Shaping: darts, gathers and pleats
Darts take in fabric to shape a garment; gathers bunch it into small folds; pleats fold it back on itself.
What it is
Darts, gathers and pleats.
Who it suits
Dressmakers.
What you need
Marking tools, pins, iron.
A first project
A dart on a scrap.
The shaping: darts, gathers and pleats guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
How to sew a dart
A flat point, no dimple.
How to make a box pleat
Mark, fold, pin, press.
How to sew gathers
Even fullness into a seam.
Next steps
Related Learn guides
- Full bust adjustment (FBA) basics (Fitting and alterations)
- How to make a toile (muslin) (Fitting and alterations)
- How to shorten trousers (Fitting and alterations)
- Swayback adjustment (Fitting and alterations)
- Taking in a dress at the side seams (Fitting and alterations)
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
