, sketching designs, selecting fabrics and colors, and constructing prototypes. Apparel designers must have a strong understanding of fashion history, textiles, color theory, and construction techniques. They must also be able to communicate their ideas effectively through sketches, technical drawings, and presentations.
CAD: #
CAD:
CAD (Computer #
Aided Design) is a technology used to create, modify, analyze, and communicate details of design ideas. In the context of fashion design, CAD is used to create detailed technical drawings of clothing, which can then be used to produce patterns and samples. CAD software allows designers to create precise, scalable drawings that can be easily edited and shared with patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers.
Flat Sketching: #
Flat Sketching:
Flat sketching is a type of technical drawing used in fashion design to show the… #
Flat sketches are used to communicate the design details, construction, and fit of a garment to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers. Flat sketches typically include information such as garment measurements, fabric details, and construction techniques.
Fashion Drawing: #
Fashion Drawing:
Fashion drawing is a type of illustration used to communicate fashion ideas and… #
Fashion drawings are often used to present designs to clients, buyers, and manufacturers. They can be hand-drawn or created using CAD software. Fashion drawings typically include details such as poses, facial expressions, and accessories to help convey the designer's vision.
Garment Construction: #
Garment Construction:
Garment construction is the process of creating a garment by sewing together pie… #
This includes cutting the fabric, sewing seams, and adding details such as buttons, zippers, and pockets. Garment construction requires a strong understanding of sewing techniques, fabric properties, and pattern drafting.
Gerber Technology: #
Gerber Technology:
Gerber Technology is a company that produces CAD software and hardware for the f… #
Gerber's AccuMark software is widely used for creating technical drawings, patterns, and grading. Gerber's software is known for its precision, accuracy, and ease of use.
Patternmaking: #
Patternmaking:
Patternmaking is the process of creating a pattern, which is a template used to… #
Patterns are created by drafting a series of flat pieces that, when assembled, form the shape of the garment. Patternmaking requires a strong understanding of garment construction, body measurements, and fabric properties.
Spec Sheet: #
Spec Sheet:
A spec sheet (also known as a tech pack) is a document that outlines the details… #
Spec sheets are used to communicate design details to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers. A typical spec sheet includes a flat sketch, a list of materials, a measurement chart, and construction details.
Technical Drawing: #
Technical Drawing:
A technical drawing is a detailed, two #
dimensional drawing of a garment that shows the construction, fit, and design details. Technical drawings are used to communicate design ideas to patternmakers, sample makers, and manufacturers. Technical drawings typically include information such as garment measurements, fabric details, and construction techniques.
Vellum: #
Vellum:
Vellum is a type of translucent paper used for creating patterns #
Vellum is often used in the fashion industry because it allows designers to see the fabric grainline and make adjustments to the pattern before cutting the fabric. Vellum is also easy to trace and can be reused multiple times.
Virtual Prototyping: #
Virtual Prototyping:
Virtual prototyping is the process of creating a digital prototype of a garment… #
Virtual prototyping allows designers to make adjustments to the design and construction of a garment before creating a physical sample. Virtual prototyping can save time and money by reducing the number of physical samples needed.
Zio: #
Zio:
Zio is a CAD software specifically designed for the fashion and apparel industry #
Zio is used for creating technical drawings, patterns, and grading. Zio's software is known for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, including 3D visualization and automatic pattern drafting.
Challenges: #
Challenges:
1 #
Learning to use CAD software can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with computer-based design. It is important to take the time to learn the software thoroughly and practice using it regularly.
2 #
Creating accurate technical drawings and patterns requires a strong understanding of garment construction, body measurements, and fabric properties. It is important to take precise measurements and double-check all details before creating patterns or technical drawings.
3 #
Communicating design ideas effectively can be challenging, especially when working with teams in different locations. It is important to use clear and concise language, provide detailed specifications, and use visual aids such as sketches and technical drawings.
4 #
Keeping up with fashion trends and staying competitive in the industry requires ongoing research and learning. It is important to stay informed about industry news, attend fashion events, and network with other professionals in the field.