Sometimes i really struggle when i’m designing a new pattern, because i want to include ALL the possible variations i can think of, and sometimes, there just isn’t room. With the Rowan bodysuit and tee, a variation that missed out on inclusion was a scoop neckline, so today i’m going to show you how to draft one yourself!
And my friends it’s going to be so easy you’re going to love it!
The very first thing you should do is trace your pattern before you make any changes. You want to preserve your original pattern so you can use it in the future! Trace out the Front of the V neck tee (pattern piece 3) or V neck bodysuit (pattern piece 6), whichever you are making. You will also need to trace the Back pattern piece for the bodysuit (5) or the tee (2), and the V neck band (pattern piece 9).
Once your pattern pieces are traced, measure 1″ (2.5cm) in from the neckline along the shoulder seam on the front pattern piece (in this example i’ll show you on the bodysuit, pattern piece 6). Redraw the neckline to gently curve towards the point of the V neck. You may find it useful to use a french curve, but you can free hand it if you like. You can also use the scoop neckline of another pattern as a guide, my Briar tee sewing pattern would work perfectly for this.
You will need to make a similar alteration to the back pattern piece by measuring 1″ (2.5cm) inward at the back neckline along the shoulder seam. Then redraw the back neckline curve from the new shoulder point to meet the centre back.
Next up take your V neck band pattern piece, and square off the end with the inverted V. Since we have added to the circumference of the neckline, we needed to add to the circumference of the neck band too, and this turns out to be a really quick and easy hack for this pattern.
Above are some pictures of what my pattern pieces looked like after i altered them.
From this point, attaching the neckband to the scoop neckline is exactly the same as it is for my Briar sweater and tee! For how to sew a neck band follow this easy tutorial.
And that is it my dears! Now you have a gorgeous scoop neck Rowan!
// LOOKING FOR MORE ROWAN POSTS? //
Here’s the full list of Rowan tutorials:
- Inspiration and ideas for sewing your Rowan
- Rowan Pattern tester Roundup
- Rowan Curve Pattern Tester Roundup
- Rowan Curve Maker Roundup
- How to stabilise fabric with tissue paper
- How to lengthen or shorten the pattern
- How to sew a V neck on knit fabric
- How to insert a neck back with a regular sewing machine
- How to sew a snap crotch bodysuit
- Pattern Hack: How to Add Ruffle Shoulders
- Pattern Hack: Rowan maxi dress variation
- Pattern Hack: Scoop neckline variation (this post!)
- Pattern Hack: Bodycon Dress
- Pattern Hack: 3 Ways to Sew Ringer Tee
- Pattern Hack: Tiered Gathered Dress
We’d love to see what you’re creating from the Rowan bodysuit and tee pattern or the Rowan Curve bodysuit and tee pattern! Don’t forget to tag your creations #MNRowan and @megannielsenpatterns to share what you’ve been working on, and check out what everyone else is up to!
This is exactly the variation I was hoping for! Just one question though – how much extra length do you add to the neckband please?
Hi Danielle! I’m so glad to hear you like it! For the neckband, you just square off the pattern piece at the pointed ends. So instead of cutting into the V, cut straight across from one point to the other. So in my pattern pieces above, i cut a size small and cut the band directly across from the outer most points of the S lines. Hope that helps! xo
Perfect, thanks! X
I was just about to ask the same question! So glad I checked the comments first. Thank you so much for offering the Curve version Meg: it makes a HUGE difference not having to attempt a FBA (which is rarely entirely successful for me). I am only going to buy patterns drafted for a D cup in future. I’ve just finished making a long-sleeved crew-neck tee which fits really well and wanted to make a scoop neck version in wine stretch velvet to re-create one I had some years ago and which I always felt good in; now I can have it ready for Christmas!!
Hi Suzanne!
I’m so happy to hear that! I agree doing an FBA can be a pain, it’s so much easier to start with a pattern that’s drafted for a D cup – and I’m so happy that you’re enjoying our D cup range! yay! Can’t wait to hear what else you make! xo