How Do I Make That

How Do I Make That ?!?
Often when presented with a sketch of a complicated, oversized or unusual design we are at a loss
as to how to begin or where to find the patterns to fabricate it. Learn how to dissect a sketch into
its individual components, study simple pattern drafting techniques, and think outside the box to
overcome installation challenges. Embrace every new challenge as
an opportunity to grow in skill, thereby increasing your value as the
workroom that produces extraordinary results.
Ann K. Johnson, Instructor
GOALS
Learn to dissect a treatment into its individual components
Drape fabric from a pivot point
Add flare to flat pleated treatments
Develop the components to create a simple kingston
Slash and spread
Swagged panels
Deception
IDENTIFY TREATMENT COMPONENTS
Identify pattern components that make up most treatments
Then identify each component’s characteristics
DRAPING FROM A PIVOT POINT
What is a pivot point
How to recognize treatment components that would be drawn from a pivot point
How to draft an elegant cascade from a pivot point
Draw an elegantly draped horn from a pivot point
Drape a handkerchief valance
ADD FULLNESS TO A FLAT PANEL/FLAG
Add horizontal fullness in the form of swagged folds
Slouched
Pleated
Add vertical fullness in the form of draped folds
©Sew Easy Windows llc 2016
SIMPLE HORNS/BELLS
Bell shape
Converting finished dimensions into pattern dimensions
Develop templates
SIMPLE KINGSTON
Draft the cascade, swag and bell for a simple kingston
SLASH AND SPREAD
Draw the finished silhouette
Sketch the fold lines on top to guide in adding fullness
Cut the silhouette into sections and spread pattern pieces across fabric
to add fullness
Inverted pleats or dimensional pleats
SWAGGED PANELS
Simple cut shape to top of panel
OUTSIDE THE BOX - WHEN SOMETHING ISN’T WHAT IT SEEMS
Joining two separate components to create an illusion
Swagged cornice
Pleated ruffles as header on a balloon shade
Bishop sleeved panels that end in a double jabot
Tied back panel fabricated in three pieces
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you to people who provided pictures and sketches to help illustrate these techniques
Jackie Von Tobel - The Design Directory of Window Treatments
Betsy McKinney - Pictures from Taft Museum, Cinci, Ohio
Beth Hodges
June Martin
DreamDraper design software
©Sew Easy Windows llc 2016
Resources
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ANN K. JOHNSON
ajohnson@seweasywindows.com
Become a fan of Sew Easy Windows and AKJ Workroom on Facebook
CONSULTATION & PRIVATE TRAINING SERVICES
23+ years of experience available to you for deisgning your workroom layout and work flow, pattern
drafting, basic fabrications, pricing decisions, or any topic for which you need guidance.
SPEAKER
Contact me for a comprehensive list of 1.5 hour to 3 hour topics I can present to your local workroom
association. Mix and match topics, or develop a specific program based on your interests.
HANDS-ON COURSES
Excellent line-up of two-day hands-on courses that can be scheduled either in my own workroom or in
yours for a minimum of six students:
Essential Workroom Skills & Efficiency - Part 1
Essential Workroom Skills & Efficiency - Part 2
Drapery Panels - Basic to Bump
Advanced Swag Engineering Skills
Old World Pattern Drafting Techniques for the Modern Workroom
Ripplefold & Panel Tracks Workshop
Pattern Drafting for Shaped Top Treatments
ONLINE COURSES
I am very excited to announce that I will have courses on The Workroom Channel. The first course,
scheduled for launch early 2016, is Pattern Drafting for Shaped Top Treatments.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ANYTIME,
A N Y W H E R E , AT Y O U R O W N PA C E
The Workroom Channel gives you the fabrication skills, trade resources and confidence to
turn your passion for home decorating into a profitable business. Learn professional techniques
directly from trusted industry experts. Consult with a personal career advisor to plan the
educational path that is right for you.
DREAMDRAPER DESIGN SOFTWARE
Make your vision a reality. Cloud and desktop versions available
http://www.dreamdraper.com/
BOOKS & TOOLS
(Available at http://seweasywindows.com/Book_orders/store.html):
“The Professional Workroom Handbook of Swags, Volumes 1 & 2”
by Ann K. Johnson
Practical workroom manuals that analyze the swag pattern. Simple step by step
instructions for designing a swag, drawing the pattern and fabricating
swags of any shape or size. A must have for every workroom.
Square It Up!
Workroom tool designed to aid in drafting patterns for point-to-point drapery
swags. Also used to verify shades are hanging square and for choosing
pattern placement on a treatment.
“Price Your Work With Confidence” by Kitty Stein
Discusses the economics of running a business, provides instructions on how to
build a solid price list, and gives encouragement to step up and grow by
managing your income.
©Sew Easy Windows llc 2016