In sewing, what is the term for a permanent fold used to shape fabric?

In sewing, what is the term for a permanent fold used to shape fabric?

• A. Seams
• B. Darts
• C. Pleats
• D. Tucks

Answer: (B)

Darts are permanent folds sewn into fabric to shape a garment around the body's curves, removing excess fabric to create a smooth, fitted silhouette—bust and waist darts are classic examples. The fold is stitched along the length, so it stays in place when the garment is worn. This is different from pleats, which are folds that create or release fullness along a line for volume or decoration, and from tucks, which are narrow folds stitched down to reduce fabric width without shaping around curves. Seams simply join two pieces of fabric. So the shaping fold used permanently to tailor the fabric is a dart.

Darts are permanent folds sewn into fabric to shape a garment around the body's curves, removing excess fabric to create a smooth, fitted silhouette—bust and waist darts are classic examples. The fold is stitched along the length, so it stays in place when the garment is worn. This is different from pleats, which are folds that create or release fullness along a line for volume or decoration, and from tucks, which are narrow folds stitched down to reduce fabric width without shaping around curves. Seams simply join two pieces of fabric. So the shaping fold used permanently to tailor the fabric is a dart.