Hey friends! Who is ready to get started on their Olive blouse or dress construction! Woo-hoo!
Well, before we actually get started, we have to do some prep work for our v-necklines to make the process easier when we do get started. That includes stabilizing, finishing the v-insert, and making the bias tape. Believe me, this will all help in the long run, especially if you’re worried about that tricky neckline.
So let me show you what to do!
Ok, to start we need to stabilize the front neckline and v-insert.
What I’m showing in these first few photos is optional – but if you are working with a lightweight or drapey fabric, you might want to apply stabilizing tape or 1/4″ strips of fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the neckline, as shown above.
If thats the case, also apply 1/4″ strips of fusible interfacing or stabilizing tape to the wrong side of the v-insert, as shown above.
**If your fabric is stable enough, you don’t necessarily need the stabilizing tape, just move on to the stitches in the next step.
Whether you have added interfacing/stabilizing tape or not, now you need to stitch around both the v-insert and neckline…
Stitch 1/4″ from the raw edge around the v-insert, being careful to get that V-point perfect. This will be helpful when sewing the insert to the blouse.
If you haven’t applied stabilizing tape, stitch up the entire length of the sides. If you have applied stabilizing tape, you only really need to stitch a few inches up either side of the V.
Also stitch 1/4″ from the raw edge around the front neckline, being careful to get that V-point perfect and even. Again, this will be helpful when sewing the insert to the blouse.
If you haven’t applied stabilizing tape, stitch up the entire length of the sides from the V to the shoulder seam. If you have applied stabilizing tape, you only really need to stitch a few inches up either side of the V.
Clip into the V, being careful not to cut through the stitches.
Set the front top aside.
Now lets finish the top edge of the v-insert.
Fold in 3/8″ along the top edge (the first notch).
Fold in again by 3/8″ (the second notch), and press.
Stitch close to the folded edge.
Here it is from the right side.
Set the v-insert aside.
The last prep work we need to do is prepare some bias tape!
Attach your bias strips to create one long strip by placing them, right side together, at right angles to each other at the short ends.
Sew diagonally across as shown above.
Trim the seam allowance back to 1/4″.
Press the seam open.
Repeat with the the rest of the strips until you have one long strip.
Fold your long bias strip in half width ways with wrong sides together and press.
That’s it! Now you’re all ready to put it all together!
// Looking for more Olive posts? //
- Sewalong Intro Post
- Inspiration and Ideas
- Tester Round-Up
- FBA with dart added
- Neckline Prep (this post!)
- Patch Pocket
- V-Insert Option 1 (clean finish)
- V-insert Option 2 (topstitch)
- Bias Sleeve Finish
- Sleeve Bands
- Long Sleeves
- Pocket and Skirt
- Hemming
- Bonus Hack – Dress ties
- Bonus Hack – Elastic Hem Cropped Top
- Bonus Hack – Shift Dress
We absolutely love seeing what you make, so don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNolive and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?!
