ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
Line
LINE
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Have direction, width, and length.
Can play up a person good points and play down
bad points (or do opposite)
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Can focus attention in a certain area
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Can create illusion of height
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Can conceal weight or thickness
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Straight:
LINE TYPES
Bold and severe
 All clothing has some straight lines
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o Curved:
oRounded, circular, or flattened out
oIncrease size or volume
oCircles stop the eye completely
oJagged:
oZigzag
obold
LINE DIRECTION
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Vertical: lead the eye up and down
Impression of taller and thinner
 Can be seams, button downs, zippers, etc.
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o Horizontal: carry eye from side to side
• Less height, more width
• Can be seams, belts, bows, line made by top and pants/skirt
oDiagonal: slanted
• Draws attention to one area
• Can be v-neck, collar, ruching…
LINE APPLICATIONS
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Structural: holds garment in it’s shape
Seams
 Darts
 Pleats
 Edges
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o Decorative: added details to clothing
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Ruffles
Fringe
Buttons
Lace
Top stitching
CREATING ILLUSIONS WITH LINES
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