Charles James devised Platitudes, which are flat pattern pieces or part of a pattern piece, to find lines on the body that can become seam lines in a garment. A Platitude works like a ruler for the body. It helps create a shaped seam or design line that circulates smoothly around the body and, in many aspects, avoids rightangled seaming. The Platitude could be a shoulder strap, a contoured belt, or any section of a pattern which has a smooth curvilinear shape. Such Platitudes could be used to create a neckline, an Empire seam, or a hip-yoke seam on a garment.
Placing the Platitude on a body or dress form can inspire one to visualize a new design line not related to the original pattern piece from which the Platitude wasdeveloped. The application of this procedure can produce numerous new designs. If the Platitude does not com- plete the intended line or cut of a new seam, it is easy to extend the lines of the Platitude to complete an encircle- ment around the body.