Thank you, I’m 17 so it’s my first time sewing on my own. My grandmother has sewn her whole life and has helped me sew but now I’m learning for myself! This has helped me :)
Very well done and love the tips on making it just right. One suggestion--it would be nice to see what the finished dart looks like from the public side. Maybe hold it up against your dressform? Thanks again for your excellent tutorials.
Thank you, again, for another clear and interesting tutorial. I would like to add that it is two and a half years since I learned to sew using your four-part series for the absolute beginner, and I have been having great fun sewing many garments for myself and my family. Thank you for helping me into this engrossing and satisfying hobby which had seemed so inaccessible for my first sixty years.
Outstanding video. Greatly appreciate the detailed explanations on the various ways to sew and press the contour dart. The process seems much less intimidating to me now. Many thanks!!
I've always sewn contour darts using the second method, pressed them toward the side of the garment and have never clipped them. Thank you for another excellent tutorial and demonstrating different methods for sewing and finishing contour darts.
Thank you so much for this turorial. You have explained the process perfectly especially as I am making a dress for the first time and the back of the dress has those darts.
Excellent tutorial. I like both methods but i do prefer the tailor tack method for marking and matching up , it is more natural for me to use tailor tacks. Im glad you mentioned both ways , your a fantastic teacher . ♥️🧵💯😊
Hi Aneka, thank you so much for very practical tutorials. would you please upload a tutorial on how to draft a french dart incorporating both side dart and contour dart.
I finished watching 2 videos of step by step about darts, I learned a lot about them, I hope I can apply the way you do it and don’t panic when sewing or creating darts 🤣🤣🤣
I never knew that there are so many options just to sew the contour dart! However, i have a curiosity. Should i sew the middle of the dart using a curve shape or straight line, because i always saw people draft the dart in a straight line. I hope you can make it clear for me. Thanks for your video and i hope you have a nice day! 😘
Asnah Eyna such a great question! Yes you are correct when drafted the contour dart is generally white straight. You will always want to sew the dart in the same shape as shown on the pattern you are working with. But most of the time this will be quite straight, from one point through the middle section to the other point. Just make sure that you don’t end up with an angle at the middle section, between sewing one side and the other. I hope that clears it up for you? Aneka x
Love your videos. I’m making a lined wool waistcoat. I’m using a heavy horsehair canvas inside the entire front. The wool frays easily. I don’t know if I should clip the dart and try and catch stitch it to the horsehair canvas or not? Also presumably I don’t make a dart in the canvas but slash it? I’m so confused ad worried the edges of the clipped dart will fray when I try and catch stitch it to the heavy canvas. Many thanks
Hi Liz, Yes in the canvas you want to cut away the dart along the stitching line, so that the canvas sits around the wool dart. In terms of whether you clip into the dart in the wool, I would only do this if you really need to. Usually natural fibres like wool can easily be pressed and manipulated into shape. If you can do this and don't find the wool is too bulky (without clipping the dart), then leave it. I would still catch stitch the dart down to hold the hair canvas in position. If the wool dart feels too bulky without being clipped then do cut down the centre and press it open, catch stitch to the canvas. Does that help? Once you have attached your lining the fabric will have less opportunity to fray. Let me know how you get on. Aneka x
Hello Aneka!, my question is if it would be okay to serge after trimming the dart. I'm adding a dart on the back of a friends dress and since it's a polyester/lycra dress I thought it would be okay. Please advise. In addition, I'd like to say that you are just the absolute best on instruction. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for your lovely message. Yes it would be ok to serge after trimming, however you probably don't need to trim, unless you would find this easier? Because the serger will cut any extra away? Hope this helps? Aneka x
Just what I needed to know! I have this dart in a current project and I am glad to have a lesson to feel confident. I watched your 2 videos on interlining and it seems like I would sew in the interlining (in the US I am familiar with the term interfacing) by choice and THEN sew the contour dart through both fabrics? Or would I sew a contour dart in each layer separately taking care they are in exactly the same place and pressed in the same direction?
