Understanding Every Type Of Clothing Fold

Summary

This video guide delves into the essential types of folds in clothing, offering clear instructions for artists on how to draw fabric with realism. From zigzag folds in baggy sleeves to pipe folds in stretched fabrics, each fold type is explained in detail with shading and form techniques. The video covers various folds, including compression, half-lock, drop, diaper, and spiral folds, while emphasizing the importance of understanding fabric dynamics in drawing. The presenter also addresses the mental challenges artists face, promoting support through BetterHelp for personal well-being. Ideal for aspiring artists seeking to master clothing folds.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zigzag folds are common in baggy clothing like sleeves and pants, formed when fabric bends or compresses due to gravity. These folds follow a zigzag pattern and are essential for drawing realistic folds in fabric.
• 😀 Deformed triangles are key to drawing fabric folds. They should be elongated and irregular, with one triangle’s point facing up and the other down. These triangles help define fabric thickness and volume.
• 😀 Contours play a critical role in defining the shape and depth of folds, particularly where the fabric isn't compressed. Use subtle variations in contour lines to show the natural curves of clothing.
• 😀 When shading fabric folds, soften edges and avoid dark outlines. Instead, use halftones to reflect variations in light across different planes of the fabric.
• 😀 Pipe folds (or stretch folds) are created when fabric is stretched tightly between two points, often resulting in cylindrical forms. These folds should be shaded like cylinders to give them volume and dimension.
• 😀 Compression folds occur when fabric is compressed rather than stretched, leading to thin, wavy folds. They often appear near areas of tension, like the crook of a bend, and are generally accompanied by stretch folds.
• 😀 Half-lock folds, seen at joints like elbows or knees, are distinctive because the fabric folds in on itself in a fixed, pronounced shape, while the other side remains free to stretch.
• 😀 Drop folds happen when fabric drops from a single tension point, like at the knee or waist, and form a cylindrical shape. The fabric becomes more tapered and wider as it moves downward.
• 😀 Diaper folds are characterized by saggy, cascading ellipses that are often formed when fabric is stretched between two tension points. Their complexity comes from the 3D undulation and layering of the folds.
• 😀 Spiral folds are a variant of zigzag folds but follow a spiral pattern. They are typically found in tight clothing, and their shading requires attention to lighter tones, as they tend to be thinner compared to zigzag folds.

Q & A

What is the zigzag fold and where is it commonly seen?

The zigzag fold is commonly seen in baggy sleeves and pants, especially where the fabric bends or is buckled by gravity. It takes the form of a zigzag pattern through the fabric.

How should you draw deformed triangles for fabric folds?

To draw deformed triangles, start with a varied zigzag pattern, and then pair elongated triangles with one pointing up and the other down. Shade the upper triangle darker and soften the edges to create a rolling effect, avoiding harsh outlines.

What is the importance of 'contour' when drawing fabric folds?

The contour defines the thickness and volume of the fabric, especially around the folds. A straight contour is used where the fabric is not compressed, like the back of a sleeve, while a curved contour is used where the fabric bulges.

What role does halftone play in drawing folds?

Halftone is used to indicate subtle variations in light, adding depth and dimension to the folds. It's a darker shade representing areas where the plane faces down, helping to make the folds appear more three-dimensional.

How do you approach drawing folds from reference photos?

When drawing from reference photos, avoid copying shapes exactly. Instead, focus on capturing the structure of the folds, noting key details like fabric compression and tension points, to develop a process that allows you to draw folds from imagination.

What is a pipe fold and how does it differ from a zigzag fold?

A pipe fold occurs when fabric is stretched between two points, creating cylindrical forms that are linear in shape. Unlike the zigzag fold, which bends with gravity, the pipe fold maintains a more uniform and cylindrical appearance.

What are compression folds, and how do they form?

Compression folds occur when fabric is compressed rather than stretched. They are thinner and more free-flowing compared to pipe folds, often appearing alongside stretch folds. These folds are formed by the principle of 'squash and stretch,' where one side stretches and the other side compresses.

What defines the half-lock fold, and where is it most often seen?

The half-lock fold is a deep, pronounced fold that occurs at the bend of joints, like the elbow or knee. It features overhanging fabric on one side that dives into a recess before transitioning into zigzag folds, typically viewed from a profile perspective.

What is the difference between drop folds and pipe folds?

Drop folds are similar to pipe folds but only have one tension point, typically where the fabric is held at a single point, like at the knee. Gravity then causes the fabric to drop, forming a cylindrical shape that widens downward.

How do you effectively draw a diaper fold?

A diaper fold involves creating cascading, saggy ellipses. To draw it effectively, you need to understand the undulating 3D structure, stacking similarly shaped layers while varying the folds within each layer. This helps create a continuous, flowing rhythm in the fabric.