I don't know why it's taking me so long to find a good tutorial on how to sew a common simple neckline, but yours beats everyone else is on UA-cam LOL so thank you so much this is been very helpful!
I have a hard time finding some kinds of tutorials too. I think it's bc many channels are online sewing schools and charge for the knowledge so, no UA-cam tuts on those subjects. Could be proprietary.
Thank you so much for this video. My first neckline I redid 10 times and it still wasn’t perfect. My one I’m working on I’ve redone 4 times. I’ve just this minute watched your video, and completed it perfectly 1st time. I’m so chuffed!!!! I was sewing it with the neckband uppermost and under the pressure foot, and always had 1 wee tiny fold of fabric when I came to the end. Can’t thank you enough!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this excellent tutorial. This is by far the clearest explanation and visual tutorial I’ve seen. You couldn’t have done it better! I’ve used it on my very first neckband years ago and just now referred to it once again! I will be sharing your video with others! God bless you for all you do!
I have been searching for about a week to find excellently how much a neckband needs to be and this is the best, clear tutorial on you tube. with thanks
Thank you!! I don't have a serger, but this was so helpful. Especially as it's the only one I've found yet that said how WIDE to make the neckband! Thanks heaps. :)
Just watched your tutorial and immediately tried it on a stretch fabric neckline. It worked like a dream. This will be my go-to method in future. The calculation was exactly right. Thank you so much for this very informative tutorial.
Thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial!!!! I’ve always dreaded making and attaching stretch neckbands. Using your tutorial I finally made the perfect neckband and it looks fantastic ❤️
Great video! You’re the first person that I’ve watched so with the collar on the bottom, which makes sense to me if you have to pull the fabric and you want to make sure there’s no puckers on the inside, which is larger than the collar for stretch fabric. I’m about to do my very first collar and I’m terrified!
One thing to note is that you can’t use a straight stitch on your regular sewing machine because it doesn’t stretch. She’s using a cover stitch machine single needle which allows the fabric to stretch because a cover stitch machine doesn’t sew a single stitch the way your regular machine does. A cover stitch machine creates loops on the wrong side while a regular machine creates your regular straight stitch. You may want to use a zigzag stitch on your regular machine or if you have s stretch straight stitch option on your machine.
I never sewed a neck band on before and followed your tutorial but neck band came out too small so after unpicking the band and remeasured and scratching my head I realized there was no mention of factoring in a seam allowance when attaching the two ends together. I was short 1/2inch and couldn't figure it for the longest time. Now, I need to go cut another band out. Crossing fingers it comes out right this time. 😅
I love your videos, and this one really was clear for me on how to do a neckband as a newbie! My only question is- do you turn your serger knife off when attaching the neckband? Oh, and do you use the same technique for arm bands on a tank for example? Thank you!!!
Hi there are lots of sewers who do not have a serger, so really your should also demonstrate how to sew this neckband using just an ordinary sewing machine.
Excellent tutorial. When you did the top stitching, I noticed that you're using the serger. Is that a coverstitch on your serger, or did you just disengage the blade of your serger without going to a coverstitch? I have a serger that does both, but it's a hassle to change from regular serging to coverstitch, so I'm wondering if by simply disengaging the blade I can get this result? Thank you.
I only have a ''normal'' sewing machine, not an overlock. Would you recommend me to do this neckband and in the way you did it? Or would you rather recommend me another type or another way to do it?
Some "normal" sewing machines have an overcast stitch and in that case the overcast foot is really helpful to keep it nice and neat. Otherwise, you can experiment with a zigzag and that can be serviceable.
It just baffles me that the neckband length and the opening wouldn't be the same length. I never would have guessed that! Why do you make the neckband only 85%? I would think that it would cause the neckband to get scrunched up since you pull ot during sewing but it doesn't because yours turns out beautifully.
Hi Diana! The neckband gets stretched while sewing. If it were the same length as the opening, the neckband would get... droopy? in the final product. Thanks for watching!
In the case of a stretch fabric (like jersey t-shirt fabric) you want to account for the stretch so it fits well and doesn't feel all loose and gapey around the neck. I've only done a couple but trust her, it works, and is a standard method. I'm new to this too!
