This is video number four of this pattern fundamentals series all about the bust circle and contour darts. If you've missed the first three, you'll find them here:

Video 1: The Bust Circle Defined

Video 2: Neckline Contour Darts

Video 3: Armhole Contour Darts

This week, we're looking at the contour darts used to create strapless styling. Once again, I'm going to show you where they go, what size they usually are and how to use them to create a strapless, princess seamed, torso length bodice.

PS
If you don't have a basic bodice block that fits you, I can help you create one. Learn how here.

All My Best,
Alexandra

This is video number three of this pattern fundamentals series all about the bust circle and contour darts. If you've missed the first two, back track a little and watch them here:

Video 1: The Bust Circle Defined

Video 2: Neckline Contour Darts

This week, we're looking at the contour darts used to eliminate gaping armholes. Once again, I'm going to show you where they go, what size they usually are and how to use them. 

I've recommended a couple of other videos in this mini lesson; these links will get you there is a snap! I hope you enjoy!

Two Essential Skills for Pattern Manipulation

Three Ways to Manage the Back Shoulder Dart

PS
If you don't have a basic bodice block that fits you, I can help you create one. Learn how here.

All My Best,
Alexandra

Today we're using the bust circle that we defined last week to map out the contour or gape darts for the neckline area. If you missed that video, you'll need to watch it to understand how this works.

Pattern Fundamentals: The Bust Circle Defined

In this video you'll find out where to place the contour darts, how large they usually are and how to use them on a lowered and surplus necklines.

Next week you can look forward to a new video in this series where I'll show you how define the contour darts for the armhole so that you can eliminate any gaping in that area as you start designing cut out armhole shapes.

All My Best,
Alexandra

PS
Curious about how to get started with pattern making? You can view the all the pattern fundamental videos right here for free.  To get started on your personal basic block set, start here.

In the last couple of weeks we’ve been talking about fitting necklines. As you’ve seen in the previous videos, there are definitely some special considerations when fitting your pattern to this area of the body.

Posture plays an important role in the placement of the neck opening as I demonstrated in the forward neck video and body contours or shape will also impact the way a neckline fits as I showed in the video about neck balance.

This week I wanted to dive even deeper into how the contours of the body affect the fit of the neckline as well as the armhole and introduce you to something called the bust circle.

In this video I'll explain what I mean by body contours and show you how to determine the size of the bust circle and how to draw it on your basic pattern.  All this in preparation for mapping contour or gape darts that will solve issues with gaping necklines and armholes.

Enjoy!

All My Best Alexandra

PS If you are interested in developing...