Darts are everywhere, always — even when we don’t see them. This single fitting detail is also a versatile, shape-shifting design opportunity. Explore the language of darts, their function in our clothing and what we can tell by the size of a dart.
Darts can be the starting point for creating a fresh look, or they can be the saving grace for fitting curves. Or both! Explore the way darts release fullness to accommodate our body’s curves, then progress to using darts — in all their forms — as design elements, for more satisfying, creative sewing.
Learn to measure and establish the position and size of darts (see exactly how you can do this by yourself!), and how to adjust them for the most flattering fit and style. When properly fitted, they enable hemlines to hang straight, eliminate drag lines and gaps at the front button closure – in short, they help you make garments that look and feel terrific while you’re wearing them.
You’ll explore how to make appropriate dart adjustments to improve fit, starting with a lesson about selecting the correct pattern size for your frame. Then see how to raise and lower darts, increase their size, add a dart when there isn’t a visible dart in sight, and divide a large dart into two narrower ones.
If you prefer princess seams, you’ll learn to convert darts into this stylish and classic design. Then discover valuable tips for sewing princess seams for a smooth, pucker-free bodice.
Successfully working with darts makes sewing a joy for people of all sizes and body types. You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of what darts can do to enhance fit and style, and have the confidence and know-how to improve any garment you’re sewing.
In this course you will:
- Explore the fitting, style and design opportunities afforded by darts and their close cousin, princess seams.
- Focus on measurements, paper pattern adjustments and style decisions as you discover how darts function in your garments.
- Become confident about adjusting your patterns for better fit and find joy in your ability to change design details as you like.
Meet the Instructor
The late Cynthia Guffey designed and constructed women's clothing for many years. What started as a custom workroom in Baton Rouge, LA, creating garments for high profile women and events, was transformed into a pattern business 25 years ago. From training workroom staff in couture techniques, her sewing methods also made the transition into a system of the most effective, practical and simple fitting and construction techniques, highly valued by the thousands of enthusiasts she shared them with at Original Sewing & Quilt Expo and in her lectures and workshops across the U.S.
Her fitting approach is derived from a mathematical background coupled with her constant search for the simple and the obvious. And although her precision sewing techniques are not short-cuts, she saves you time by helping you get it right the first time. Moreover, at each step in the process she shares how what you are doing affects subsequent steps, and “what you’re going for” in the result. Thus, confidence and satisfaction bloom for her students.
Cynthia’s design philosophy involves creating lines that multiply opportunities to fit and enhance a figure type, and using the grain of the fabric to enhance the look and feel of all garments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a supply list for these courses?
How long will I have access to the lessons and content for the courses?
How do the courses work?
When will the content for the courses be available?
For more information about how the course site works, please visit our Help Center
Help Center