Great tutorial! I use the second method but I also reduce the stitch length on the last half inch. I learned to do that from an old article in Threads magazine. It's just another way to make sure that the dart tip is flat and secure. This series is so awesome. I'm so happy to have stumbled not it. Thank you!
I use the same method as Jessica Stier mentions with shortening the stitch length at the end of the dart; I also picked up the idea from an old issue of Threads. Another idea for flattering bust darts - if you wear an A or B cup, the point of the dart should be about 1/2 an inch from your actual bust point. If you wear a C or D cup, the point of the dart should be about 1” short of your actual bust point.
When I first started out sewing on the machine I practiced sewing straight lines on lined paper without thread (it basically just poked holes in a sheet of paper). Now I can sew straight lines no problem. Thanks, grandma!
Thanks so much. I learned that from the local sewing factory, been shut down for decades now, but I can sew a mean straight line, my curve sewing sucks still. I've been trying to improve my curves for 5 decades. .😢 Have a great day.
I’ve been sewing for about 5 years (on and off) but I’m self taught so even my best outfits are rough around the edges. Your tutorials are inviting and easy to follow! Well done 😊😊
For those of you who need guidance with stitching straight while sewing darts, just put some light or washi tape where you want the stitch line to be and remove it as you taper off, if you’re doing the advanced technique. Even if you see through it, the tape will rip off but keep your stitches.
Thank you; I am an advanced sewist and I have never learned that dart technique. My mom did not use it, either and she was a couture sewist! That makes perfect sense, now, all my darts will be perfect. You are the best!
I'm still a beginner, but actually just kinda jumped into the world of pattern drafting because I'm trying to recreate American Girl doll clothes from existing ones I have (without taking said clothes apart as I know they won't go back together the same way), and some things I've learned from it: 1, seam allowance is pretty important. 2, remember that the clothing has to fit *around* the doll, and adjust for that in your patterns. 3, easing in sleeves isn't particularly difficult for me (that was actually the first time I'd tried it) but would probably be a little easier on a larger scale. Something I've learned from making a bag: If you're working with pockets on a lined piece, sew the lining together, sew the pocket to the lining, then sew the outside together, and attach the lining. Or at least, that's what I should've done for the bag.
Really clear tutorial. I"m a beginner sewer. My goal is to avoid square boxy designs. I am making my very first top which will be a long sleeve jersey top. I"m going to shape it with the use of darts. To be honest at this stage I will be happy to end up with something I can wear, but it doesn't' hurt to have dreams :)
Darts 101, one ABSOLUTELY does NOT backstitch on a dart. One should decrease the stitch length substantially when reaching the end of the dart. I should clarify, since the video mentions making ‘perfect’ darts, that not backstitching creates a cleaner dart from the right side, and in my opinion, a more ‘perfect’ dart. On the dimple, placing brown paper between the dart and the fabric will allow you to iron into the tip of the dart and prevent the iron from leaving a dart impression on the right side of the fabric.
Actually, in mass production I have seen sewers, including sample sewers, almost exclusively backstitch at the dart tip. That being said, tying the thread in a knot by hand and/or decreasing the stitch length at the end produces a much better dart and is better suited for tailored, bespoke, and handmade garments.
I was also told to never backstitch at the end. I was taught to run off the edge at the point, which accomplished what she does in the second example. Nothing in sewing is truly difficult, it just might seem overwhelming.
I ruined my project after being advised to "sew straight off the fabric at the end...don't backstitch at the end." Like the post (at time of writing) which sits above yours, "I'm too poor to make mistakes..so I gotta make it the first attempt." I now wish I'd backstitched at the end instead of trying to sew right off the fabric. My ( almost brand new ) machine protested and made the most godawful noise, despite the slow speed I took. The dart ended up being way too long. Because I'm still a beginner - the skirt was the first item of clothing I'd tried to make - I had taken such care by stay stitching / having everything ironed eight times. I was so nervous just pinning the pattern, using tracing wheels / carbon paper etc. Not a cheap pastime these days is it? I was beyond gutted when I failed the 'dart' test. In a way - my fault. I should have practiced darts before trying to complete one in my first project. But I had been lucky, I had previously managed to sew in a zip ( only into a pencil case..but ), quilting fabric and also adding a lining, so I thought I was on a roll and that anyway I had researched enough 'dart' tutorials, to fail. Now I just don't know what to do. It really discouraged me. Not really sure whose advice to follow.
i have been sewing since i was 12 some 45 years ago you learn new things every day only thing your fabric is to dark for me to see exactly what you were doing at the end of each dart
Same here. It was hard to see. Using a contrasting thread wud help. Thx for vid. I've sewn since I was little girl (I'm old as the hills now) but I had never seen second method shown with such clarity. Thx again.
