As I mentioned earlier in the Briar sewalong – my “Megan Nielsen” method of knit neckline binding is different to the standard or more traditional method. So in case, you’d like to try the “normal” way, today I’m going to show you how!
Just to make things easy we’re going to use the binding pattern piece from the Briar pattern – but if you did this on another pattern, you’d just want to cut a binding strip that was either the same length as the circumference of your neckline (along the stitch line, not the raw edge) or an inch or so shorter. I prefer to make it a bit shorter, I find it conforms to the curve better, but most texts/instructions will tell you to cut the exact same length for a binding.
(and remember, a neckline band is a different thing. I know, too much stuff to remember!)
Okie Dokie let’s get going!
Fold your binding strip in half lengthways, and sew 5/8″ from the edge on the raw edge. You may use a serger/overlocker or a zig-zag stitch on a regular machine. Press seam flat.
Make sure to mark your notches and centre front and back on the binding piece and the t-shirt neckline.
Match up the notches and pin the binding to the neckline with right sides facing each other. Ease the binding into the curve as you go.
Sew 1/2″ from the neckline edge all the way around. (you may obviously choose to do a different width binding if you like, but I like chunker things)
Turn your top inside out. (ps. don’t forget to use a stretch or ballpoint needle! I totally forgot to change my needle, and left my denim needle in. big mistake – check out those crazy skipped stitches!)
Now fold the binding strip over the neckline edge to encase it.
Then topstitch on the binding close to the seamline.
Trim away the excess fabric as close to the stitching as you care
Don’t forget to press your binding! This will help to set the curve and get any crazy puckers out.
You can use this same technique on the armscyes of a sleeveless Briar!
PS. I wish this fabric was photographed better – because it’s totally awesome… sad face.
LOOKING FOR MORE BRIAR POSTS?
- How to sew the curved patch pocket
- How to sew the square patch pocket
- How to sew a neckline band
- How to sew a neckline binding (the Megan Nielsen way)
- How to sew a neckline binding (the traditional/standard way)
- The easiest knit neckline around
- Inserting the sleeves & sewing up the side seams
- Hemming
- Variation: How to draft elbow length sleeves
- Variation: A Valentine Briar sweater
- Variation: Centre front seam
- Variation: Side pocket Briar (by MadMim)
- Variation: The easy way to go sleeveless
- Variation: Leather elbow patches
- Variation: The dress
- Variation: Leather shoulder patches
Don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNbriar and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
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