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.