Awesome tutorial! My tip as someone who has trouble controlling a sewing machine for more precise stitches: If I can't get the sewing machine to co-operate for the end of the dart, I'll just hand-stitch it. It sounds more time-consuming, but I find switching between machine sewing for straight lines, and hand-sewing for intricate details, is easier for me personally, and actually saves me time having to undo and redo machine stitches I messed up. And I never, ever, ever backstitch the end of darts. I bring both ends of the thread to one side, and tie it (same thing as shown in the video) before continuing with a hand stitch. And if I'm anxious about the knot unraveling, I'll dab a little fray-check on it with a toothpick before cutting the thread to size.
That's a great tip using the fray check! Personally, I say do whatever method works for you. Some machines can't handle certain fabrics and wasting your time and possibly ruining your project trying get the machine to cooperate just isn't worth it!
You should make your own ham. I made mine out of fabric scraps and discount remnants. It has been a lifesaver. Just cut a large egg shape out of several layers of cotton remnants and collect all your scraps/cut threads from your next few projects to use as stuffing.
You could try making a muslin to practice on inexpensive fabric before making the real thing. This also helps ensure the garment will fit perfectly! Some people use old bed sheets to make their muslins so they don't have to buy any extra fabric.
go to the thrift store and buy a bedsheet to practice on. you can also practice on different materials, look for hand-me-downs, worn out clothes, and trashed clothes at the thrift store, yard sale, or goodwill outlet. you can turn them into rags or clothes when you're done
I'm just starting out and the beginner course I was doing didn't mention how to finish the point. Thank you so much for this! Now I'll be able to start out knowing how things are supposed to look vs how I may do them.
Although I hadn't sewn for years I've recently taken it up again, and I don't think I have ever been shown this advanced dart technique. I can't wait to try it. Thanks.
Holy moly I needed this. I'm actually a professional sewist, but I make boat covers and upholstery. I've been doing darts wrong for years. Embarrassing. Anyway, thanks so much for this! Liked and subscribed.
Honestly, there are so many ways to do everything in sewing. There's truly no "right" way to do anything. It sounds like you must have been doing them well enough if you've been getting paid for it all these years!!!
Great tutorial. Please invest in the tailor’s ham and roll, as they take the beginner out of the garment’s appearance from the get go. They need to know both what they look like, and how they are used. I have been sewing for sixty years. I wrote guide sheets for Simplicity Pattern Co, and was on writing team for several books. I still learned two things from your video. 1- The professional method. 2- Palmer & Pletch have a book out that I simply must buy. Thank you for speaking clearly and with a supportive tone. I’m recommending this video to all of my students (mostly quilters who have not made a garment in years or never have.) You are appreciated.
I need to practice my straight lines and working with patterns. I’m self taught and never used commercial patterns until this year and wow it’s hard for me 😓
Forget the commercial patterns and just draft your own. They’ll be drafted exactly for your body. Read “patternmaking for fashion design” by Hellen Armstrong. It teaches you everything. Seriously. After you learn this book, your imagination will be your limit.
Every time I pull a pattern out of an envelope I end up putting it right back 😅 one day one day! Until then I'll keep using the tricks I find online and come up with!
2 things, firstly I made my own ham because I thought they were stupidly expensive for what they are. I bought the wool fabric from a thrift store in the guise of wool pants and then stuffed it myself. I sew bags and purses and this has worked well for me. Secondly, being new to garment sewing, my mistake was to cut the dart area and sew with the seam allowance, thus making the dart longer. Thank you for showing me my error.
Great tutorial. I'm new to sewing. I particularly like sewing Barbie clothes because they are small and easier for me to handle. I just sewed my first darts into a Barbie dress using this tutorial, and it looks really good. Thanks.
Barbie clothes are a great place to start! Projects are much easier to jump into if you're not worried about wasted materials or cost. Keep it up! You'll have a fabric addiction in no time lol
Brilliant I'm making a trouser suit using wool material, I need to learn the dart Technik, to help me with the jacket, I've make some mistakes, by cutting out 2 trousers instead of I trouser and the jacket, I had to buy more fabric, but manage to sort out my mistakes, your tutorial is very good, I can see every detail that you do, which is what we need to learn by. Thank you
You can use a rolled towel as a taylors ham. If needed cover it with a cotton tea towel. It's multi use then, can use it for sleeves as well 😊. And as an ironing surface if your area isn't heat resistant. ☺
@@TheAwlNighter1 exactly! You can stuff it with another tea towel to get a more rounded shape for a dart ☺ might take some practice though! 😯 I'd go with a combo of Bath towel and bath sheet. ☺
Im a beginner sewer and i was actually taught how to do darts with your advanced technique but i still get the pucker. Lol. I guess i just need practice. Another thing i am having difficulty with are princess seams. I am new to your channel so i am hoping to find a video on princess seams since this one was so helpful.
As someone who has been sewing since childhood-worked in the industry-but took a break for a decade - this was an excellent refresher on correct dart finishing. Thank you for sharing 🤩
Thank you for this! I am definitely a beginner. Today I sewed my first dress from a pattern I made off a dress I already have. WooHoo that was an accomplishment. However, I feel the dress would look better with a couple of darts. The one I patterned it off of did not have any darts. So, I thought I'd search for how to make darts and your channel came up. Very nice and easy tutorial. Thank you so much!
