How it works
A dress is a bodice and a skirt joined at the waistline. The bodice is shaped by darts and seams and finished at the neckline and armholes; the skirt hangs from the waist to the hem.
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The bodice
The bodice is the fitted top. Shoulder seams join its front and back, darts fold out extra fabric so it follows the body, and the sleeves are sewn into the armholes. The neckline's shape, scoop, V or sweetheart, names the style.
The skirt
The skirt is sewn to the bodice along the waistline. Pleats, folds pressed into the fabric, let it spread as you move, and the hem finishes the bottom edge. A zipper down the back lets you put the gown on.
- Pleats and darts both fold the fabric: a dart is stitched down to a point, while a pleat is pressed or stitched only at the top and left free to open below.
Questions and answers
What is the top part of a dress called?
The bodice: the fitted part above the waist, from the shoulders down. The part below the waist is the skirt.
What are darts on a dress?
Small stitched folds, usually at the bust or waist, that take in flat fabric so the dress follows the curves of the body.
What is the armhole of a dress called in sewing?
The armscye. It is the curved opening at the shoulder that the sleeve is sewn into.