Learn how to sew darts the easy way! Darts are these beautiful folds sewn into the fabric of your blouse or skirt. They may look a little complicated but with this guide, you can uncover the secret of sewing darts in 15 easy steps.
How to Sew Darts: Perfecting Your Darts Like a Pro
As a beginner, learning how to sew darts may seem a little tricky. There may have been some crooked lines and bubbles appearing on your first darts, but don't worry! With this easy step-by-step instruction on how to sew darts, you'll be perfecting this nifty technique in no time!
Materials You Need On How to Sew Darts:
- Fabric
- Scissors
- Tracing Wheel or a Blunt Pencil
- Transfer Chalk Paper
- Sewing Machine and Thread
- Iron
- Sloped Surface
Step 1. Lay your pattern over your fabric
First, get your pattern paper and lay it over your fabric. You might want to practice learning how to sew darts on spare fabrics first.
Step 2. Cut along the edge of your pattern
Using your scissors, cut your fabric by following the edge of your dart pattern.
Step 3. Cut three snips along the edge
Cut your fabric with three snips onto the dart legs and the middle of the dart.
Reminder: Don't snip beyond the seam line!
Step 4. Mark your fabric
Mark your fabric with the pattern using transfer chalk paper and a tracing wheel.
If you don't have a tracing wheel, you may also use a blunt pencil. Fold back the pattern paper and mark the dart points using the blunt end of your pencil. Trace a line from this point to your snips using a ruler.
Step 5. Fold your fabric along the marked lines
Fold your dart in half by following along the line in the middle. Make sure the clippings at the dart ends meet.
Step 6. Pin the ends of your dart
Pin the point where the dart legs meet and at the edge of the dart.
Step 7. Sew along the marked line
Just follow along the marked lines on your fabric, and you're good.
Step 8. Run your thread by creating extra stitches
Create extra stitches by running your thread beyond the point where the dart legs meet.
Step 9. Make an overhead knot
Loop your thread over your finger. Gently slide the loop from your finger while you insert the tail into the loop.
Step 10. Slide your knot closer to your dart
Insert a pin onto the knot and slid the knot so it's closer to the dart. Trim the excess thread by about an inch long.
Step 11. Start pressing your dart
Fold your dart so it lays flat. Press it an inch away from the dart point.
Step 12. Open up your dart
Open up the dart to which side you want it to be pressed.
Step 13. Steam your dart and press it down
Press your darts on a curved surface. Steam the dart points and press it down.
Step 14. Turn your fabric over a sloped surface
Turn your fabric to the right side and lay it out on a sloped surface. Make sure your dart points are as flat as possible.
Step 15. Steam your dart and smooth it down
Use the steam from your iron to press down on your dart points. Using your fingers, smooth your fabric from the dart points to the lines.
Here's the video from artandneedlework for the full tutorial on how to sew darts:
Learning how to sew darts can be really simple and uncomplicated. Practice with spare fabrics lying around your sewing station. Soon enough, you'll be sewing darts in your skirts and blouses like a pro!
Do you know other techniques on how to sew darts? Let us know in the comments below!
Want to know more sewing techniques? Check out How To Sew French Seams Correctly!
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