I'm actually practicing sewing so I can make and sell dice bags for table top gaming. Not sure a dart would be handy for that sort of thing, but its nice to know.
Thank you, thank you, 😊 as a beginner I do have dimples on every dart that I sew. Your video is indeed very helpful. Shall apply your technique. Thank you so much.
Hi, thanks for a very informative tutorial =) I'm very much a beginner and did my first dart today. I didn't even know what dimples were but I got them, I was like, what is this?? This looks horrible! I didn't want to look for tutorials immediately so i redid the stitches a couple of times and managed to get a better result, but not fully to satisfaction. Now I'm excited to learn this technique you demonstrated =)
I am a beginner. I started learning sewing through an online school; but I hated the teaching method and am now following the dressmaking course from Penn Foster instead (it's way better!). Anyhow my first school required me to start by making an apron. I've kept it as a souvenir because it was truly awful - I didn't understand basic concepts such as symmetry, matching patterns etc etc so my first attempt turned out to look really strange! I also didn't understand that I was required to fold my fabric so that I would automatically cut two halves instead of cutting one half two times. And I ended up sewing the two halves together... I still struggle with drawing and cutting a straight line but am getting better!
I'm new and still learning to sew. There are many thing to learn but overall I'd say fitting so that your able to understand and actually know what adjustment is needed and how to do sew it so that it look right.
Having asked for some sewing challenges, when I was 14,I made a dress for Easter. I managed the darts and all of the special secrets of sewing this particular pattern. When I was finished, I tried it on and it was perfect. Then I washed it and readied the dress for Easter Sunday. You have probably guessed what happened. When I dressed and finally put the dress on, it absolutely did not fit because it had shrunk in the wash! I now prewash everything beforeI proceed to cutting and sewing the pattern. It was a very hard lesson for me at the age of 14!
Subscribed! Who wouldn’t with such clear and well presented advice! 🤗 How about a tutorial on how to make a Tailor’s Ham ? I bought sawdust from a pet store ages ago with that intention but haven’t got it done yet🤪. I’m sure you would think of a great method to do it. 🤩
Aw, thanks so much! I do really need to make a tailor's ham. It's starting to be shameful at this point haahhahaha! I'm in the opposite boat, I cut out the pieces for a ham and sleeve roll, but still haven't bought the filling. Hopefully, we kick our butts into gear soon!
Roughly six years ago when I picked up sewing as a hobby I encountered a dart in a pattern and, being the stubborn idiot I am, I just kinda made it up to my best guess as I went along. Now I’m taking it a lot more seriously I’m looking to improve my knowledge and technical skills instead of nurturing bad habits and I’m honestly a little embarrassed it took so long for me to do that, thank you for your very clear and informative video
I'm a non standard size so mass produced clothing is difficult to navigate. I was thinking learning to add darts would make my issues a little easier, so we'll see. Thanks for the quick lesson!
My biggest mistake was when I put lining into a coat for the first time. I did the sleeves and all and when I wanted to turn it inside out, I suddenly knew how straight-jackets were made. XD
Yeah that's why I generally go for sleeveless, but that's just cause I haven't quite figured out the right way to make sleeves without cutting off circulation to my arms cause the patterns are built for someone normal rather than plus size. I've learned how to resize a pattern mostly, but sleeves are tricky for me. Cause my arms and shoulders are bigger and broader than most. This is also why I wanted to learn to make them cause shopping for them is a pain in the butt.
Could you make a video on how to add more than one dart next to each other? Like along the same edge. For men’s jacket this is common, mainly as decorations, three darts parallel to each other
Thanks for video! Novice mistake that I still make is removing work before take up lever is at the top of it's throw. This is on machines as old as I, yep pretty old. Thanks again
I have problem with sewing this centre dart and the armhole dart for blouses, could you please help me by making a video tutorial on this and share. And really thankful for the advanced dart technique, as i have severe problem with dimples on the blouses i stitch. Thanks you again !!
I am home sewing winter garments for hobby.As i understand using darts in a clothe the purpose is to make it smaller to a particular area or in some cases can work reverse to make it bigger by adding some more fabric?This is very useful in the case of countless errors due to undersizing estimation because of the farbic thickness even.
Hello The Awl-Nighter. First, I would like to thank you for sharing your videos with us. My question is: How can I stitch a lining to a darted top of a dress? I'd be grateful if you could show or tell me how to do it, please. Thanks again.
Ismail Meziani Most linings would have the same set of darts as the bodice/dress so it would just be a matter of repeating those steps and attaching the 2 together at the neck and armhole. I hope I understood your question correctly.
The angle is the crutial part. Large angles on the dart will create pointy or cone-like outcomes. Not flattering, no matter the method. And for most darts, I found a curved line to produce the best outcomes, not a straight one with just a tiny curve towards the end.
