tangent (object, point, parameter, newobject1, newobject2)
tangent
Finds a tangent to an object from a given point, places a point on the object in this place, and splits the object into two new objects (optionally). Can be applied to line, arc, curve, path.
![](https://www.sewist.com/files/users_gallery/13564/430.png?1622633560)
This function can be used, if you would like to make smooth transition between a line and a curve, for example in a flared skirt.
Imagine that the point in this function is clock center and there’s a minute hand that moves around until it runs into the object. By default, the minute hand moves clockwise, however you can set it to counterclockwise by assigning 1 to the third parameter.
In the example of the right, the front dart of the skirt has been closed, and the designer decided to add flare to the skirt. As a result, the edge of the skirt was broken at the point P72m (see the dashed line). To automatically smooth the side edge, we can use:
Function parameters
- name of object, to which a tangent line is needed
- name of the point, from which we draw a tangent line
- (optional) parameter, which defines whether we search a tangent. Equals 0 by default (clockwise) and can be set to 1 (counterclockwise)
- (optional) name of the first part of the object (from the first point of the object to the new point)
- (optional) name of the second part of the object (from the new point to the last point of the object)
![](https://www.sewist.com/files/users_gallery/13564/430.png?1622633560)
Usage
This function can be used, if you would like to make smooth transition between a line and a curve, for example in a flared skirt.
Imagine that the point in this function is clock center and there’s a minute hand that moves around until it runs into the object. By default, the minute hand moves clockwise, however you can set it to counterclockwise by assigning 1 to the third parameter.
In the example of the right, the front dart of the skirt has been closed, and the designer decided to add flare to the skirt. As a result, the edge of the skirt was broken at the point P72m (see the dashed line). To automatically smooth the side edge, we can use:
ptan=tangent(side,p82n,1,upside,downside)
// in this case we want the tangent to fall onto side seam counterclockwise, hence the third parameter equals 1.