D is for Dart!

dart

noun\ˈdärt\ : a stitched tapering fold in a garment

 

  

     

As you can see in the above photo, darts are used to give three-dimensional shape to a garment, specifically in women's clothing.  Darts allow a garment to mirror the feminine form. 

There are two kinds of darts:

Vertical

• Vertical darts are sewn from the bottom of a blouse to a point generally around the bust-line. These are generally used to pull the garment in towards the wearer's waist.  

Bust 

•   Bust darts are short triangle folds that provide space for breasts such that the fabric fits closely to the wearer. Subtypes of bust darts include:
  • Center
  • Waist
  • French
  • Side seam
  • Armhole
  • Neckline
  • Shoulder
  • T-dart
  • Inverted T-dart

Some of our favourite frocks in-store right now owe their shapeliness to darting!  

This little number from Sugarhill features horizontal bust darts.

The coletterie gives a nice step-by-step tutorial on sewing darts.

There you have it!  The secret behind that pretty party dress that fits you like a glove... a dart or two (or three, or four)! 

Dart diagrams courtesy of Google

Dart info from wikipedia

"Around the world" dress from Sugarhill Boutique, photo here