I'm a beginner sewer and so far the hardest thing to overcome is my pride. I do a lot of crafts and I'm either advanced or proficient in them. I even teach people one on one every now and again. But sewing is new for me and to be back in the beginner seat is strange and incredibly uncomfortable. I didn't realize how dumb it makes me feel to be bad at something lmao
It's a steep learning curve and nothing to beat yourself up over! I think everyone gets comfortable with knowing "everything" as we get older and don't try new things as much. The hardest thing for me is that I'm terrible at estimating the length of a project! It's also annoying that even when you do know how to do stuff, there's no guarantee you won't be picking out a seam 5 minutes in hahaaa
First of all, I have been sewing for a long time, and still mess up or need to research something new (such as bust adjustments). The awl nighter is my new favorite resource, so check here and her blog when you have a question. If you have no or only quilting experience using a sewing machine, practice on paper. Use a dull needle and then throw it away. Straight lines and broad curves. Concentrate on pressing, it’s the game changer. Persevere, it’s worth it.
Same here, but I kinda like being back at the beginning stage of learning, reminds me of when I was younger first teaching myself how to paint, watching beginner tutorials and what not, it almost feels nostalgic?
For me the hardest thing to overcome is my laziness and "that looks alright I don't have to fix it" kind of attitude. I would slap myself for that one sometimes lol 😂
I wouldn't if the fabric is very stretchy because it could pop the stitches. Also, if you're using a Lycra fabric, the fabric is usually stretchy enough that darts aren't even necessary for fit purposes.
What type of paper do you use to trace your patterns on? Or where do you find them? The paper patterns that comes in the package is too thin and its easily torn over time.
Here's a blog post with a list of different papers you can use. I'm currently using Ikea drawing paper! awlnighter.com/all-about-pattern-drafting-paper/
Ah do u think it might be an idea, to use a contrasting color thread, so the stitches can be seen against the fabric - especially for those of us watching on a cell phone size screen. Just an idea 😊
Great tutorial! I use the second method but I also reduce the stitch length on the last half inch. I learned to do that from an old article in Threads magazine. It's just another way to make sure that the dart tip is flat and secure. This series is so awesome. I'm so happy to have stumbled not it. Thank you!
Great tip!
jessica stier
I use the same method as Jessica Stier mentions with shortening the stitch length at the end of the dart; I also picked up the idea from an old issue of Threads.
Another idea for flattering bust darts - if you wear an A or B cup, the point of the dart should be about 1/2 an inch from your actual bust point. If you wear a C or D cup, the point of the dart should be about 1” short of your actual bust point.
Bbf
I use exactly the same method even when I just sewed my first garnement
When I first started out sewing on the machine I practiced sewing straight lines on lined paper without thread (it basically just poked holes in a sheet of paper). Now I can sew straight lines no problem. Thanks, grandma!
That's such a good idea! I'm a beginning sewist and I'm getting better at straight lines, but there's still room for improvement. I'm gonna try this!
Wow its really touch me.Old is gold u know.Love u granny😊😊😊
Thanks for the tip! I want to learn to sew, but I'm afraid to waste fabric.
Thank you for sharing your grandma tips
Thanks so much. I learned that from the local sewing factory, been shut down for decades now, but I can sew a mean straight line, my curve sewing sucks still. I've been trying to improve my curves for 5 decades. .😢
Have a great day.
I’ve been sewing for about 5 years (on and off) but I’m self taught so even my best outfits are rough around the edges. Your tutorials are inviting and easy to follow! Well done 😊😊
For those of you who need guidance with stitching straight while sewing darts, just put some light or washi tape where you want the stitch line to be and remove it as you taper off, if you’re doing the advanced technique. Even if you see through it, the tape will rip off but keep your stitches.
This is a great tip! Thank you for sharing
Thank you; I am an advanced sewist and I have never learned that dart technique. My mom did not use it, either and she was a couture sewist! That makes perfect sense, now, all my darts will be perfect. You are the best!
Glad it was helpful!
I'm still a beginner, but actually just kinda jumped into the world of pattern drafting because I'm trying to recreate American Girl doll clothes from existing ones I have (without taking said clothes apart as I know they won't go back together the same way), and some things I've learned from it:
1, seam allowance is pretty important.
2, remember that the clothing has to fit *around* the doll, and adjust for that in your patterns.
3, easing in sleeves isn't particularly difficult for me (that was actually the first time I'd tried it) but would probably be a little easier on a larger scale.
Something I've learned from making a bag: If you're working with pockets on a lined piece, sew the lining together, sew the pocket to the lining, then sew the outside together, and attach the lining. Or at least, that's what I should've done for the bag.
Really clear tutorial. I"m a beginner sewer. My goal is to avoid square boxy designs. I am making my very first top which will be a long sleeve jersey top. I"m going to shape it with the use of darts. To be honest at this stage I will be happy to end up with something I can wear, but it doesn't' hurt to have dreams :)
I needed a refresher on darts and I’m so glad that I watched this video. This was definitely new material for me - thank you!
