Register Dart Tool

What it Does

Tells PatternMaker Pro that a set of points on your pattern forms a dart, so the other dart tools can move it. A dart is a wedge-shaped fold that is sewn out to shape fabric around the body. You pick the points that make up the dart and give it a name. This is called registering the dart.

Use this before Move Dart or Move Dart to Multiple. Those tools only list darts that have been registered.

The tool also makes the two dart legs the same length. The leg you choose to keep stays as it is, and the other leg is adjusted to match it.

How to Use

1. Activate the tool by clicking the Register Dart icon
2. Select the point at the tip of the dart, the apex, where the two stitching legs meet, then select Continue
3. Select the end point of the dart leg that will stay where it is, then select Continue
4. Select the end point of the other dart leg, the one that will fold over to meet the first, then select Continue
5. Select a point on the side the dart folds toward, to show which way it is pressed, then select Continue
6. Enter a Name for the dart, using letters and numbers only, then select Continue
7. Check the dart legs and center point that appear. Select Save to keep the dart, or Cancel to discard it

Each Continue stays disabled until you select a point. If you type anything other than a letter or number in the name, it is removed as you type.

tip

The fold direction point is usually to the right of the leg you kept. It tells the tool which way the dart folds, and where to extend the dart to the edge of the pattern.

warning

After you print the pattern, fold the dart closed in the right direction and check that the extension is correct before you cut your fashion fabric.

🧠Memorization

When you memorize a draft, the registered dart is remembered along with its name and the points you selected.