How to Add Darts to a Dress Pattern
Adding darts to a dress pattern is a fundamental skill in dressmaking that can elevate the fit and shape of your garment. Darts are small triangular pieces of fabric that are inserted into a garment to add fullness and shape. They are commonly used in areas where a garment needs to fit closely to the body, such as the bust, waist, and hip. In this article, we will guide you through the process of adding darts to a dress pattern, ensuring a perfect fit and a professional finish.
Understanding the Purpose of Darts
Before we dive into the actual process of adding darts, it’s essential to understand their purpose. Darts are designed to add fullness and shape to a garment by concentrating the excess fabric into a smaller area. This is particularly useful in areas where the body curves, as it helps the dress to fit more snugly and comfortably.
Materials and Tools Needed
To add darts to your dress pattern, you will need the following materials and tools:
– Your dress pattern
– Fabric
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Ruler
– Pencil
– Seam ripper (optional)
Choosing the Right Dart Type
There are several types of darts, each serving a different purpose. The most common types are the standard dart, the princess dart, and the curved dart. Choose the type of dart that best suits your dress pattern and the area where you are adding it.
– Standard Dart: This is the most common type of dart, used to add fullness to the bust, waist, or hip.
– Princess Dart: This dart is used to add shape to the bodice and is particularly useful for fitted dresses.
– Curved Dart: This dart is used to add shape to curved areas, such as the bust or hip.
Marking the Dart on the Pattern
Once you have chosen the type of dart, it’s time to mark it on your dress pattern. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Lay your dress pattern on a flat surface.
2. Identify the area where you want to add the dart (e.g., the bust).
3. Draw a straight line from the dart point to the side seam of the dress pattern.
4. Mark the dart point on the line and draw a triangle to represent the dart.
5. Repeat this process for the other side of the dress pattern.
Adding the Dart to the Fabric
Now that you have marked the dart on your dress pattern, it’s time to add it to the fabric. Follow these steps:
1. Cut out your dress pattern pieces.
2. Place the pattern pieces on your fabric, right sides together.
3. Pin the pieces in place.
4. Cut out the dart shape from the fabric, leaving a small seam allowance.
5. Pin the dart in place, ensuring that the dart point is at the center of the dart.
6. Sew the dart together, using a zigzag stitch or a dart foot on your sewing machine.
7. Trim any excess fabric and press the dart open.
Finishing Touches
Once your dart is added and pressed open, you can proceed with sewing the rest of your dress. Remember to press your seams open as you sew to ensure a smooth and professional finish.
In conclusion, adding darts to a dress pattern is a valuable skill that can help you achieve a perfect fit. By following these steps, you can confidently add darts to your dress patterns and create beautifully fitted garments. Happy sewing!
