Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Up to my neck

It's been a little quiet lately because I've been up to my neck with non-crafty stuff. It's all good though. I apparently thrive when I'm super busy. I don't really like having a lot of time on my hands. Can anyone else relate?

Speaking of being up to my neck, here is my finished Simplicity 4111 top with a raised neckline. I wanted to make this top since last summer but just got around to it. All of the reviews I read warned about an extremely low neckline. I decided to raise the neckline so that I could wear it by itself without flashing my goods to the outside world.

I'm happy with the neckline but I'm not sure how I feel about the shirt overall. I think it just needs to grow on me. Anyways, here is how I raised the neckline:

First, tape your bodice pattern to some paper. Measure the amount you want to raise and mark a dot. Then draw a straight line down to the original point. Here I've raised it about an inch.


Next, draw a curve from the dot you just made to the side neckline using a french curve (like the one pictured) or do it freestyle.


Make sure you transfer all markings from the original bodice neckline to the new neckline. Once that's done, it's time to adjust the neckline facing. If your bodice pattern doesn't have a facing piece, then you can skip the next step. Remember to use your new bodice pattern piece for the lining if applicable.


Put tracing paper over your new bodice pattern. Measure the width of the original neckline facing pattern piece. Here, the amount I raised the neckline happens to be the same amount as the width of the facing pattern piece. On your new curve, measure and mark that amount along the entire neckline (represented by the dotted line in the picture above). Connect the dots and you have your new facing piece. Prepare your garment following the directions with your new pattern pieces.

There might be a more professional way of doing this, but this is the method I used which worked for me. I hope this helps at least one of you out there.

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thank you! I have this pattern and will also need to raise the neckline - you've inspired me to get sewing. Your top looks great.

Kelly said...

oh very cute! The tutorial is very handy! -kb

kathryn said...

Great shirt, and thanks for the neckline tip and tutorial. I've been wanting to try this pattern, but have never gotten around to it. I'm inspired now!

loopylulu said...

Look great! I tried this shirt and I cut a size too small so it came out too tight. Seeing this makes me want to try again.

marirob said...

i think your shirt looks so well tailored, and the tutorial is so helpful! i love the fabric too - great choice!

Anonymous said...

Great shirt - I really like the sleeves!

Gaile said...

oo your shirt is totally cute! thanks for the tutorial. what kind of fabric did you use? it looks so cute and stylish, yet comfy!

Anonymous said...

oh this is excellent and extremely timely! thank you so much! I'm always so impressed...you're so good!

TwilaO said...

Thanks for the tutorial! I have read so many blogs that said they raised the neckline, but no one explained just how. Thank you for doing that.

Anonymous said...

I agree about the neckline, I made this shirt twice in two different size and both times the back/shoulder was so tight!
I was wondering where you get your reviews from.

Christina said...

Good idea to raise the neckline, thanks for showing us how!

Anonymous said...

Your top looks great and I like your choice of fabric. The tutorial is great too.

Tamara said...

I love the shirt. It is so cute. Thank you so much for the tutorial. I have a shirt that I think that I will have to raise the neckline and I think your information will be perfect.

Unknown said...

I made this ages ago and have never been able to wear it because of the low neckline. Thanks for showing an easy way to rais the neckline, I will keep it in mind if I want to try it again sometime. Shirt looks great by the way!

Jessie said...

This is great info -- thanks so much for sharing!

And yeah, I can totally relate to not doing well with too much time. I need deadlines!

Beth said...

Thanks so much for this info. I really liked the pattern, but after reading everyone's comments about the very low cut neckline I haven't bought it. I think your top looks really nice - I really like the fabric you used!