Quote Originally Posted by Pleater View Post
No - what happens is the fabric extends under the influence of gravity, and the horizontal measurements reduce. Bias cut fabric really is a whole different system of construction.

I saw a dress with a bias cut bodice which was 21 inches across when laid flat and barely 17 when on a hanger. The skirt was quite heavy and when worn the waist seam migrated downwards, the bodice constricted and gave a feeling of suffocation, and distorted the anatomy in most disconcerting ways.

It was only prevented from causing slow asphyxiation by having a sturdy lining inserted to hold the weight of the skirt - at which point the bodice did become looser than intended and an extra inch had to be invented into the length.

With many garments the cut is only half the battle - you then need to know what is underneath the first layer.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:
Well, yes, gravity would do that with a dress or skirt, but I was thinking like sleeves and collars and such. That's what I thought was meant when using woven patterns with bias. My misunderstanding.