A tapered seam that removes excess fabric to shape a garment to fit body curves. Darts are typically found at the bust, waist, and shoulder areas to create a fitted silhouette.
From Old French 'dart' meaning a pointed weapon or projectile. The sewing term emerged because the triangular shape of the sewn dart resembles an arrowhead or dart point.
The strategic placement of darts is what transformed medieval tunics into fitted Renaissance gowns - it was literally the birth of tailoring! Master pattern makers can read body measurements and know exactly where to place darts to flatter different figures, making it both science and art.
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