Drape the fabric on the stand for the overall effect. Observe its natural characteristics, i.e. the ways it falls, its handle, texture and weight etc. Experimentation can now take place. Do not cut into the fabric, but pin to hold where necessary. Aim for the overall effect, details, can be worked later. Note, first of all, the silhouette, since each fabric drapes in a different way, this in turn alters the silhouette. Drapery is best continuing inline rather than as a separator piece, although this is not easily achieved. Alternative ideas may develop at this experimental stage. Evaluate your details. For example, cheeks or stripes placed on various grains will give different effects. Tucks may look better than gather in certain fabrics. If you intend to use trimmings, place them onto the fabric to see how well they co-ordinate.

1. Knife Pleat: These are used in the place of gathers. They are usually about � - 2 wide and are turned towards the same direction. The figure shows two knife pleats tacking in position and marking for two more pleats. To form the third pleat, make a fold along line C and bring this fold to the right so as to lie over line C1. Similarly the fourth pleat will bring D over D1 The distance CC1 is twice the width of the finished pleat.