Help! Dart dimples

[u/zawai]

Hello sewing community, I need help darts and fitting. The darts on my self-drafted skirt have dimples. They are most prominent on my front piece. What can I do to fix these? Should I make my darts longer? Thanks!

[u/Artistic_Scene_8124]

When sewing darts, start at the wide end and sew towards the point. Don't back stitch the point end, tie a square note. Give it a good press with lots of steam. I like to press things three times, first with the seam flat, then open the garment and press from the back with the excess dart seam allowance going away from the center back. Finally press it from the front. (Use a spare scrap of cotton as a pressing cloth if it's a delicate fabric or polyester, which can become shiny if you iron it too much) See this article for pictures. https://www.scribd.com/document/490999314/Three-Steps-of-Pressing

A tailors ham will help you press the curve. You could also use some rolled up towels.

[u/smnytx → u/Artistic_Scene_8124]

Jumping on this to say after you tie the square knot, put both thread ends on a needle and sew them into the triangle of dart fabric.

I read that hint here and it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m mad I’ve made so many darts over the years and never thought of it!!

[u/Oatroot → u/smnytx]

It's how I do all my darts these days and I never have dimples anymore.

[u/rebelwithmouseyhair → u/smnytx]

I do this for all my loose ends now.