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I couldn’t help but notice some people in the Discord being frustrated with skirts. Don’t worry, friend. I got you ;3
I’m gonna try my best to make skirts easy and fun for you with this step-by-step guide.
Let’s go!
1. Create basic form
The first step is to outline the general shape of the skirt’s form.
To do this:
Establish the waistline.
Draw a circle for the base of the skirt.
Draw lines from the waist to the edge of your circle - being sure to follow body contour and account for how the fabric is being pulled.
! Remember that clothing has thickness - It doesn’t always sit right against the skin !
2. Mark out fold lengths
Create the right distance between folds.
Remember!
The distance will increase between folds as you get closer to points of tension and pull.
The distance will decrease between folds as the fabric relaxes and bunches.
3. Add pleats
Using a sawtooth pattern, follow and meet the fold and circle guides you’ve made.
4. Develop the folds
The folds of a skirt have a natural zig-zag pattern. But this pattern extends near sources of tension and pull.
In the example above a hand is pulling on the skirt. This means your zig-zag unfolds and extends towards the hand (the source of pull).
The zig-zag tightens (creating a stronger Z shape) as the fabric relaxes and bunches (on the right side of the skirt).
5. Add shade
Add medium shade to the parts of the folds that are facing opposite to your light source.
Add dark shade to the under-skirt area.
6. Color, design, make it yours!
After Step 5 you should have a strong guideline to draw a beautiful skirt. If not, you can get help here.
I just did a quick version here to get the point across but…
Now you:
Can draw confident final lines
Know where your light and dark areas are
Have a guideline for adding designs (like plaid)
Can do whatever will make your heart sing!
Wanna try it yourself?
Here’s the model 🙂
Give it a try!
Remember to practice!!!
Peace and love,
Brosatsu
🌸 Get Better At Art 🌸
Pose libraries, art lessons, books, online art school, etc.