Hi Amy, Great to hear that I can help. Interlining is different to Interfacing (in my opinion), however the words can be used interchangeably in the industry. In my opinion interfacing is a fabric that can be ironed on or sewn into fabric to support areas, it would be used in a facing, all over the jacket fabric etc. To provide support, strength and structure. However you can in fact use interfacing for interlining and vice versa. I refer to interlining or underlining as another fabric that will be positioned and attached to the exterior fabric before creating the garment, giving the original exterior fabric with extra properties (changing the look, feel and properties of the original fabric). I hope this is clear? Yes you would interline your fabric and then sew the contour dart through both layers. Aneka x
Hi Aneka! How would you finish a dart that you've clipped or removed the bulk from, if you don't intend to line the garment? My back bodice contour darts are pretty wide (even when split into two per side) and I haven't found anyone that talks about finishing the raw edges of a dart after you clip it. Zigzag stitch the clipped bits? This tutorial was super helpful though, gave me some new things to try/consider. Thank you!
So pleased that you found it helpful. If I'm planning on having contoured darts which I know are going to be clipped, I would probably plan to line the garment, or at least line it to cover that area. If I wasn't going to line the garment I probably wouldn't do a zigzag stitch but I might go over the dart with an overlocker/serger. So I would sew over the dart sewing as close to the stitching as possible with the over locker (1/8 -1/16 inch or 2-3mm away from the stitching) with my first row of overlocking thread so that it is really close. Then I would finish the overlocking ends by threading them back up through.
I am middle of the project when I had to do the contour dart. :) What I wasn`t sure which size do I need to choose when I increase my size from bust to hip. On the dart I need the smaller or the bigger size? Actually the place for the dart on the pattern was when I was middle on increasing.
Hi Anita, it does depend on the pattern slightly. However you will want the contour dart to point towards your bust, therefore you will want to keep the top of the dart in-line with the right size for your bust. I would probably go with the size for your bust as the starting point, but if you are making the real thing, perhaps don't sew the darts until the end, if your garment allows. Then you can baste/tack the dart position (for your bust size), try the garment on and check that the straight is running straight on your figure, that it is pointing towards the bust and the fullest part of your stomach (hip) area. I hope this helps? Aneka
No problem, thank you very much. I am always here to answer questions. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook (madetosew). There are no silly questions either. :-))
Yes I do have a Facebook and Instagram (madetosew). facebook.com/madetosew/ Facebook and IG are probably best, because we get lots of emails (info@madetosew.com). Aneka x
Pazy Martinez Ha Ha! I completely agree. As I mention in the video I don’t personally sew my darts in this method, but I teach this technique as I have found it helps my beginner students to master the technique! :-))
I appreciate that you, not only show how to do a particular process but, you explain why and the other ways of doing them! Thanks so much!!
Thank you so much Diann. Aneka x
Thank you, I’m 17 so it’s my first time sewing on my own. My grandmother has sewn her whole life and has helped me sew but now I’m learning for myself! This has helped me :)
That's amazing, so pleased I could help. Good luck with your sewing. Aneka :-))
Wow, I wish more were like you, no messing about at the beginning straight into it and very clear. Thank you 😊
Thanks Denise. x
Very well done and love the tips on making it just right. One suggestion--it would be nice to see what the finished dart looks like from the public side. Maybe hold it up against your dressform? Thanks again for your excellent tutorials.
Sorry that I didn't share this, what a silly mistake. Thank you for your kind words. Aneka x
Thank you, again, for another clear and interesting tutorial. I would like to add that it is two and a half years since I learned to sew using your four-part series for the absolute beginner, and I have been having great fun sewing many garments for myself and my family. Thank you for helping me into this engrossing and satisfying hobby which had seemed so inaccessible for my first sixty years.
Thank you so much for your kind words. What a wonderful story, I'm so pleased that you are enjoying your new hobby.
Outstanding video. Greatly appreciate the detailed explanations on the various ways to sew and press the contour dart. The process seems much less intimidating to me now. Many thanks!!
Thank you. I'm really pleased that you have found it helpful.
Outstanding representation and explanation you really nailed the topic I've got all the information about contour darts
I've always sewn contour darts using the second method, pressed them toward the side of the garment and have never clipped them. Thank you for another excellent tutorial and demonstrating different methods for sewing and finishing contour darts.
Thank you so much for such a kind comment. Really pleased that you enjoyed the variety of methods. Thank you, Aneka x
This is very new to me,i did it wrong for a long time,thanks!have a nice week! I am looking forward to the next tutorial!🌷🌸💐
Thank you so much Lucille. Glad I could help. Aneka x
DIY:How to add darts to ready made clothes, you want to fit to your body.
Information on this would be greatly appreciated.
KIMBERLAND ok! Yes I can do a video on this. Great suggestion. Thank you.
