“Darts appear in all kinds of projects – garments and beyond. You’ll see them in tote bags, purses, you’ll even see them in home decor projects.”
Which is why CreativeLive enlisted pattern-maker and sewing instructor, Christine Haynes to teach you how to mark, sew, and press one.
Sewing darts is an essential skill for any aspiring seamster and this tutorial makes it easy to get them right.
Here are Christine’s easy-to-follow steps:
(See them in action in the video at the bottom of this post!)
1. Put a pin at the apex of the dart. This pin holds the paper in place so you know exactly where to mark when you lift up the pattern.
2. Mark the fabric where the pin is. Using a water soluble pencil (very important!) mark the wrong side of the fabric.
3. Mark the fabric with the legs of the dart. This sets the width of the dart and gives you a guide point for connecting the apex with the edge of the material.
4. Draw the lines of the dart on the fabric. Use a ruler to connect the apex with the mark you made above to get the exact line you’ll use as your sewing guide when it is time to go to the machine.
5. Pin the fabric together at the apex. A perpendicular pin at the top of the apex will help guarantee your fold is exactly where you want it to be.
6. Line up the legs and pin on top of each other. Generally Christine recommends using no fewer than three pins, but if you only have room for two, that’s okay. These pins will hold the fabric together until it is time to stitch them in place.
7. Sew from the edge of the fabric towards the apex. Secure your dart with a back stitch and carefully work your way towards the top of the dart.
8. Shorten your stitch length as you near the apex. You won’t be back stitching or knotting, so the shorter stitches are essential for ensuring your dart stays strong.
To learn more from Christine check out her class, Sew Along: The Sylvie Dress. She uses darts in The Sylvie Dress bodice and demonstrates printing and assembling a PDF pattern while sharing sewing tips you’ll use again and again.
Are you ready to start selling your handmade projects?
Download our free PDF: Etsy 101: A Guide to Getting Started! This comprehensive collection of notes, worksheets, and slides from Marlo Miyashiro’s class, Etsy 101: Launch Your Handmade Shop gives you the tips and insights you need to launch a successful Etsy shop!
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