Darts

DARTS
What are darts?
A “dart” is used to shape fabric, often where there is small amount of excess fabric
or when a more tailored look is required. A dart is usually created to shape the
bust, waist, hip or elbow curve.

There are two types of darts;
“triangle shape” which is wide at the top and pointed at the end “shaped” dart which starts with a point, widening in the middle and ending with a point (often found on dress patterns).

A badly sewn dart will result in the fabric puckering on the right side. A perfect
dart will be straight and smooth and will be barely visible from the right side.

TRIANGLE DARTS
We’ve drawn the shape to illustrate.

Pinch the top two notches so that they meet and pin. Place a pin on the dot and you will see that the fabric forms a straight line from the dot up to the fold between the top notches.

You know what? There are no “RULES” – if it helps you to create the perfect dart then why not draw the line from the top notch to the dot. The line should extend off the fabric at the dot. The line of sewing needs to be a perfect straight line from notch to dot otherwise the dart will pucker. Stitch in place.

1.4. View from right side (sorry almost impossible to see with this print!).