Collection: Bust Darts Included

These knitting patterns have bust darts included, with guidance on how to choose your cup size and row-by-row instructions. 

How do you know if you need bust darts?

There are three clues in your handmade garments that can tell you that you'll benefit from trying a pattern with darts:

• When you turn to the side, the front hem is tilted up and is higher than the back hem,
• You have "drag lines" - swoops of fabric that start at the bust and create diagonal lines at the side of the front of your sweater, or
• You have a gap in your armhole. You'll probably only see this in set in sleeves, and many people think it's a fit issue with the underarm. Instead, it's caused by trying to make a flat piece of fabric go around something round.

What to expect from the pattern

Our patterns use horizontal bust darts (short-row shaping) whenever it makes sense to do so, and vertical darts (increases and decreases) whenever a stitch pattern prohibits short-rows.

When you open the pattern, you'll find detailed instructions on how to choose a cup size. Then, as you work the pattern, you'll find instructions for exactly what to do for your cup size. We always use German short-rows, because they're easy to make and create a beautiful result.

Whether you're a veteran of the technique or curious about the technique, these patterns will help you achieve a better fit!