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Steps

The princess bodice is a very useful, common drape, as it allows for a close fit over the curves of the bust and waist. 1b
Preparing Form
Place style tape curved from bust to mid-armhole on front of form. Place pins two inches above and two inches below bust point to use for notches. On back, place style tape curved to mid-armhole. Place 2 pins on curve to use for notch reference.
Draping The Center Front Panel
Place fold of straight grain to centerline and pin. Line up bust bridge with crossgrain guideline.Pin drape to bust bridge.Smooth and clip muslin to neckline.
Trim Center Front
Pin drape at shoulder and along styleline; trim excess fabric.Clip to styleline above bust bridge.Clip to waist.
Mark and Unpin Center Front
Mark pin at armplate front.Mark shoulder seam.Dot styleline.Mark notches (single mark). Use pins placed in Step 1 for reference. Mark top and bottom of styleline.After piece is clearly marked, pin muslin away from Princess line.
Draping The Side Front Panel
Place side panel on form with straight grain centered and perpendicular to waistline. Pin at top and bottom of grainline.Smooth and pin at waist, side seam, and styleline, adding a 1/4" (1/8" on the fold) ease tuck at armhole. Pin 1/4" (1/8" on the fold) ease tuck at waist.
Trim and Add Ease
Trim excess fabric along waistline.Clip to waist. Pinch excess fabric at bust mound and pin.
Mark Side Front
Trim excess fabric and dot styleline. Mark notches (single mark). Use pins placed in Step 1 for reference.
Mark and Unpin Side Seam
Pencil rub side seam.At armhole depth, add 1/2" ease.Using ruler draw line from side seam/waist to ease marking.Mark waistline, bust point, and styleline.Once side front panel is fully marked pin it away from side seam.
Draping The Center Back Panel
Place fold of straight grain at centerline and pin.Smooth and clip muslin and clip to neck.Pin at base of styleline and clip to waist.Smooth muslin from middle of centerline to armscye/styleline intersection. Excess will appear at shoulder.Pin excess fabric into ease tuck at shoulder seam.
Mark Center Back
Mark drape at center line and base of styleline.Mark shoulder seam.
Trim Center Back
Trim muslin around armhole.Trim along styleline.
Mark Armplate and Unpin
Mark back of armplate and styleline/armhole intersection.Dot styleline and mark notch (double mark).Once back panel is completely marked, pin it away from style tape.
Draping The Side Back Panel
Place fabric on form with straight grain centered and perpendicular with waist. Pin at waist, side seam, and styleline.
Trim Side Back
Trim excess fabric at waist.Clip to waist.Trim excess fabric around armhole. Pin 1/4" (1/8" on the fold) ease tuck at waist.
Mark Side Back
Dot along styleline clearly marking top and bottom.Mark notch. (double mark)Pencil rub side seam.At armhole depth measure ease (3/4" for sleeved garments and 1/2" for sleeveless garments).Using ruler draw line from side seam/waist to ease marking.
Pin Test
Fold center front panel on shoulder seam markings.Crease on fold.Lap front panel over back panel, matching up shoulder marking and evenly distributing back shoulder ease. Pin perpendicular to seam through all muslin layers. (Do not pin to form.)Fold and crease center front panel on styleline markingsMatch notches below bust and pin.Match notches above bust; evenly distribute ease between upper and lower notches.Pin along styleline. Fold and crease center back panel on styleline markingsPin pieces together along styleline.Be sure to line up notches.Fold and crease side front panel on ruler drawn line. Lap over side back panel, matching up lines. Pin.
Finished Drape
Side view of finished garment.Front view of pin-tested drape.Back view of pin-tested drape.