While there are many pattern drafting techniques you can use to turn your simple slopers into flattering fashion, there are a few basic techniques that you’ll use over and over again. Two of the most fundamental and versatile techniques are dart manipulation via pivot points and slash and spread/close. This article will focus on dart manipulation via pivot points, so keep reading to learn more about this fundamental technique.
If you’re not familiar with the slash method (slash and spread or the slash and close), now’s the time to familiarize yourself! In the most basic sense, slash and spread is used to create fullness (or length) and slash and close reduces fullness (or length).
Most patterns that you purchase will include the seam allowance, which means you don’t need to alter the pattern in any way. You just cut around the pattern and start sewing. However, if you are making your own pattern pieces or wish to alter an existing pattern…Then being able to add, remove, or adjust the seam allowance is an important skill to have!
