Single reverse dart dress with waist seam

1. Standard Darts

A standard dart is open at one end, often looking like a triangle on the pattern piece, and can be used at the bust or waist (some patterns have both to create a fitted bodice). It's the most common type of dart, is sometimes referred to as a plain dart, and it can be manipulated to create different design elements that function similarly to a dart (like princess seams ).

Of course, you can place standard darts at other points of the body to provide more shape. Shoulder and neck darts, for example, help add a feminine shape to a garment that might otherwise look bulky. And elbow darts allow you to have a more fitted sleeve while still leaving enough room to move. (Think of hanging your arms loosely at your sides — you usually keep a slight bend at the elbow, and the elbow dart accommodates for that natural bend.)