Drape Drape

by Hisako Satō

The latest book from the pattern cutting series from the Bunka Fashion College in Japan, school of Yohji Yamamoto. Includes 17 fashionable and achievable designs, with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and diagrams that guide the reader through the draping process. With a folded pattern at the back, this book provides inspiring ideas and highly practical techniques for anyone wanting to learn about draping.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Fashion

88 pages, Paperback

First published May 16, 2012

Reviews

[Kate]

I picked up this book at the library because I wanted to learn the draping techniques used by so many of the designers on Project Runway. Unfortunately, there were only about two items in this book that I actually liked. The rest were strange, unflattering garments - also modeled strangely (as in the model is sticking her whole arm into a gathered pouch in the side of her dress, I guess to illustrate how roomy it is?; or the model is staring slack-jawed into space like some kind of mental patient in an ill-fitting straitjacket). But, I really was interested in learning the technique of draping.

Upon taking out the pattern sheets in the back, I was dismayed to find that all the pattern pieces were printed, overlapping, on the same sheet of paper. I really, really wanted to do this, so I went out and bought pattern paper from the fabric store to try to trace the patterns. It turned into a hopeless mess of lines. If you've ever cut out a Simplicity/McCall's/Vogue pattern, you know it's slightly challenging to cut out your size from the usual three sizes on one page, and the lines are dotted, dashed, or solid to help you out. Imagine if there are hundreds of other lines, all of the same heaviness, drawn over the pattern piece you want, and you aren't really sure of the shape of the pattern piece you want because they are not marked with a number corresponding to the pattern piece you need.

Forget it.

[Ligaya]

I love the idea of Hisako Sato's books, Drape Drape, and Drape Drape 2 and 3. I will likely never make anything in here but I am boggled by a mind that can create such designs! Many of them are fairly revealing and some are downright unflattering if you have hips. But some are really beautiful. I appreciate the step-by-step graphics but wish the typography wasn't so teeny.

[Carolyn]

I like her designs but only 2 of the 17 can be worn with a bra, unless you don’t mind your girlz spilling out or your bras are the kind that are meant to be seen. I am in neither category, but it was fun to flip through.

[Grace]

Striking and innovative designs modeled by anorexics. Not sure how it would look on my average frame but I am keen to experiment.

[Sachi Yamazaki]

Tracing the patterns will test your patience but I liked the designs and instructions. I would have paid more for better pattern sheets, I feel as if I'm looking at some sort of wacky street map. It is the only reason why I haven't purchased Drape Drape 2.

[Ju Zhang]

Makes me love draping again.

[Dilly Dalley]

I love these Japanese sewing books with unusual patterns. I can't quite see myself making all of these but certainly there are enough ideas and inspiration to keep any sewist enthused.