How to Sew Darts

Darts are one of the basic parts of sewing. Used in many types of garment, darts add shape. Although they are particularly used in women's clothing to add shape around the bust, they are also used in suits to give a more tailored appearance and define the contours of the body. Making darts is very simple and is one of the first things taught in basic sewing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pattern
• Tracing wheel
• Tracing paper
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pressing ham or other stuffed piece
• Iron
• Ironing board

1. Once you have cut out the pieces, leave the pattern pinned in place. Note the locations of the darts.

2. Slide a piece of single-face tracing paper between the fabric and the pattern, colored-side down. Roll the tracing wheel over the pattern to mark where the dart. This should create a shape that looks like a long, skinny triangle.

3. Fold the dart in half lengthwise and pin it at both ends and the middle. Make sure the marked lines match up on either side.

4. Continue to pin the fabric along the marked line. Pinning frequently ensures that the fabric doesn't slide.

5. Backstitch at the beginning and then sew across the marked line. Backstitch again at the other end. Make sure your line of stitching goes straight off the end of the dart.

6. Holding the dart lengthwise, use scissors to snip the dart open at the center, or the widest point at the dart. Cut as closely to the stitch line as possible without cutting through it.

7. Place the dart over the pressing ham and press the excess fabric to one side. The ham will help shape the dart's curve.

Tips & Warnings

• If a pressing ham isn't available, use the rounded side of the ironing board to press out the curve.
• When making the dart, make sure that the edges don't pucker after they've been ironed. If the corners aren't smooth and instead sink in or pop up after pressing, undo the dart and start again.