I am trying to turn a dress pattern into a top. I thought it would be as simple as just shortening the length. However, the darts on the back pattern piece extend beyond what I want the length of it to be as a top. I am not sure how to handle this. Any ideas?
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Replies
Can you just eliminate the darts? If that makes the top too loose you could take out some of the excess at the side seams - possibly just on the back piece. If you put the darts in as designed you can simply hem the top - the darts will simply fold up with the hem.
I've had blouse patterns with darts that extend to the bottom of the shirt, both long overblouses and the more fitted kind. I mean darts that are still about 1/2" or more at the hemline. I wouldn't think it would be a problem.
I agree with the other posters. Unless you want a little extra flair at the bottom, just stitch the darts as designed and press them carefully before pressing up the hem, darts and all. The blouse will fit just like the dress cut off, but it might also look like that, too--like a very fitted suit jacket.If you'd like a slightly flared hem effect that would be more typical of a blouse, you can taper the darts from the waist downward, getting really thin or ending a half inch above the hem. This would make the hem skim away from the hips a bit and give a bit of flow and ease.
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