Darts 101, one ABSOLUTELY does NOT backstitch on a dart. One should decrease the stitch length substantially when reaching the end of the dart. I should clarify, since the video mentions making ‘perfect’ darts, that not backstitching creates a cleaner dart from the right side, and in my opinion, a more ‘perfect’ dart. On the dimple, placing brown paper between the dart and the fabric will allow you to iron into the tip of the dart and prevent the iron from leaving a dart impression on the right side of the fabric.
Actually, in mass production I have seen sewers, including sample sewers, almost exclusively backstitch at the dart tip. That being said, tying the thread in a knot by hand and/or decreasing the stitch length at the end produces a much better dart and is better suited for tailored, bespoke, and handmade garments.
I was also told to never backstitch at the end. I was taught to run off the edge at the point, which accomplished what she does in the second example. Nothing in sewing is truly difficult, it just might seem overwhelming.
ah, never thought of it, sounds quite logical …..
A taylors knot (tying off) is generally r he cotoure way to do it.
Generally, but hey its like make up do what word for you!
I ruined my project after being advised to "sew straight off the fabric at the end...don't backstitch at the end." Like the post (at time of writing) which sits above yours, "I'm too poor to make mistakes..so I gotta make it the first attempt." I now wish I'd backstitched at the end instead of trying to sew right off the fabric. My ( almost brand new ) machine protested and made the most godawful noise, despite the slow speed I took. The dart ended up being way too long. Because I'm still a beginner - the skirt was the first item of clothing I'd tried to make - I had taken such care by stay stitching / having everything ironed eight times. I was so nervous just pinning the pattern, using tracing wheels / carbon paper etc. Not a cheap pastime these days is it? I was beyond gutted when I failed the 'dart' test.
In a way - my fault. I should have practiced darts before trying to complete one in my first project. But I had been lucky, I had previously managed to sew in a zip ( only into a pencil case..but ), quilting fabric and also adding a lining, so I thought I was on a roll and that anyway I had researched enough 'dart' tutorials, to fail.
Now I just don't know what to do. It really discouraged me. Not really sure whose advice to follow.
i have been sewing since i was 12 some 45 years ago you learn new things every day only thing your fabric is to dark for me to see exactly what you were doing at the end of each dart
Thanks for letting me know. I'll keep that in mind for the next videos I film!
Same here. It was hard to see. Using a contrasting thread wud help. Thx for vid. I've sewn since I was little girl (I'm old as the hills now) but I had never seen second method shown with such clarity. Thx again.
Agree, it made it hard to see which is front v back for darts.
Awesome tutorial! My tip as someone who has trouble controlling a sewing machine for more precise stitches: If I can't get the sewing machine to co-operate for the end of the dart, I'll just hand-stitch it. It sounds more time-consuming, but I find switching between machine sewing for straight lines, and hand-sewing for intricate details, is easier for me personally, and actually saves me time having to undo and redo machine stitches I messed up.
And I never, ever, ever backstitch the end of darts. I bring both ends of the thread to one side, and tie it (same thing as shown in the video) before continuing with a hand stitch. And if I'm anxious about the knot unraveling, I'll dab a little fray-check on it with a toothpick before cutting the thread to size.
That's a great tip using the fray check! Personally, I say do whatever method works for you. Some machines can't handle certain fabrics and wasting your time and possibly ruining your project trying get the machine to cooperate just isn't worth it!
To handsew on from machining I just pull out more thread from the needle and handsew with that..
You should make your own ham. I made mine out of fabric scraps and discount remnants. It has been a lifesaver.
Just cut a large egg shape out of several layers of cotton remnants and collect all your scraps/cut threads from your next few projects to use as stuffing.
Im too poor to make mistakes so i guess i gotte make it the first attempt
Same
You could try making a muslin to practice on inexpensive fabric before making the real thing. This also helps ensure the garment will fit perfectly! Some people use old bed sheets to make their muslins so they don't have to buy any extra fabric.
go to the thrift store and buy a bedsheet to practice on. you can also practice on different materials, look for hand-me-downs, worn out clothes, and trashed clothes at the thrift store, yard sale, or goodwill outlet. you can turn them into rags or clothes when you're done
thats so real
I'm just starting out and the beginner course I was doing didn't mention how to finish the point. Thank you so much for this! Now I'll be able to start out knowing how things are supposed to look vs how I may do them.
This is a simple tutorial simple for beginners following❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥❤🔥on point
Although I hadn't sewn for years I've recently taken it up again, and I don't think I have ever been shown this advanced dart technique. I can't wait to try it. Thanks.
Chris Von Hausen it really helped me when I first learned it. Hope it helps u too!
Great tutorial - thank you so much!! I love the way my darts turned out and your tips were so easy to follow and spot on for great results.
Fantastic tip which really lifts my sewing from beginner to advanced!
