In Lesson 1, I talked about the importance of darts when making your own patterns and I showed you how to manipulate or move darts using 2 methods – the Slash/Spread Method and the Pivot Method. (If you haven’t looked at the tutorial for Lesson 1 and done the work, I suggest you do that now or you may not fully understand Lesson 2.) Not only can you move darts to create new styles and designs, you can also combine them with other darts. Today in Lesson 2, I’m going to show you how to combine one dart with another dart and also turn them into something totally different.
Again, keep in mind, we’re not dealing with any fitting issues. We’re just going over the very basics of patternmaking without anything to make it complicated.
**Note: If you already signed up for the Worksheet, Pattern Template and Video Tutorial in Lesson 1, then Lesson 2 will be automatically emailed to you. There’s no need to sign up again. If Lesson 2 is not in your inbox, please email me: [email protected].
Combining Darts
There’s no rule that says you have to have a shoulder dart, waist dart or any dart. Maybe the look you’re going for doesn’t require a dart at the shoulder, etc. That’s the thing about darts, you can keep them, move them, combine them or release them. Make your darts work for you.
We’re still using our 2 methods of moving (manipulating) darts:
- The Slash/Spread Method
- The Pivot Method
In the video below, you’re going to learn how to combine the shoulder dart with the waist dart and then change it from a waist dart to a waist tuck. You won’t believe how easy it really is.
Remember, if you want to develop your patternmaking skills, you have to learn by doing. Hopefully, this will give you your own ideas to try on your own. Don’t just stop at the homework exercises I give you. Come up with some of your own by looking at the drawings on some of your commercial patterns and practice those too. I would love to see what you come up with.
Do you have any questions? Did you find any of the homework exercises more challenging than others? Let me know in the comments below.
Hi Katrina.
I consider myself an advanced sewer, although for the past couple of years I switched to watercolors for a break. I can sew anything as long as I have a pattern.
I am interested in drafting my own personal sloper, but as you said, I need to start at the beginning and build up from there.
Hopefully that is where you come in :). I would like you to direct me through the steps in an orderly manner,
I found your tutorials on drafts, and have just completed lesson 1. YAY!
In the pivot method, how do you know in which direction to rotate the dart?
I am now going to move on to lesson 2 Combining Darts.
I have followed dozens of sites, but am really thrilled with yours!
Hi Joan, to know which direction to move the dart in the Pivot Method really depends on the position of the original dart you’re moving. I always do a practice run to see which direction is the least complicated. If both directions are complicated, it’s best to go with the Slash & Spread Method.
Welcome to the KKC community. I appreciate your support.
I realize I’m a bit late as these videos seem to have been done a couple years ago but I’m hoping that since I received the email giving me access that someone is still following these replys. I completid lesson one on darts but can’t find lesson 2 video. It says watch the video below but there is only a line and no video. Can someone help me have access to it. I am really interested in learning how to sew without a store bought pattern as they never fit right.
Thanks
Katie
Hi Katie, I’m not sure why you can’t see the video above in this blog post, but here’s the link to it on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=0ZUQCUPti-0.
Please let me know if you have further problems.
Thanks so much for your lessons. So far I am able to grasp every detail because your explanations are very clear. I have been sewing for years but now would like to draft my own patterns.
You’re welcome, Zanap. I’m so glad to hear you’re able to grasp the lessons! I wanted them to be as understandable as possible. Drafting your own patterns will certainly give you more options and make you less dependent on commercial patterns and ready-to-wear that sometime require major alterations. Thank you for viewing the tutorials.
Hi Katrina,
I want to compliment you on your clear instructions. I have completed Lesson 1, and read the tutorial for Lesson 2. When I try to download the worksheet, practice template, and video answers for Lesson 2, the screen asks me to sign up or to verify my e-mail which I have already done. This is confusing. I keep re-opening the tutorials and trying again, but now there are a whole row of open items on my computer. I have decided to skip the practice material for Lesson 2, and read the tutorial for Lesson 3, but I don’t see that one anywhere.
Hi Cheryl, I sent you an email (actually 2 because I sent the wrong link the first time) with the links for Lesson 2. And as I mentioned in the email, please let me know where you were trying to download from so I can make sure there isn’t a problem I need to fix. Thanks!
This was really helpful, Katrina! Being able to change a waist dart to a tuck will allow me to use the same pattern but create a more relaxed look. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome, Shirley. Yes, we need to get as much use as we can from our patterns, especially those we’ve already altered to fit. I’m so glad this tutorial was helpful to you.
Hi Katrina, hope you are doing well!
I just got back from a long stay away and was just now able to watch the second video, but I don’t see the homework or the blog you mentioned in your video, unless…..I’m just not seeing it…sorry.
Loretta, check your inbox. I emailed you the links. Please let me know if you didn’t get my email.
Thanks so much for creating and providing this series! Love your work.
You’re welcome, Brenda. I really appreciate you saying that and thanks for your support.