Draping is the quintessential "couture" method. It involves manipulating muslin (toile) directly on a dress form. This allows the patternmaker to see exactly how the fabric flows, grainlines interact, and shadows fall across the body.
It captures nuances that flat drafting often misses, such as the organic fall of a cowl neck or the structural integrity of a sculptural sleeve. 2. Flat Pattern Drafting (La Coupe à Plat) Draping is the quintessential "couture" method
Summary Table: Ready-to-Wear vs. Haute Couture Patternmaking Ready-to-Wear (RTW) Haute Couture Standardized (US 4, 6, 8, etc.) Custom to the individual's anatomy Seam Allowances Usually 5/8" or 1/2" Wide (up to 2") for fitting adjustments Fitting Minimal (Standard fit) Multiple toiles and fittings Construction Machine-reliant Primarily hand-stitched internal logic Draping is the quintessential "couture" method