The ability to draw fabric convincingly is a useful skill for any designer
or fashion illustrator; it is often taught to fashion students as a means
of broadening their drawing skills and their knowledge of fabrics. The
process is usually referred to as fabric rendering. Of course, there are
many different types of fabrics to draw and while some might have
surface texture and pattern, others do not. Evaluate a fabric’s
inherent characteristics, properties and its weight in order to
establish whether the fabric will drape over the body convincingly
or whether it might present itself as more structured and firm to
the touch. A designer sketch or linear fashion drawing should
communicate a convincing understanding of the chosen fabric or
fabrics. For more artistic illustrations the rendering process can be
somewhat looser and more interpretative.
The best way to start is by copying a real fabric swatch. Much like
drawing from life, this entails keen observation and evaluation of the
fabric before starting the drawing process. Selection of appropriate
media is critical: prepare a variety of colour media, which can be
used in combination. To start with it is best to draw to the same
scale as the fabric. The scale will later have to be considered when it
is applied to a figurative drawing, but by establishing how to imitate
the appearance of the fabric and what media to use in the first
instance, the process of rendering the scale of the fabric to a fashion
figure won’t seem so daunting. To simplify things it can help to
categorise fabrics into a select number of groups such as woollen
and textured fabrics, shiny fabrics, sheer fabrics, knits, patterns and
prints. It is worth attempting each group of fabrics, since they are all
likely to be drawn at some time.