Sketching-People

TENSION & COMPRESSION
Folds are created when cloth is in either tension or compression. Hanging folds
(pipe fold and swag fold) occur when fabric is in tension and being held up
against the pull of gravity. Compression folds (interlocking fold and spiral fold)
are created when fabric is pushed together and begins to bunch up on itself.
Tension and compression are often both present to create a fold. Hybrid
folds (zigzag fold and billowing fold) are created when both tension and
compression forces are acting on the cloth.
DRAPING FABRIC
As this woman gathers up the
slack in her dress, she creates
a hanging swag fold as it
drapes between her hip
and where she holds
it in her hand.
STRETCHING
FABRIC
Notice how
the long skirt is
stretched between
the two legs. This
tension is stretching
the fabric and forcing
it to ride close to the
woman’s contours.
COMPRESSING FABRIC
The fabric in the sleeves is largely
under compression as gravity pulls
it back down the outstretched arms.
Spiral folds become more prominent
as the fabric folds around itself
at the shoulder.
HANGING FABRIC
This man has rotated his
shoulders forward, causing
his shirt to compress and
gather across his front. At
the same time, the fabric is
pulled down by gravity and
forms pipe folds as it drops
down from his shoulders.
Both lateral compression
and vertical tension go into
creating this fold pattern.