Holy moly I needed this. I'm actually a professional sewist, but I make boat covers and upholstery. I've been doing darts wrong for years. Embarrassing. Anyway, thanks so much for this! Liked and subscribed.
Honestly, there are so many ways to do everything in sewing. There's truly no "right" way to do anything. It sounds like you must have been doing them well enough if you've been getting paid for it all these years!!!
Great tutorial. Please invest in the tailor’s ham and roll, as they take the beginner out of the garment’s appearance from the get go. They need to know both what they look like, and how they are used. I have been sewing for sixty years. I wrote guide sheets for Simplicity Pattern Co, and was on writing team for several books. I still learned two things from your video. 1- The professional method. 2- Palmer & Pletch have a book out that I simply must buy. Thank you for speaking clearly and with a supportive tone. I’m recommending this video to all of my students (mostly quilters who have not made a garment in years or never have.) You are appreciated.
Thank you so much! I did one side of my jeans with a fake pocket and now that I know it is possible I will do the other side. You are awesome lady!😃
I need to practice my straight lines and working with patterns. I’m self taught and never used commercial patterns until this year and wow it’s hard for me 😓
Forget the commercial patterns and just draft your own. They’ll be drafted exactly for your body. Read “patternmaking for fashion design” by Hellen Armstrong. It teaches you everything. Seriously. After you learn this book, your imagination will be your limit.
Every time I pull a pattern out of an envelope I end up putting it right back 😅 one day one day! Until then I'll keep using the tricks I find online and come up with!
Beginner/intermediate sewer. I’ve never done a dart. Great video. Explained very well!!!
I've never seen this technique explained thus way. Thank you!!!
Briefly thought about reading up on sewing a dart the other day. Got recommended this video today
I'm so glad I didn't stop watching after the first technique! Thanks for sharing the advanced option as well!
Thank you so much. I was struggling to get my head around the instructions in my sewing pattern - I'm a visual person, so a video is my preference x
2 things, firstly I made my own ham because I thought they were stupidly expensive for what they are. I bought the wool fabric from a thrift store in the guise of wool pants and then stuffed it myself. I sew bags and purses and this has worked well for me. Secondly, being new to garment sewing, my mistake was to cut the dart area and sew with the seam allowance, thus making the dart longer. Thank you for showing me my error.
Great tutorial. I'm new to sewing. I particularly like sewing Barbie clothes because they are small and easier for me to handle. I just sewed my first darts into a Barbie dress using this tutorial, and it looks really good. Thanks.
Barbie clothes are a great place to start! Projects are much easier to jump into if you're not worried about wasted materials or cost. Keep it up! You'll have a fabric addiction in no time lol
Just sewed my best dd dart ever....Thank you!
Brilliant I'm making a trouser suit using wool material, I need to learn the dart Technik, to help me with the jacket, I've make some mistakes, by cutting out 2 trousers instead of I trouser and the jacket, I had to buy more fabric, but manage to sort out my mistakes, your tutorial is very good, I can see every detail that you do, which is what we need to learn by. Thank you
Thanks for your presentation & explanation on why notches are used; Good job👍
You can use a rolled towel as a taylors ham. If needed cover it with a cotton tea towel. It's multi use then, can use it for sleeves as well 😊. And as an ironing surface if your area isn't heat resistant.
☺
@@TheAwlNighter1 exactly! You can stuff it with another tea towel to get a more rounded shape for a dart ☺ might take some practice though! 😯
I'd go with a combo of Bath towel and bath sheet. ☺
Im a beginner sewer and i was actually taught how to do darts with your advanced technique but i still get the pucker. Lol. I guess i just need practice. Another thing i am having difficulty with are princess seams. I am new to your channel so i am hoping to find a video on princess seams since this one was so helpful.
I wish I could see the 2nd technique.... Fabric too dark to follow stitching
As someone who has been sewing since childhood-worked in the industry-but took a break for a decade - this was an excellent refresher on correct dart finishing. Thank you for sharing 🤩
Thank you for this! I am definitely a beginner. Today I sewed my first dress from a pattern I made off a dress I already have. WooHoo that was an accomplishment. However, I feel the dress would look better with a couple of darts. The one I patterned it off of did not have any darts. So, I thought I'd search for how to make darts and your channel came up. Very nice and easy tutorial. Thank you so much!
Yayyy congrats on sewing your first dress!
@@TheAwlNighter1 Thank you. I may now become obsessed with making more!
I'm actually practicing sewing so I can make and sell dice bags for table top gaming.
Not sure a dart would be handy for that sort of thing, but its nice to know.
Hello! Thank you so much for all the videos. Not everyone can afford a subscription , and this videos are so helpful. ❤
Great Tutorial ! I haven't sewn Darts in years and needed a refresher on the technique. Your tutorial was clear and easy to understand. Thank You.
I tried the advanced technique, and it worked!!!!!!
Yay! That makes me so happy! Happy sewing!
Thank you, thank you, 😊 as a beginner I do have dimples on every dart that I sew. Your video is indeed very helpful. Shall apply your technique. Thank you so much.
