Briar Sewalong: The easiest knit neckline around

March 1, 2013

The easiest knit neckline around // Tutorial by the Megan Nielsen Blog

Written by Meg

Believe it or not – this is my absolute favourite knit neckline. Why? It’s the easiest knit neckline around! 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 straightforward and least fussy way of doing it – and it’s not confusing.

Here we go!

How to sew the easiest knit neckline // shown on Megan Nielsen's Briar pattern

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 easier to sew.

It’s awesome. Try it, you’ll love it!

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About Author

Meg

Meg is the Founder and Creative Director of Megan Nielsen Patterns, and is constantly dreaming up ideas for new sewing patterns and ways to make your sewing journey more enjoyable! She gets really excited about design details and is always trying to add way too many variations to our patterns.

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9 years ago

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!

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to CC

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

Tara

9 years ago

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.

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Tara

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!

Blogless Anna

9 years ago

I LOVE fusible hemming tape…

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Blogless Anna

me too! the more i use it the more uses i find for it – such cool stuff!!

oonaballoona

9 years ago

ah, this is exactly how i do it! i feel so very reaffirmed…i always thought i was cheating :))

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to oonaballoona

Yay! glad i’m not the only one :) Sometimes it’s just nice to not over-complicate things hey?
XOXO

Vanessa@DesignsBySessa

9 years ago

GREAT idea! I like quick and easy!

Helen

9 years ago

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!

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to Helen

It really is so easy!! i hope you give it a try!

ccfauteux

9 years ago

Thanks for the great tip…now what about that pretty dress? top? you are wearing???

Author

Meg

9 years ago

Reply to ccfauteux

thanks hun! the top is the Briar pattern http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/briar-sweater-and-tshirt-sewing-pattern

Sarah

9 years ago

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!

Laura

9 years ago

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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8 years ago

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8 years ago

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Dina

8 years ago

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!

Alice

7 years ago

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.

Briar Sewalong: The easiest knit neckline around

LOOKING FOR MORE BRIAR POSTS?

Don’t have the pattern yet?

Order Briar today in sizes 0-20 and Curve sizes 14-30

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