It’s time to make a point, take the plunge, and nail those necklines!
Q How can I get the perfect point on my V-neck garments?
Natalie Brenton Heather says: Since V-necks are cut on the bias, it’s important to stay-stitch around the perimeter of your neckline to prevent it from stretching out of shape. You will want to sew this stay-stitch line within your seam allowance, otherwise the sewing will still be visible once the facing is sewn in place. When you are stitching around the point of the V, it can be tricky sewing at an equal distance on both sides. To solve this problem, I like to draw in my stitch lines with a quilting ruler or a handy seam allowance guide that can be found at blog.closetcorepatterns.com. By lining up the seam allowance along the neckline of the garment, then continuing the line down to the centre front, you can ensure an accurate line of stay-stitching. I find that I often fail to sew a deep enough V-neck if I’m just counting on the seam guide of the needle plate. Instead of sewing one continuous line of stitching all around the neckline in one go, I recommend sewing each side of the neckline separately. Using a shorter stitch length, start about one inch before the V, keeping your needle down to turn the point. Keep going until you reach the centre back, then repeat in the opposite direction. You will find this helps to prevent the fabric from rippling or gaping, as the material isn’t being pulled in opposite directions. If you are still worried about gaping, introducing some twill tape or using a little iron-on stabiliser will also do the trick.
Q Is it possible to lower the existing neckline of a pattern?
Emily Angleson Lisa says: Of course! Let me run through the process using my Betty Dress as an example. You can find a discount for this garment over on page 7. To start with, you will need the front and back bodice and facing pieces for the dress. I would recommend tracing the pieces so the original pattern stays intact for future use. To create the lower neckline, you will first need to choose how low you would like your scoop to be, then measure this distance down from the centre front. A great option is 5cm – this will give your dress a nice slightly scooped look. If you are planning on making the neckline dramatically lower, this may lead to some gaping across the front of the dress. You can prepare for this eventuality by making a toile beforehand. Draw in your new neckline by squaring off from the centre front line by at least 2cm before you start marking in your new curve to meet the shoulder seam. If th
