Tip: Barrett on Folds

In the January/February 2012 issue of The Artist's Magazine, Utah's own Robert T. Barrett describes the different types of folds that are routinely seen in drapery, clothing, and other fabrics. He contends that in order to draw folds more convincingly, you must "understand the anatomy of folds."

As Barret describes, folds in fabric are strongly influenced by gravity and the objects that either support (hold up) or obstruct (causes tension) the fabric. In most cases, the points of support and tension are caused by the forms obscured by the fabric. For example, if the fabric is being worn by a person, the human body provides the supports and obstructions that create the folds.

Each of the seven folds are briefly described below. Barrett's illustrations show the points of support and tension, as well as the effects of gravity.

The pipe fold is the most common. It usually forms where there is a single point of support. These folds are governed more by gravity than the forms beneath the fabrics.

Diaper folds are triangular in shape. They are caused by two supports. The angle of the fold is determined primarily by the amount of slack between them.

A zigzag fold can be thought of as a bent pipe fold. The bend forces the fabric to fold in zigzag patterns across the cylindrical shape caused by gravity alone.

A half-lock fold is similar to the zigzag fold but is more compressed.

The spiral fold is less common but appears where loose fabric is gathered tightly at one end.

A drop fold is irregular in nature. It is caused when fabrics are draped loosely on or over a support. You will see a variety of other fold shapes occuring within a drop fold.

The inert fold is static and horizontal in nature. Like the drop fold, it may contains a variety of other fold shapes.