Question

How would you shift the basic waist dart to side seam dart by slash and spread method? Explain the steps with neat and labelled diagram.

Hint:

Slash and spread method helps relocate darts to new positions without changing garment fit.

Answer 1

The slash and spread method is used to transfer darts from one position to another on a pattern, in this case from the waist dart to the side seam. This method allows for altering the shape and fit of the garment. Steps:

Draw the basic bodice block including the waist dart on paper.
Draw a line from the apex (point of dart) to the waistline (waist dart legs).
Cut along one dart leg from waistline up to the apex but do not cut through apex; leave a small hinge.
Cut along the other dart leg similarly.
Now, cut a line from the apex towards the side seam where the new dart will be placed.
Spread the pattern by opening the original waist dart legs apart so that the dart closes.
At the same time, close the slash cut towards the side seam; this creates a new dart at the side seam.
Trace the new pattern outline and mark the new side seam dart.
Diagram: Include a labeled diagram showing the basic bodice block with waist dart, the cut lines (slash lines), the spreading of the original dart, and closing/opening of new dart at side seam.