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Probably the most important single fit aspect of a garment is the fit over the bust.

If a bodice pattern has bust darting the darting often needs to be moved to allow the bodice to fit correctly.

Here are instructions that show how to do that.

1. Measure from point to point. Divide the measurement in half.

2. Mark a straight-grain line on the front bodice pattern, that distance from the center-front grain line.

1. Measure the from point to point. Divide the measurement in half.
2. Mark a straight-grain line on the front bodice pattern, that istance from the center-front grain line.

3. Measure the length from  the shoulder to the true bust point. 

3. Measure the length from the shoulder to the true bust point.

4. Mark the true bust point on the bodice pattern, the measured width from the center front to the true bust point.

4. Mark the true bust point on the bodice pattern, the measured width from the center front to the true bust point.

5. Lay the pattern over the model to see if the true bust point is correct.

5. Lay the pattern over the model to see if the true bust point is correct.

6. Lay tracing paper over the dart area.

7. Use RED pencil to trace the darts. With RED pencil trace the straight grain that is marked through the waist dart.

6. Lay tracing paper over the bodice pattern’s dart area.

7.  Use RED pencil to trace the darts.  With RED pencil trace the straight grain  that is marked through the waist.

8. Move the traced darts and  straight-grain line so the traced  original true bust point now  lies over the true bust point. Tape.

9. Trace the front bodice with the new carts. Add a 3/4 inch seam allowance down the center front.

8. Move the traced darts and straight-grain line so traced original true bust point now lies over the true front bust point. Tape.

 9. Trace the front bodice with the new darts. Add a 3/4 inch seam allowance down the center front.

11. Lay the front bodice pattern over the muslin. Copy the sewn dart pints. Mark the sewn dart points with BLUE  pencil.

10. Cut the front and back bodices in muslin. Pin together. Check the bust fit. Mark the darts’ sewing points. Re-pin the darts.

10. Cut the front and back bodices in muslin. Pin together. Check the bust fit. Mark the darts’ sewing points. Re-pin the darts.

11.  Lay the bodice pattern over the muslin. Copy the sewn dart points. Mark the sewn dart points with BLUE pencil.

12. From the lower third of the armhole mark a line to the true bust point.

13. Fold the bust dart as shown. With RED pencil  connect the underarm/side seam intersection with  the waistline/side seam intersection.

12. From the lower third of the armhole mark a line to the true bust point.

13. Fold the bust dart as shown. With RED pencil connect the underarm/side seam intersection with the waistline/side seam intersection.

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