When sewing, darts and pleats are two common garment construction methods. These two methods create different looks. Darts provide a more defined shape while pleats add looseness. Both techniques work well in most situations. Read on for more information. Let’s take a closer look at each technique. Also, check out the differences between pleats and gathers. If you’re unsure of which method you prefer, try a few on yourself!
One difference between darts and pleats is how they are made. Darts are not all created equal. They’re divided into leg-shaped and point-shaped ones. Basically, they’re just two lines that are brought together at the widest part. Then, the fabric is gathered along those lines. Then, it’s sewn from the apex of the dart to the widest point.
Shirts, on the other hand, feature box pleats that overlap the fabric at the yoke and sewn into place. A dart removes the excess fabric, which can sometimes be up to 2 inches. Both styles have their pros and cons, but they are essential if you want to avoid a V-shaped torso. However, this isn’t an easy decision to make if you’re new to designing clothing.
Generally, darts are more effective on skirts and pant patterns. They provide more curve than standard darts. A curved pattern makes a skirt or pant fit better. Moreover, they’re much easier to sew because of the curves they create. The center of a dart-pleat is usually partially stitched to the piece. It’s useful to use a template when choosing which style is best for your project.
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