Have you ever had the problem where your darts look pointy on the end, causing an unflattering point right over your chest (or butt, depending on what you're darting)? It's probably because your seam isn't perfectly straight. Many peoplehave the tendency to sort of "curve" off the edge of the fabric too soon.
To combat that problem, mark along your dart seam line with masking tape and sew from the outside of the garment to the point of the dart RIGHT ALONG THE TAPE. Do not deviate. Leave yourself enough thread at the end to tie a knot. Do so and remove the tape - you should have a perfectly shaped dart.
This method works for any spot where you need a crisp point and you can use low-tack painters tape for more delicate fabrics. |
|Login|Help]
This is amazing. I just did that with the last blouse that I made. It works like a charm.
7/5/05 5:59 PM
oops, I also meant to add that "great minds think alike" - hehehe. Thanks for putting this great tip into print.
7/5/05 6:00 PM
Thanks for this tip. Very helpful. Instead of tying a knot at the end, I usually shorten the stitch length in the last half inch or so of the dart. The only problem with this is if you ever need to pick out your stitches, then God help you.
7/6/05 10:31 AM
Hi Alyson, I don't want to seem too dense, but I am a beginner, beginner and I can't seem to visualize how this technique works. You say to apply tape and sew from the outside of the garment. I only can picture sewing a dart from the inside of the garment. I'm sure your technique is obvious to many sewers, but I am pretty inexperienced at this. Thanks, Diane
7/6/05 2:35 PM
Great Idea !!! ...Thanks !!!
7/6/05 3:08 PM
Diane...since I'm here, I'll reply...when she said 'outside', she means the widest part of the dart at the 'edge' of the fabric [as opposed to starting to sew at the 'inside', or point of the dart].
7/7/05 0:57 AM
Thanks, SewVeryTall. Ahhhh... Now I can visualize how this procedure works. This is a fantastic idea. Great timing, too because I have several alteration projects--mostly darts in the bodice area. This idea will make my project so much easier. Thanks to both Alyson and SewVeryTall!
7/7/05 3:19 AM
SewVeryTall, Thanks for fielding the question. :-) Diane, I'm glad SewVeryTall was able to solve the problem for you - and II'm glad the tip will help you out!
7/7/05 8:13 AM
I also use scotch tape for marking topstitching. I had not used it for darts, but this is a great idea and I can't wait to try it.
7/7/05 9:09 AM
I've always had trouble with darts and will definately try this next time.
7/11/05 7:19 AM
Great tip. I would have not have thought of this. I use painters tape topstitching zippers and on the bed of my machine for seam allowance guides, but I love having another use.
7/17/05 7:49 AM
I like this idea! I will give it a try becuase when I mark my fabric the marking on the fabric seams to fade under the sewing machine lightbulb. I believe that if I use the tape to guide me instead I won't strain my eyes anymore. Thanks for the tip.
7/19/05 5:54 PM
Thanks for this idea. I like it better than marking with a pen as I have been doing.
7/30/05 10:10 PM
As a beginner sewer figuring out how to transfer the pattern markings has been my biggest challenge. I just tried this and it worked great! Thanks!
2/26/07 11:55 AM