The Resort 2016 collections are full of examples that illustrate this point – learning how to develop a beautifully fit basic skirt block and then adding your imagination and design aesthetic will result in great garments. Take a look at the images in the header of this blog. For Resort 2016, Jonathan Simkhai put his spin on the straight skirt. Though the straight skirt may be a pattern a beginner can tackle, it takes the mind of a designer to use that basic pattern and hone fit, incorporate print and/or texture and then seamlessly blend the garment into a cohesive collection.

Alexander Wang Resort 2016

This week, we have posted our latest pattern making video, Draft Straight Skirt Sloper. In it, we give you the tools you need to create your own basic block. You will learn how to measure and extract key measurements for drafting the skirt. You will also learn about dart placement so that you end up with a skirt block foundation that will become the basis for most of your future skirt designs.

Boss Resort 2016

Imagine the possibilities. Notice how the hemlines in the header change the look.  To the left, Alexander Wang paired his signature sporty aesthetic with a more delicate straight skirt complete with embroidery. To the right, Boss showed a straight skirt leather for Resort 2015. And master of the straight skirt, Victoria Beckham, gave us a little black dress that no doubt started with an immaculate straight skirt block.  Remember – mastering basic foundations first will give you a strong base on which to build your garments, collections and one day, fashion empire. That’s the straight truth.

Draft Straight Skirt Sloper

Images: Style.com