darts in new dress

Hello everyone,

I have a comfortable straight dress which I bought. I would like to make one or two similar ones, but make them with darts.

What is a way I can allow for these new darts when cutting the new material.

Thanks for any help given katherine

Reply to
jones
Loading thread data ...

A "comfortable straight dress"??? That's not much info to go on, do you mean "bust-shaping darts", or "waist-shaping darts", "front darts", "back darts", etc.

But how about getting a commercial pattern with darts and going from there? For instance, Simplicity #4118 is a simple, straight, sheath dress with darts, and it is available in sizes 8 through 26. If you're Plus size, Simplicity #4377 goes up to a size 32W.

formatting link
is also a plain-vanilla darted sheath at Butterick, #4386:
formatting link
McCalls #4369:
formatting link
McCalls #2402:
formatting link
sure you use *your* measurements when buying a pattern, RTW sizes do *not* translate well to sewing patterns. HTH,

Beverly

Reply to
BEI Design

I'm so sorry, was so keen to get the post in, that I didn't mention which darts.

Yes I mean the bust darts. it is just a straight dress - round neckline front and back (both a bit scooped so I can get my head in. No zippers, buttons or darts.

It is very comfortable, but sits a bit funny without bust darts.

Thanks for your advice Beverley. Was going to cut it from this dress I have, without buying a pattern. They are getting so expensive here.

Katherine

Reply to
jones

Dear Katherine,

You can easily add vertical darts to a straight dress pattern. Try on the garment. Pin the widest part of the dart first, usually at the natural waistline, and in line with the tip of your bust. The dart should "disappear" about one inch from the bust tip. If a second dart is desired, it should be 1-1/4 inches from the first at the widest part of the dart, and one inch shorter than the first one, towards the side seam.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

"Here" as in Australia? Don't your fabric stores have Au$.99 pattern sales? ;->

Seriously, trying to create bust darts from scratch, if you're not an accomplished pattern drafter, would not be a good idea. You *might* be able to "pinch" darts in the existing dress, and make a muslin, but the facing/sleeve would have to be altered, too, something not-for-a-beginner.

If you buy one of those patterns (on sale) you would be able to use it many times. Each on has several variations, you could make entirely "new" looks.

Beverly (with only two "e"s...:-)

Reply to
BEI Design

Yes in Australia, and I wish sewing would make a comeback. We used to have lots of fabric and patterns shops, but they closed down. Maybe the young ones now are not taught to sew or just want shop clothes ready made. Knitting is making a comeback, maybe sewing will as well :-)

No 99c patterns I'm afraid.

Even our K-mart used to sell fabrics and patterns, but closed down that section. We had a big Target store in my area as well but the whole store closed down :-(

There are two big department stores that I can think of who have patterns and you have to order them as well :-(.

Still have some in my sewing cupboard, so will use one of them and adapt it.

Thanks again Beverly and gjones for your help and advice.

Regards Katherine

Reply to
jones

Depending where you are in Australia, you might find op shops (eg St Vincent de Paul) a good source of patterns. For simple dresses like you describe, it probably doesn't matter if the pattern comes from the 60s or 70s. Cheers, Liz in Sydney

Reply to
Liz

Dear Katherine,

You say that your dress "sits funny" without bust darts. (All darts in a bodice are bust darts.) Get someone to help you, and pin out the wrinkles, using the rules I gave you previously. Side darts are a different matter, but you can make french darts without disturbing the side seam. But be warned, the more you take out in darts, the more you will need some kind of opening to get it on.

Teri

Reply to
gjones2938

One way: put on the dress and measure how much higher the hem is in front than in back. Make the pattern for the front this much longer, then put in bust darts that take that much out of the side seam, so that it matches up with the back again.

The darts should point at the high point of the bust, and stop at least an inch short of it.

Buy some cheap fabric -- with a woven-in check or plaid if you can find it -- and have fun!

(Preferably cheap fabric that's suitable for nightwear ;-)

Joy Beeson

Reply to
Joy Beeson

Funny thing Liz, I had lots of patterns.

When I got this urge to clean this "everything" room I got rid of some of the small size patterns. Now that was a mistake :-(

Took them to the local op shop. Went there a while back to buy some back, and they informed me they had a clean out and threw a lot out they said "not much call for them these days". They too used to have boxes full of them :-(

But will keep looking thanks, or brush up on my drafting that I learnt at school about 45 years ago.

Katherine

Reply to
jones

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.