Transform a basic bodice into endless design possibilities.

You’ll learn dart rotation, waist/side/shoulder/French darts, converting darts into design details, and how to draft V-neck, scoop, square, boat, sweetheart and other neckline variations while maintaining proper fit. Learn how to move, rotate, combine, and redesign darts while maintaining the correct fit of your garment. This focused online lesson is ideal for students ready to move beyond basic patterns and begin understanding real pattern design.

What You’ll Learn
• Understanding the purpose of darts
• Identifying the bust point and dart apex
• Slash-and-spread dart manipulation
• Pivot method for moving darts
• Moving a dart to different positions
• Waist dart to side dart
• Shoulder and neckline darts
• French dart development
• Different Necklines 
• Turning darts into gathers or style lines
• Maintaining fit while manipulating patterns• Creating your own design variations

What You’ll Make
A collection of bodice pattern samples showing several professional dart-manipulation techniques that can be used to create future tops, dresses and bodices.

What You’ll Need: A basic bodice block or fitted bodice pattern (front and back), pattern paper or large craft paper, pencil and eraser, ruler, French curve, measuring tape, paper scissors, clear tape, tracing wheel if available, coloured pencils or markers, and a notebook for notes.

Important: Students should have their basic bodice block ready before the lesson. If they don’t already have one, you could offer your Make Your Own Bodice Block lesson first. For this 3-hour class, I would focus the time on manipulating the block rather than drafting the entire foundation from scratch.

Lesson Length: 3 Hours

Format: Live Online with Instructor

Skill Level: Beginner Pattern Making / Intermediate Sewing
Recommended Before Class: Basic bodice block or fitted bodice pattern
Perfect for students who want to move from simply following commercial patterns to understanding how patterns are actually designed.