Michelle asked (privately, but I know you guys will want this info):

I do have a couple of questions to ask on the subject of french darts . The first how would I add them to a pattern without darts and secondly how would I
enlarge the french dart on a pattern bodice that already has a french dart? I hope you will be able to help me as I have sought help every where concerning
this subject, even enrolled in a couple of courses still no answers.

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First I'll get specific and tell you how to create the french dart, then I'll tell you how to move a dart around to any location on a pattern.

Ok, lets define a french dart. A french dart is "technically" a dart which starts in the bottom third of a side seam of the bodice, and ends at the bust
(with the usual distance away as in a dressmakers dart). This dart can be straight, or curved slightly, usually inward towards the center front.

Now, on to the alteration. The line which is drawn in the bust cup enlargement which starts at the bust point, and ends on the side seam which is labeled "S"
is actually an arbetrary line. It can be drawn anywhere on that sides seam, so if you want a french dart, you can draw that line down at an angle into the
bottom third of the side seam and get a french dart. You can even draw a curved line to ge this dart.

If there is already a french dart in place, to make the bust cup alteration, simply draw your line "S" through the middle of the existing dart. and
continue on with the instructions.

Colleen L. Jones
Fancy Threads, 57 South Main Street, Newton, New Hampshire, USA 03858