Darts can be moved to anywhere around the perimeter of the front bodice block, as long as you follow a few simple rules.
The Slash method of dart manipulation is the easiest for beginners to use –
- Make sure your darts are extended to the bust point.
- Mark a pencil line from the place you would like the new dart to be to the bust point and cut along this line with your scissors.
- Fold out the dart you want to eliminate and watch the new dart open.
Why not have a practice with the examples 1 to 6 above and let me know if you need any help at all.
I have a dedicated workbook for beginners that shows the basics of bodice pattern cutting, specially designed to help beginners make the most of their bodice blocks, you can find this as a PDF download on my web site www.modeliste-creative.com
The link to the workbook is here
Happy Pattern Cutting,
Nicola
3 Comments
Hi Nicola,
When you have created the new dart do you have to take it back 2.5cms from the bust point? Also if you are making a shorter dart do you have to take a bit out of the fullness of it so it doesn’t create such a sharp point or does this alter the hang of the garment too much?
Thanks for your help,
Deb.
Hi Deb, Yes I take mine back around 2 cm, otherwise you get a nasty point at the bust.
I would not advise taking any amount out of the fullness of the dart, you will unbalance the garment. The dart will still throw out the same quantity of fullness regardless of how long or short it is, so wherever you move a dart, you will still have the same basic shape.
Many thanks for your question,
Nicola
That’s brilliant, thanks Nicola 🙂