Draping and apparel pattern manipulation

Draping and pattern manipulation are essential techniques in fashion design that allow designers to create and modify garment patterns effectively. One method associated with this process is known as "rub offs."

What are Rub Offs?

Rub offs are copies of a garment made by transferring the outlines of each pattern piece onto a piece of fabric using a crayon or similar tool. This technique can be particularly useful for capturing the details of an existing garment and creating a pattern for reproduction or modification.

Steps for Creating a Rub Off

1. Preparation: Choose a garment that you want to copy and lay it flat on a smooth surface.

2. Fabric Selection: Use a piece of fabric that is suitable for rubbing off the pattern, ensuring it is smooth and allows for clear markings.

   
   

3. Mark and pin: fabric to the straight grain of the garment. (See photo)

4. Rubbing Off: Use a crayon or a similar tool to carefully rub over the edges of each pattern piece, transferring the outlines onto the fabric.

Benefits of Rub Offs

• Allows for accurate reproduction of existing garments.

• Facilitates understanding of garment construction and design elements.

• Enables designers to experiment with modifications based on an existing design.

  
  

In summary, draping and pattern manipulation, including the technique of rub offs, are vital skills for fashion designers looking to create and alter garment patterns effectively.

Apparel Fit Engineer Reyburn Brown

The Reyburn School of Apparel Pattern Making