Thank you so much for all your videos, I never thought I would ever learn how to sew but your content and videos have given me hope. Thank you! 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I'm so pleased that you are believing that you can learn to sew. Take things a step at a time and you will learn and have fun along the way
I'm just starting out learning to sew and I find your technique videos really helpful, so thanks!
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much for this turorial. You have explained the process perfectly especially as I am making a dress for the first time and the back of the dress has those darts.
Thank you. Glad it helped.
Thank you, you are such a great teacher
Thank you. So pleased it helped. Aneka x
I love the way you explain things. You are the best! Thank you🤩
Thank you. I'm so pleased you find it helpful.
Wow, you are so good! You are so precise and you explain everything so well, I like that😊 Greetings from the Netherlands and stay healthy🤗
Thank you very much Jeanet. Same to you! Aneka 💖
Excellent tutorial. I like both methods but i do prefer the tailor tack method for marking and matching up , it is more natural for me to use tailor tacks. Im glad you mentioned both ways , your a fantastic teacher . ♥️🧵💯😊
Thank you. Glad I could help. There is nothing wrong with either method. Whatever works best for you. ❤️
Hi Aneka, thank you so much for very practical tutorials. would you please upload a tutorial on how to draft a french dart incorporating both side dart and contour dart.
Yes of course I can, this is on my to do list already. Thank you, Aneka xx
Thank you, this is very helpful. I need to add contour darts to a dress I am making next. :-)
Margery Gething so pleased I could help Margery. Good luck! Aneka x
I finished watching 2 videos of step by step about darts, I learned a lot about them, I hope I can apply the way you do it and don’t panic when sewing or creating darts 🤣🤣🤣
So pleased! Aneka x
excellent tutorial!
Thank you.
Your work is so neat
Thank you so much Tracy. Aneka x
Thank uou! You are a great teacher! 🌹
Thank you!
I never knew that there are so many options just to sew the contour dart! However, i have a curiosity. Should i sew the middle of the dart using a curve shape or straight line, because i always saw people draft the dart in a straight line. I hope you can make it clear for me. Thanks for your video and i hope you have a nice day! 😘
Asnah Eyna such a great question! Yes you are correct when drafted the contour dart is generally white straight. You will always want to sew the dart in the same shape as shown on the pattern you are working with. But most of the time this will be quite straight, from one point through the middle section to the other point. Just make sure that you don’t end up with an angle at the middle section, between sewing one side and the other. I hope that clears it up for you? Aneka x
Brilliant thank you your videos are always so clearly presented . Can I ask what iron you where using tha
Thank you so much. Yes, it is Laura Star. 😊
Thank you 💖 As always , Great tutorial !!
Thank you. Aneka x
Love your videos. I’m making a lined wool waistcoat. I’m using a heavy horsehair canvas inside the entire front. The wool frays easily. I don’t know if I should clip the dart and try and catch stitch it to the horsehair canvas or not? Also presumably I don’t make a dart in the canvas but slash it? I’m so confused ad worried the edges of the clipped dart will fray when I try and catch stitch it to the heavy canvas. Many thanks
Hi Liz, Yes in the canvas you want to cut away the dart along the stitching line, so that the canvas sits around the wool dart. In terms of whether you clip into the dart in the wool, I would only do this if you really need to. Usually natural fibres like wool can easily be pressed and manipulated into shape. If you can do this and don't find the wool is too bulky (without clipping the dart), then leave it. I would still catch stitch the dart down to hold the hair canvas in position. If the wool dart feels too bulky without being clipped then do cut down the centre and press it open, catch stitch to the canvas. Does that help? Once you have attached your lining the fabric will have less opportunity to fray. Let me know how you get on. Aneka x
Great explanation mam. Thank you. I will practice it.
Most welcome 😊
Hello Aneka!, my question is if it would be okay to serge after trimming the dart. I'm adding a dart on the back of a friends dress and since it's a polyester/lycra dress I thought it would be okay. Please advise. In addition, I'd like to say that you are just the absolute best on instruction. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Hi Rachel, thanks so much for your lovely message. Yes it would be ok to serge after trimming, however you probably don't need to trim, unless you would find this easier? Because the serger will cut any extra away? Hope this helps? Aneka x
thank you. i looked for a video that did it just like my professor at school, it took a while to find one :) thx for posting this :)
No problem 😊
Very useful information!
Thank you. Aneka x
Great tutorial!! Thank you!!
