30 Darts
Sheri Deaton
Darts
Darts are folds that are sewn into the fabric to provide shape to a garment. The purpose of a dart is to shape flat fabric to fit the curves of the body. Darts can be used to alter clothing to make garments more fitted to the body. In apparel production, darts can be sewn on shirts, skirts, pants, dresses, and other pieces of clothing (Deaton, 2021).
Darts may be straight or curved, and they may have one or two points. These additions to a garment provide interest and shape and are commonly found in female clothing. It is imperative to transfer the dart markings from the pattern to the fabric with care and precision to ensure perfect placement and execution of this skill.
Darling Darts
Use these directions to learn the process of how to create a dart, but please follow the specific guidelines in the pattern instruction sheet to ensure the quality construction of darts for your project.
- Transfer the pattern markings from the pattern to the fabric.
- Fold the dart to match the dots/lines. Pin in place as desired.
TIP: For those new to sewing, consider using a straight ruler and a fabric pencil to draw a straight line from the beginning of the dart to the edge of the fabric. Seeing this straight line will assist in creating a straight and smooth dart.
- Start sewing slowly along the marked line on one side. Backtack at the start of the seam.
- Sew off the edge of the fabric. Do not backtack.
- Knot the thread close to the edge to ensure it does not come undone.
- Press the dart toward the seam allowance, or as directed in the pattern envelope.
TIP: Some darts are very bulky and require trimming. Consider trying this technique and note the difference in appearance between a trimmed dart and an untrimmed dart.
Duo Darts
If you are sewing a double-pointed dart, sew it as though it were two single-pointed darts using the following guidelines.
- Transfer the pattern markings from the pattern to the fabric.
- Start sewing at the widest point of the dart without backtacking.
- Sew off the edge of the dart just like you would a single dart and finish with a hand knot. (See above.)
- Return to the center of the dart and stitch over the previous starting stitches, sewing toward the other end of the dart.
- Finish this end of the dart using the same techniques as you would for a single dart. (See above.)
- Clip the center of the dart (at the widest part) to relieve fabric stress.
Hemming it Up
Learning how to create darts is an essential skill for every aspiring tailor or seamstress. Darts add shape, structure, and interest to a garment. Placement of the darts can either accentuate or camouflage parts of the body, creating a sleek and polished look to enhance any body type.
Altering dart sizes can be an adaptation to an ill-fitting garment and a simple adaptation to consider implementing if the clothing purchased is too large or does not flatter your body type. Check out this resource created by Heather Handmade where she outlines how to add back darts to address for a better fit. Challenge yourself to use this technique in your next apparel production project!
Resources
| Resource | QR Codes |
| How to Sew Darts for Shaping Fabric | |
| How to Sew Plain & Curved Darts: Sewing 101 for Beginners | |
| Sewing Darts Tutorial | |
| Tutorial: How to sew darts |
References
Deaton, S. (2021). Teaching Apparel Production. Presentation.