The Art

of Line

Line• Refers to an elongated mark that connects

two or more points.

• Line – encloses space

– divides space

– creates shapes

What lines appear in this

dress?

Lines can create optical illusions

Structural

Decorative

Vs.

• Structural – lines are required to maintain the structure of the garment; for example, seams

• Decorative – lines created by the designer purely for decoration; for example, a printed-on design

Vertical

• Message– Formal

• Illusion– Increases, emphasizes, reinforces length, height,

narrowness, thinness– slimming• Placement

– Deep v-necklines, narrow lapels, vertical stripes, darts, pleats, folds, crease, zippers, row of buttons, neckties,

http://store.alloy.com/item.do?categoryID=1805&itemID=50694&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Horizontal

• Message– relaxed, casual,

• Illusion– Increases, emphasizes, reinforces width, bulk,

shortness, counters vertical lines, when placed high appears taller, when placed low appears shorter

• Placement– Necklines, bow ties, horizontal stripes, belts, cuffs,

waistline, platform shoes, wide-brimmed hat

http://store.alloy.com/item.do?categoryID=1805&itemID=51097&sizeFilter=&colorFilter=&brandFilter=

Diagonal

• Message– movement, dramatic

• Illusion– Increases, emphasizes, reinforces the direction of the

dominant angle• Placement

– V-shaped neckline, open collar, lapels, raglan sleeve seamlines, closures, row of buttons, fabric inset, diagonal stripes, herringbone pattern, zigzag pattern, A-line skirt, flared skirt or pants

Curved Lines

• Message– Gentle, Romantic, Soft, Casual,

• Illusion– Holds attention longer, increases, emphasizes, reinforces

rounded soft-body curves

• Placements– Fabric pattern, necklines, collars, seamlines, bows, lapels,

sleeves, ruffles, skirts, gathers, trims, buttons

Portfolio Assignment

• Design two outfits using two of the four lines.

• Horizontal or Vertical, Curved Line, Diagonal Line• Address the following in your summary:

– What lines are found in your design?– Where are the lines found?– Are the lines structural or decorative?– What is the illusion and message associated with

the described lines.

Curved line sample

portfolio page

Diagonal Line sample

portfolio page

Straight line portfolio

sample page