Thank you Diane. Aneka x
Just what I needed to know! I have this dart in a current project and I am glad to have a lesson to feel confident. I watched your 2 videos on interlining and it seems like I would sew in the interlining (in the US I am familiar with the term interfacing) by choice and THEN sew the contour dart through both fabrics? Or would I sew a contour dart in each layer separately taking care they are in exactly the same place and pressed in the same direction?
Hi Amy, Great to hear that I can help. Interlining is different to Interfacing (in my opinion), however the words can be used interchangeably in the industry. In my opinion interfacing is a fabric that can be ironed on or sewn into fabric to support areas, it would be used in a facing, all over the jacket fabric etc. To provide support, strength and structure. However you can in fact use interfacing for interlining and vice versa. I refer to interlining or underlining as another fabric that will be positioned and attached to the exterior fabric before creating the garment, giving the original exterior fabric with extra properties (changing the look, feel and properties of the original fabric). I hope this is clear? Yes you would interline your fabric and then sew the contour dart through both layers. Aneka x
Fabulous 💕
Thank you.
Hi Aneka! How would you finish a dart that you've clipped or removed the bulk from, if you don't intend to line the garment? My back bodice contour darts are pretty wide (even when split into two per side) and I haven't found anyone that talks about finishing the raw edges of a dart after you clip it. Zigzag stitch the clipped bits? This tutorial was super helpful though, gave me some new things to try/consider. Thank you!
So pleased that you found it helpful.
If I'm planning on having contoured darts which I know are going to be clipped, I would probably plan to line the garment, or at least line it to cover that area.
If I wasn't going to line the garment I probably wouldn't do a zigzag stitch but I might go over the dart with an overlocker/serger. So I would sew over the dart sewing as close to the stitching as possible with the over locker (1/8 -1/16 inch or 2-3mm away from the stitching) with my first row of overlocking thread so that it is really close. Then I would finish the overlocking ends by threading them back up through.
thanks for an easy to understand video !
Thank you.
I am middle of the project when I had to do the contour dart. :) What I wasn`t sure which size do I need to choose when I increase my size from bust to hip. On the dart I need the smaller or the bigger size? Actually the place for the dart on the pattern was when I was middle on increasing.
Hi Anita, it does depend on the pattern slightly. However you will want the contour dart to point towards your bust, therefore you will want to keep the top of the dart in-line with the right size for your bust. I would probably go with the size for your bust as the starting point, but if you are making the real thing, perhaps don't sew the darts until the end, if your garment allows. Then you can baste/tack the dart position (for your bust size), try the garment on and check that the straight is running straight on your figure, that it is pointing towards the bust and the fullest part of your stomach (hip) area. I hope this helps? Aneka
Yes thank you! Probably I will have more questions as I sew more types garments as I like your teaching method so I will stick with you! :)
No problem, thank you very much. I am always here to answer questions. You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook (madetosew). There are no silly questions either. :-))
Nice one... Thanku so much 😊
Most welcome 😊
Thank you so much
You're most welcome
Halloooo beautiful teacher!😘😘😘i wish you wereld here in Suriname to teach us some sewing lessons...!so clear🌹🌼🌻
Lucille Wong you are so kind! Thank you so much. 😘😘
I missed seeing what it looked like on the OUTSIDE after it was completed.☹️ Excellent teaching.
So sorry, thank you. x
Fantastic thanku😀
Thank you x
You didn't say how far from the bust you would start and where you must stop. Other than that I love your tutorial is very clear.
Hi Tiffany, the pattern should have plotted that for you, the start and end of the dart. Thank you.
❤❤
Do you have a Facebook account? Or an email address that you help with personal questions?
Yes I do have a Facebook and Instagram (madetosew). facebook.com/madetosew/ Facebook and IG are probably best, because we get lots of emails (info@madetosew.com). Aneka x
FOR MASS PRODUCTION, IMAGINE DOING THIS? LOL WILL GET FIRED!!!!
Pazy Martinez Ha Ha! I completely agree. As I mention in the video I don’t personally sew my darts in this method, but I teach this technique as I have found it helps my beginner students to master the technique! :-))
@@MadetoSew jijijji i know i was just imagining doing that for production😱 but i love how perfect they turned out...definitelly trying it
Glad you liked it! I know there are many things I do and teach that wouldn't work in production!!! Ha Ha!
You are very beautiful.
You are so kind. Thank you. Aneka x
Lol you didn't show us the finished product
Sorry this video was just to teach how to sew the contour dart. Happy to show future projects if you're interested though. 💗
Isn't the English language beautiful, when spoken well.
Thank you. 💖