Darts are folds (tucks coming to a point) sewn into fabric to create shape in a garment, especially for a close fit around the bust. They are used in all sorts of clothing to tailor the garment to the wearer’s shape, or to make an innovative shape in the garment.
Use a chalk pencil/fabric marker to transfer dart information onto the fabric. Mark point & snip dart position on fabric edge, a very small 2mm snip or with loose weave fabrics a chalk line or pin. Using a ruler chalk the dart lines ready to pin.
Fold the dart in half & pin checking the pins are placed along the dart line on both sides. Stitch remembering to back stitch at start & end to stop unravelling.
With sheer/light weight fabrics leave long enough threads at the dart point & tie them off rather than backstitching which can cause an untidy point.
The general rule when pressing darts is, press away from the centre front, for bust darts placed in side seams press downwards to the waist, for trouser & skirt waist darts towards the side seam.
Garment Construction 