Hi, thanks for a very informative tutorial =)
I'm very much a beginner and did my first dart today. I didn't even know what dimples were but I got them, I was like, what is this?? This looks horrible! I didn't want to look for tutorials immediately so i redid the stitches a couple of times and managed to get a better result, but not fully to satisfaction. Now I'm excited to learn this technique you demonstrated =)
I don't sew a lot but I'm very thankful for this, it's gonna be very useful.
Beautiful work and perfectly explained, thank you!
I am a beginner. I started learning sewing through an online school; but I hated the teaching method and am now following the dressmaking course from Penn Foster instead (it's way better!). Anyhow my first school required me to start by making an apron. I've kept it as a souvenir because it was truly awful - I didn't understand basic concepts such as symmetry, matching patterns etc etc so my first attempt turned out to look really strange! I also didn't understand that I was required to fold my fabric so that I would automatically cut two halves instead of cutting one half two times. And I ended up sewing the two halves together...
I still struggle with drawing and cutting a straight line but am getting better!
I'm new and still learning to sew. There are many thing to learn but overall I'd say fitting so that your able to understand and actually know what adjustment is needed and how to do sew it so that it look right.
Fitting is probably the most difficult skill to learn imo. I'll try to include more videos with fitting adjustments. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@TheAwlNighter1 thank you!
The tutorials are excellent and on point learned a lot will continue following💯💯💯💯💯💯
Excellent tutorial. Someone send this kind human a tailors ham!
Having asked for some sewing challenges, when I was 14,I made a dress for Easter. I managed the darts and all of the special secrets of sewing this particular pattern. When I was finished, I tried it on and it was perfect. Then I washed it and readied the dress for Easter Sunday. You have probably guessed what happened. When I dressed and finally put the dress on, it absolutely did not fit because it had shrunk in the wash! I now prewash everything beforeI proceed to cutting and sewing the pattern. It was a very hard lesson for me at the age of 14!
Oh no! I've been there too! It's the worst feeling :(
Trying to learn to make masks -- literally the first night with my sewing machine LOL! Thank you for the quick intro to darts!
You are so welcome!
Subscribed! Who wouldn’t with such clear and well presented advice! 🤗 How about a tutorial on how to make a Tailor’s Ham ? I bought sawdust from a pet store ages ago with that intention but haven’t got it done yet🤪. I’m sure you would think of a great method to do it. 🤩
Aw, thanks so much! I do really need to make a tailor's ham. It's starting to be shameful at this point haahhahaha! I'm in the opposite boat, I cut out the pieces for a ham and sleeve roll, but still haven't bought the filling. Hopefully, we kick our butts into gear soon!
Excellent Instructor! I have had bad puckers in darts before. Followed your direction came out great!
Elizabeth Cooper yayyyyy thank you! I'm so happy it worked well for you!
Nice tutorial. I sew my darts from end point of dart very close to the edge ,that prevents dart point from sticking out.
Roughly six years ago when I picked up sewing as a hobby I encountered a dart in a pattern and, being the stubborn idiot I am, I just kinda made it up to my best guess as I went along. Now I’m taking it a lot more seriously I’m looking to improve my knowledge and technical skills instead of nurturing bad habits and I’m honestly a little embarrassed it took so long for me to do that, thank you for your very clear and informative video
Thank you so much for being straight to the point! So grateful
Thanks for the tutorial. I'm good at hand embroidery but haven't yet learned to sew from a pattern or make clothes. This was really well-explained.
Thank you for the beginner and advanced tutorial
I did your method on the dress and it worked. Thank you
You can make a makeshift tailors ham by rolling up some towels, i used floursack towels.
I'm a non standard size so mass produced clothing is difficult to navigate. I was thinking learning to add darts would make my issues a little easier, so we'll see. Thanks for the quick lesson!
Yes! I have that issue with pants alot and adding darts helps!
My biggest mistake was when I put lining into a coat for the first time. I did the sleeves and all and when I wanted to turn it inside out, I suddenly knew how straight-jackets were made. XD
Hahaaa I can't count the number of times I've made a mistake that has me facepalming later
Yeah that's why I generally go for sleeveless, but that's just cause I haven't quite figured out the right way to make sleeves without cutting off circulation to my arms cause the patterns are built for someone normal rather than plus size. I've learned how to resize a pattern mostly, but sleeves are tricky for me. Cause my arms and shoulders are bigger and broader than most. This is also why I wanted to learn to make them cause shopping for them is a pain in the butt.
You are not alone.... lol! (Setting sleeves is a nightmare)
bwa sleeves…..tell me about it... when after sweat and tears the jacket seems to measure up then you insert the sleeves…. ouch!!
@@mooshygirl
Seems to me one should size lining by following outline of garment normal side out, at least above its waist. Does that work?
I knew I had dimples, but I didn't know why. Thank you!
Great tutorial. Thanks so much
Thank you. Sewing is interesting. You learn a whole lot
Very good. If you could redo with a light material and dark thread, that would be great.
