Believe it or not – this is my absolute favourite knit neckline. Why? Super easy, super quick. End of story :)
This is the neckline i recommend in most of my maternity patterns, because it’s really the most straight forward and least fuss way of doing it – and its not confusing.
Here we go
Basically you’re just going to start with the raw neckline. Then fold 1/2″ towards the inside of the top, press it in place to help it to conform to the curve, and then topstitch using either a twin needle or a zig zag stitch.
To give some stability and make the process even easier (i mean seriously, it’s already so easy!) – i also recommend using a fusible hemming tape. This is one of my favourite tricks! You simply fuse the tape between the folds of fabric using your iron, and it makes the whole neckline more stable, neater and wayyyy easy to sew. It’s awesome. Try it, you’ll love it!
XOXO
I’m new to seeing knits … Like so new Ii haven’t actually done it yet and am just staring at a pile of knit fabric I bought. What width zig zag do you use when top stitching?
Thanks!!
Love your tuts!
Hey CC! It’s kind of a hard one to answer, since stitch lengths and widths can vary so much between machines – and a lot of it is personal preference. I use a bernina 530, and with a stitch width of 2.5 and length of 2.5 – i think it ends up being around 1.5mm wide. so basically i tend to go for a medium length and width, and i keep them even. I like that because it gives a lot of stretch – and since i often use very very stretchy fabrics, it works for me. But i know that a lot of people favour using a very long stitch length and a narrow width, so it’s a much “thinner” zig zag. It’s probably best try a few different widths and lengths on some scraps of your new fabric, and then kind of stretch/tug them a bit and figure out which one you like the best :)
I hope that helps a bit!
meg xoxo
Oh. My. Gosh. Thank you for this awesome tip! Now I don’t have to spend so much time fussing over how to do a neckline, trying one way, ripping it out cos it looks awful, and leaving the garment unfinished for weeks.
Yay Tara! I’m so glad you found it helpful! I know just what you mean – it’s so irritating to fiddle with a neckline, then rip it out and start all over again, sometimes it just feels like too much work :) I like keeping it easy!
I LOVE fusible hemming tape…
me too! the more i use it the more uses i find for it – such cool stuff!!
ah, this is exactly how i do it! i feel so very reaffirmed…i always thought i was cheating :))
Yay! glad i’m not the only one :) Sometimes it’s just nice to not over-complicate things hey?
XOXO
GREAT idea! I like quick and easy!
Gosh, that looks easy and yet so sensible! I’ve not really sewn much with knits, but will bookmark this for next time! Thanks for the tip!
It really is so easy!! i hope you give it a try!
Thanks for the great tip…now what about that pretty dress? top? you are wearing???
thanks hun! the top is the Briar pattern http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/briar-sweater-and-tshirt-sewing-pattern
I wish I could get my twin needle to work! Most of the time I just get a single row of stitches. Any suggestions anyone??
I love the fusible hemming tape though, so quick and easy and neat!
What width hem tape do you use for 1/2 inch folded necklines? I’ve only seen 1/4 inch and 5/8 inch in the stitch witchery line. One seems too small and one seems too big.
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Is this method for knit necklines also stable for close-fitting jewel necklines that will get stretched every time they are put on and taken off?
This is by far the simplest knit neckline I have seen and I would love to try this method on my “underlayers” for fall and winter.
Thanks so much!
Hi….such a clear explanation. My problem is how to deal with a knit blouse whose neckline is waaay to low. I tried sewing a “loose long” stitch and then pulling the thread to gather it. It worked great but then when I tried over sewing it to hold it in place…that didnt work. The gather was still able to be pulled loose again. What do I need to do to “lock” the gather in place? Thanks for all your great advice.