Marri Sewalong : Darts and Staystitching (all views)

November 8, 2025

Written by Holly

Now let’s get started with the construction of our Marri’s! These first couple steps apply to every version – no matter what view or neckline or cami/dress length combo you are making. We’ll be going over how to transfer and sew the bust darts, as well as stay stitching the neckline. Let’s go!

how to sew the darts and staystitching on the Marri sewing pattern by Megan Nielsen Patterns

We’ll start by transferring our darts from our front pattern piece onto our fabric. There are many ways you can to transfer the darts, so choose the method you like best. But I want to share one my personal favourite methods.

On the paper pattern, cut alongside one leg, and only one leg, of the dart. right up to the dart point.

You can then fold the pattern along the other dart leg, which allows you to easily transfer the full shape of the dart.

Here is one side transferred. Just flip the pattern piece over and transfer the other side too.

Then just do the same thing on the other side

Now repeat the same process, transferring the darts onto the bodice facing.

Now lets set the darts aside for a moment, and take care of the staystitching. We will be staystitching 1/4″ (6mm) from the raw edge. On the back bodice, stitch along the upper edge. On the front bodice, stitch along the armholes, a few stitches across the strap area, and along the neckline.

This will prevent the armholes and neckline from stretching out during construction.

This is what the staystitching will look like along the square neckline, 1/4″ (6mm) from the edge.

And this is what the stay stitching will look like on the v-neck, 1/4″(6mm) from the edge. You will be pivoting right at the that “v” point in the center.

Now do the same staystitching along the front and back facings.

Back to the the darts on the front bodice…

With right sides of the fabric together, fold down the center of the dart, lining up the dart legs. Pin in place. And then sew the dart in place from the side seam to the dart point.

Leave long thread tails at the dart point, and tie a knot to finish it off and prevent unraveling.

Press the bodice darts down towards the hem.

Repeat all the dart steps on the from facing. Press the darts on the facing upwards towards the neckline.

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Marri MN2403

About Author

Holly

Holly writes part time for the Megan Nielsen blog– sewing like crazy, creating tutorials and sewalongs. She has been sewing since she was a little girl, and has her degree in apparel design. Now she’s a stay at home mama, and spends all her free nap times at her sewing machine.