In this tutorial we will learn how to apply a flat texture to an object that contains form and geometry. The Mesh transformation tool is useful for setting up initial form, but refining and adding in fold detail are only now possible because of the liquify tool.

Step One

Find a texture, I used a basic cloth texture from textures.com. For the texture below I tiled it and made a 3x3 by copying and pasting and moving it to line up. I then set the texture mode to overlay. Overlay mode allows the colors on the lower layers to pass through yet still captures the textures.

Step Two

At this point I use the mesh transform tool to set the general form of the outfit, not worrying too much about detail. Just keep perspective and form in mind. After I'm happy with the form I use a layer mask to mask out areas that I do not want to include texture. Be sure to play around with the number of lattice points in the tool property window. More complex geometry or larger surfaces may require more than what I used here.

Step Three

This is where I begin using the liquify tool. Target larger areas first then later work with folds and smaller details. You may want to duplicate the layer before you begin with the liquify tool in order to try multiple iterations. You'll notice that you can pull some detail in from behind the mask. Allowing the texture to extend over the target area before masking even more will allow even more detail to be pulled in, this is another thing you can play around with.