How to Alter Bust Darts
Embarking on a sewing project can be an exciting journey, but sometimes, the initial pattern may not perfectly fit your body. One common alteration that many sewists encounter is adjusting the bust darts. Bust darts are a key feature in garment patterns, designed to add fullness to the bust area. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to alter bust darts to ensure a perfect fit for your sewing endeavors.
Understanding Bust Darts
Before diving into the alteration process, it’s essential to understand what bust darts are and why they are necessary. Bust darts are triangular pieces of fabric that are inserted into the side seam of a garment to provide additional fullness around the bust. This adjustment helps create a more flattering fit, especially for tops and dresses that require a closer fit to the body.
Assessing the Need for Alteration
The first step in altering bust darts is to assess whether the alteration is necessary. Measure your bust circumference and compare it to the pattern’s bust measurement. If there is a significant difference, it’s likely that you will need to adjust the bust darts.
Materials and Tools
To alter bust darts, you will need the following materials and tools:
– Pattern paper or tracing paper
– Fabric chalk or pen
– Seam ripper
– Scissors
– Measuring tape
– Ruler
Step-by-Step Guide to Altering Bust Darts
1. Mark the Dart Points: Identify the dart points on your pattern. These are typically marked with a dot or a triangle.
2. Measure the Dart Length: Use a ruler to measure the length of the dart from the dart point to the side seam.
3. Calculate the New Dart Length: Determine the desired bust fullness by measuring your bust circumference and comparing it to the pattern’s bust measurement. Calculate the difference and divide it by two. This will give you the amount of fullness to add to each dart.
4. Draw the New Dart Lines: Starting from the dart point, draw a new dart line that is longer or shorter, depending on the amount of fullness you need to add or remove. Ensure that the new dart line is parallel to the original dart line.
5. Adjust the Dart Width: If necessary, adjust the width of the dart by adding or subtracting fabric along the dart line. This will help create a more comfortable fit around the bust.
6. Trace the New Pattern: Trace the altered pattern onto new paper, ensuring that the dart points and the dart length are accurate.
7. Cut and Sew: Cut out the new pattern pieces and sew the garment according to the updated pattern.
By following these steps, you can successfully alter bust darts to achieve a perfect fit for your sewing projects. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With time and experience, you’ll become a pro at adjusting bust darts and creating garments that flatter your body.
