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Mark a Dart and Learn a No-Tie Finish

comments (19) October 20th, 2009 in online extras, videos, extras     
vicky_north Victoria North, web producer
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Video Length: 2:52
Produced by: Victoria North and Matt Berger

Judy Neukam tells us why sewing darts is skill number 1 in her article "5 Essential Skills" from Threads issue 145. In this video, Judy makes sewing a perfect dart look simple with two easy tips. You will learn how to mark a dart without using a lot of tools, like chalk, wheels, or markers, and also how to finish a dart with her no-tie technique.

Read more from "5 Essential Skills" in Threads issue 145 on newsstands now.

posted in: online extras, videos, extras

Comments (19)

maggyblack writes: Hi there, this is pretty much how my tutor taught me to make a dart. The only difference is what you do when you get close to the point of the dart. She taught me to do the last stitch or two right on the point of the dart to prevent that little bubble you sonetimes get and then to sew off the fabric for two or three inches and leave the longish thread tail without trimming it. It works a treat every time even for a newbie to sewing like me! Posted: 2:40 pm on November 7th
kacyb writes: I loved this video. what a great idea. I actually do the clipping but the finish was great !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thanks for the great idea. kacyb Posted: 1:26 am on November 5th
Berniecamp writes: This is great. I can't wait to try it out. Posted: 9:26 pm on November 4th
Sainsbury writes: Hi Judy I just love your sewing tips and your DVD's. I can't get enough of them it feels like I have my own sewing teacher here with me. Thank you. Posted: 12:14 am on November 4th
hotdotyuki writes: I was always taught to make a dart from the point to the seam. The reason was to have more control making a dart that doesn't come to a peak but is a gentle one more in contour with your body. Also with this method I can sew a dart with no need to back tack by bringing my bobbin thread up and use reverse threading of my upper needle. But I do like your use of the end thread to guide your sewing! Posted: 5:19 pm on November 3rd
cjbauman464 writes: That is very cleaver. I hate marking darts and tieing the ends. I will use this on my next project. Posted: 1:12 pm on November 3rd
sistacheryl writes: I have always done it this way with darts and everything else. I don't own marking pens, etc. It makes my sewing less complicated and faster. Posted: 12:33 pm on November 3rd
mynick writes: Have been doing this for the past 60 years. Learned it from my mother who used it since 1922. Works great every time. I use clips and/or pins for marking everything on a pattern. Saves time, doesn't make a mark that can't be washed out but inadvertenly picking up the wrong marker. In fact, I don't have a marker, except for a #2 pencile, in my sewing room. Posted: 12:19 pm on November 3rd
mynick writes: Have been using this technique since I started sewing over 60 years ago. Learned it from my mother who made all our clothes (sons and daughters) since 1922. I use pins and/or clips for marking everything on a pattern. Why mess with anything else. Posted: 12:15 pm on November 3rd
Stormee writes: I was already clipping and pinning but I like the needle thread part. I will use this method from now on. Thanks Posted: 9:40 am on November 3rd
bebrown writes: Good grief! Why did this never occur to me. Thanks a bunch for the tip. Posted: 9:04 am on November 3rd
memarino writes: I've always done a similiar variation of this and felt quilty that I wasn't "following instructions". Thank you for taking away my quilt! Posted: 8:34 am on November 3rd
sewanista writes: This method is a fantastic improvement on all the fussing and bothering I was taught, and I did darts this way for ages. Then I realised that I can avoid using anything at all, except the notches and the pin.

The feed dogs will take the fabric straight back if there is no impediment to doing so, so I have drawn a line with permanent marker directly from the needle forward on the bed of the machine. It helps to have a large flat area - I always sew with the quilting table on. I then secure the notches together for a stitch or two, and put the pin marked dot on the line. As I sew, I make sure the dot stays on the line. I can sew a dart with one finger now, and I don't have to worry about holding a thread straight.

However, for darts that are longer than the machine table, I do use this method, and secure the thread halfway with a pin.
Posted: 1:41 am on November 3rd
Katielynne writes: Man, is this going to speed things up (and make it much more fun) when sewing darts! Thanks, Judy Posted: 1:37 am on November 3rd
BirgitdeBoer writes: Masterly!!!! I was already halfway there with the clipping and the pins, but to use the needle thread and the stitches in the seam is great addition. Thank you! Posted: 12:56 am on November 3rd
bubbecraft writes: Darts have given me headaches since I started learning to sew (about 7 years ago). This is looks so easy and I can't wait to try it on my next "darted" project! Posted: 12:27 am on November 3rd
kathidahl writes: I have been making darts in this way for many years. It is nice to see the method affirmed on this site. Posted: 11:50 pm on November 2nd
Tatyana writes: Thank You very much for this useful instruction! Posted: 4:03 am on October 23rd
grnmabrn writes: have worked in sewing plants for years and I love your ideas . I now sew for coworkers and you have helped me alot thanks Posted: 9:25 pm on October 20th
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