Bodice Front Style 19

The difference between this style and Style 11 is:
- it has no darts, as the darts are incorporated into the style-line
- this style will have 2 pattern pieces rather than 1, as the style-line crosses from one edge to another through the Bust Point, and allows the bodice to be divided
The difference between this style and Style 16 is:
- it has a curved line rather than angular design lines


Example: Outcome
Figure 1 shows the block being used on the left (2-Dart Block), and the pattern that will be created (Style 13) on the right.Note: The actual pattern would need the seam allowance and cutting instructions added, etc. This has not been done as here we are just covering the theory of manipulating darts.

Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 1
Trace the block and mark dart legs, dart points and the bust point on the paper or cardboard underneath.
Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 2
- Draw a straight line from the mid-armhole (marked A in the image) to the Bust Point.
- At the half-way point of this straight line, measure up (at right angles) for 3/16-inch and mark a point.
- Draw a curve from A to the Bust Point, touching the point just made.

Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 3
- Draw lines from the Bust Point to dart legs B & C at the waist.

Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 4
- Draw a line from the BP to the edge of the block through dart leg D
- From the BP measure 0.75-inch and mark a point. This is the pivot point for closing the dart after we have cut the pattern pieces apart.

Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 5
Note: I have placed some ease control notches in this figure, without going into the detail of where they are placed. You can find those details on the Elements > Princess Line Style page. The focus on this section is manipulating darts.
- Cut the pattern from A to C and then from the BP to C.
- On the side seam piece, cut from the BP to B.
- You can throw away the middle waist dart piece (colored green for emphasis)

Instructions (Style-19) – Figure 6
We will finish off closing the dart on the side seam pattern piece.- cut this pattern piece in two, along the top dart leg line through the new marked pivot point (i) in the image
- with the two pattern pieces, pivot the dart closed at the new pivot point (ii) in the image
- you will need to stick these pattern pieces together

One Response
Hi Maria. Thanks for this informative details. I’m trying to contour my underbust with this method after drawing my bust circle and it keeps coming out very funny after sewing. Could I be doing something wrong. I actually get a good fit on the under bust but then the bust if pointy and funny looking. Please help