I plan to! I've learned alot with filming/editing since I made this video, and it really needs to be remade.
Could you make a video on how to add more than one dart next to each other? Like along the same edge. For men’s jacket this is common, mainly as decorations, three darts parallel to each other
Simple but helpful...thanks for the video...a live saving♡
Thank you for sharing 😍
Be blessed 🙏
Great, clear tutorial, thanks The Awl-Nighter! Much appreciated
Thanks for video! Novice mistake that I still make is removing work before take up lever is at the top of it's throw. This is on machines as old as I, yep pretty old. Thanks again
That was a really cool and simple DIY video, keep up the great work.
Thank you. Preparing to sew a shirt and it has those dreaded darts. What to do? You just showed me!
I have problem with sewing this centre dart and the armhole dart for blouses, could you please help me by making a video tutorial on this and share. And really thankful for the advanced dart technique, as i have severe problem with dimples on the blouses i stitch. Thanks you again !!
Wonderful teacher
I am home sewing winter garments for hobby.As i understand using darts in a clothe the purpose is to make it smaller to a particular area or in some cases can work reverse to make it bigger by adding some more fabric?This is very useful in the case of countless errors due to undersizing estimation because of the farbic thickness even.
Awesome video!! Really easy to understand for a complete novice & great video quality :)
Thank you! I tried the second technique and it worked really really well!😊
Another alternative would be to use a rolled up towel under the dart as a ham.
This video is so helpful! Thank you!!
At first I was like idk about the music, but then I decided it sounds like how its made so its cool :P
Great tutorial! :) Could you make a video on how to fix jeans that are too big at the waist?
Wow awesome info . Thanks for showing this
I hope to learn when to change needles and thread types.
Thank you, you are a great instructor:)
Hello The Awl-Nighter. First, I would like to thank you for sharing your videos with us. My question is: How can I stitch a lining to a darted top of a dress? I'd be grateful if you could show or tell me how to do it, please. Thanks again.
Ismail Meziani Most linings would have the same set of darts as the bodice/dress so it would just be a matter of repeating those steps and attaching the 2 together at the neck and armhole. I hope I understood your question correctly.
The angle is the crutial part. Large angles on the dart will create pointy or cone-like outcomes. Not flattering, no matter the method. And for most darts, I found a curved line to produce the best outcomes, not a straight one with just a tiny curve towards the end.
I would like to learn how to sew zippers.
Ursla Shelton it's on my list of videos to film!
Ursla Shelton i
Ursla Shelton same
Excellent video! Thank you very much!
thank you so much this was VERY helpful!!!!
Excellent tips
I'm a beginner sewer and so far the hardest thing to overcome is my pride. I do a lot of crafts and I'm either advanced or proficient in them. I even teach people one on one every now and again. But sewing is new for me and to be back in the beginner seat is strange and incredibly uncomfortable. I didn't realize how dumb it makes me feel to be bad at something lmao
It's a steep learning curve and nothing to beat yourself up over! I think everyone gets comfortable with knowing "everything" as we get older and don't try new things as much. The hardest thing for me is that I'm terrible at estimating the length of a project! It's also annoying that even when you do know how to do stuff, there's no guarantee you won't be picking out a seam 5 minutes in hahaaa
First of all, I have been sewing for a long time, and still mess up or need to research something new (such as bust adjustments). The awl nighter is my new favorite resource, so check here and her blog when you have a question. If you have no or only quilting experience using a sewing machine, practice on paper. Use a dull needle and then throw it away. Straight lines and broad curves. Concentrate on pressing, it’s the game changer. Persevere, it’s worth it.
Same here, but I kinda like being back at the beginning stage of learning, reminds me of when I was younger first teaching myself how to paint, watching beginner tutorials and what not, it almost feels nostalgic?
For me the hardest thing to overcome is my laziness and "that looks alright I don't have to fix it" kind of attitude. I would slap myself for that one sometimes lol 😂
You saved me here , thank you so much 😍
Thank you may natutunan na naman ako😻😻😻
Thanks for the tutorial! Would you use the same technique on a synthetic stretch fabric such as lycra?
I wouldn't if the fabric is very stretchy because it could pop the stitches. Also, if you're using a Lycra fabric, the fabric is usually stretchy enough that darts aren't even necessary for fit purposes.
What type of paper do you use to trace your patterns on? Or where do you find them? The paper patterns that comes in the package is too thin and its easily torn over time.
Here's a blog post with a list of different papers you can use. I'm currently using Ikea drawing paper! awlnighter.com/all-about-pattern-drafting-paper/
Ah do u think it might be an idea, to use a contrasting color thread, so the stitches can be seen against the fabric - especially for those of us watching on a cell phone size screen.
Just an idea 😊
Thank you, this was an EXCELLENT tutorial.
Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!
Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks
Thanks, was really helpful ❤️
I want to learn how to make a Dart when sewing an item that you love from your own closet ? Thanks