Garment silhouettes are created using apparel design software. These programs have special built-in features that allow designers to use linear tools to shape necklines, sleeves and side seams and create the t-shirt's shape, known as the silhouette. These stylized outline shapes are referred to as black and white flats or croquis. Designers use these flats to apply different colors as well as graphics and view the finished t-shirt concept on the computer screen prior to printing or producing. These programs are available in several versions and are geared toward t-shirt manufacturers as well as the home-based t-shirt designer.
Instructions
1. Create your black and white flat sketch in your design software's drawing area. Your drawing area or image pad will generally have a black screen. Add a background color such as white to assist you in viewing your linear work clearly. Click on the "define frame" tool with your cursor to activate the area prior to starting your sketch. You must click on the specific button tools to activate each drawing feature. Save your file after every newly added design feature.
2. Adjust your color and pen width. You can increase the number by clicking your program's "up arrow" for thicker lines or decrease it by clicking on the "down arrow" for thinner lines. Activate the "linear drawing" tool, which offers options to draft a line. Most programs also offer a separate function to draw vertical or horizontal lines. For shaped seams, activate the "curve options" tool.
3. Shape your crew neckline with the "curve option" tool. Use your drawing pen or cursor to select a starting point on your drawing area. Drag the line horizontally. Click on the drawing area and bend the line with your cursor at the center. Repeat this step until you have shaped your collar. Shape the sides of your collar as well.
You can opt to use the "pattern fill" feature to add a repeat pattern such as a rib to your collar. Frame your rib with your framing tool. Click on your repeat pattern tool and insert it into your collar. Your collar will be filled with the rib repeat pattern.
4. Click on your "linear drawing" tool. Start your line at the tip of the collar and extend it on a slight slant. This will make your top shoulder and sleeve seam. Re-save the drawing area.
5. Click on the "vertical linear" tool. Drag the same line down to form your sleeve's hem. Use your "linear tool" and draw a slanted line inwards. Your sleeve's outline is complete.
6. Draw a vertical line from the bottom of your sleeve. This will be your t-shirt's sideseam. Drag the same line horizontally inward to form the bottom hem. You will have half a t-shirt body. Re-save the drawing area.
7. Click on your "top-stitching" tool. Most programs will allow you to adjust the number of stitches, the stitch length, and the distance between stitch lines. Select your preference. Add top-stitching to show your sleeve and bottom hem. Re-save the drawing area.
8. Click on your "define area" button. Frame half of your t-shirt. Click on your "reverse image" or "mirror image" tool to duplicate the framed area. This will ensure that both sides of your t-shirt sketch are the same. Re-save your completed t-shirt flat.
Tags: drawing area, Click your, area Click, drawing area Click, repeat pattern