It would have been nice if you would have covered how to determine how wide to cut the neckband, if you cut it a little wider if the knit is thicker or if different style of necklines have a different with of band to look like ready to wear. Would different fiber content properties also affect the with of the band. What math formula do you use if you are so sewing with a knit that doesn't have very much stretch to it. What if the knit is super stretchy , would the length of the band change. I am wanting to start using knits with more unusual properties & don't want to experiment with expensive fabric to get the neckline right . Thanks
Experiment with your fabric. Make mock demo models to determine what will work for your project, skill and fabric. I do this every time but if I change fabric type it is always a learning experience. If I am making the same item from the same fabric type each time then it is very methodical.
Great video, but I just wanted to say that Peggy from Silhouette Patterns says to always start your neckband at the top left seam, not the back. That's the way the professionals do it, so that there's no extra seam. I know it seems logical to start at the back, but just a tip I wanted to point out. I used to always start mine at the back too. Who knew?!
rpprevost I just learned that the shoulder seam is not a true quarter of the way around the neckline. Fold any tshirt in the neckline and check. I did and its true.
I noticed you used a coverstitch machine to finish sewing down the neckline. Can you tell me which stitch you used and how many needles? Any settings info would be great too as I just had the good fortune of purchasing a coverstitch machine and would like to finish my neckline the same way. Thanks so much!
Jen Friscia For necklines I like to use a narrow two needle stitch around the edge. Lots of RTW clothes straddle the seam of the neckband with a wide double needle stitch. And you can also do a triple needle with the middle needle going right over top of the seam. Or even just a single chainstitch around the edge. There isn't a right or wrong way to do it. I'd just try out a few different stitches and see which one appeals to you most 😊
The only potential problem with using the triple needle cover stitch to secure the serged edge of the neckband to the inside of your garment is rippling / puckering the fabric in the neckline. The more thread you stitch into a stretchy knit in a bias area often increases the distortion effect on the fabric. But each type of knit fabric has its own characteristics in how it behaves, so it's best to test your fabric with the intended stitch beforehand whenever possible. :-) I've been sewing knits since the 1970's when Stretch and Sew (Ann Person) was all the rage. Wish I could find really good quality cotton interlock like we used to get "back in the day."
I wanted to come back and add that it is optional for *knits*. This tutorial is only for knit tops but if you are working on a woven neckline with a different method then you will want to staystitch :)
You would be better off to use facing to finish any neck opening made from non-knit fabric. If you are not familiar with facings you might want to look for UA-cam how to make a facing. Also, the neck, made from non-knit is also likely to need some way to open and close, (think buttons, zippers) since most finished neck openings made of woven fabric, will not get over a person’s head.
Can you please tell me if this method would work on a polyester satin fabric (not knit) and if so, after I measure the neckline what adjustment would I have to make to my measurements?
Rosemary Paton, a neckband for a woven fabric needs to be cut on the bias so that the band can stretch. Being an older seamstress, I don’t like a raw edge showing on the inside of my neckband, so I make double fold bias tape (like the kind sold in the fabric store) out of my own fabric and encase the raw neckline edge in that. Press 1/4 inch hems on neckband and then fold over the band in half and press again.so the neckband now looks the same as double fold bias tape (but you can make it what width you prefer, instead of what happens to be available at the store). I put raw edge of neckband to raw edge of neckline and sew around. Then I fold the neckband over the seam to encase it. I hand stitch it down with a hemming stitch. You can topstitch it if you want. If you have a serger, you just apply the neckband like in this video.
I noticed you where stretching the neckline and neckband. I was told to only stretch the neckband to fit the neckline, otherwise the neckline would pucker. So your method would be better.....
Schellb Schell it's not so much that I'm stretching the neckband as much as I'm manipulating its curve to keep the layers even. I wish I could be sitting next you you with the fabric in hand to explain it more clearly but you are right to not stretch the neckline. Just the neckband. ❤️
Of course you can! Just use a stretch stitch to attach the band. If you aren't sure what stitches you should use on your sewing machine, check out this blog post first :) doitbetteryourself.club/best-stretch-stitches-sewing-machine/
I love your tutorials and get a lot of good info from them. If you don't mind, I'd like to add a teensy editorial comment. (Sorry, I was an English major. I can't help it. :-) ) You, like many other youtube tutorial folks, use the term "go ahead and..." far too often. Too many times and it is distraction. Try saying your instruction and leaving "go ahead and" out; usually you are completely understandable without it. Your tutorials will be improved. Thanks!
I don't know why it's taking me so long to find a good tutorial on how to sew a common simple neckline, but yours beats everyone else is on UA-cam LOL so thank you so much this is been very helpful!
I have a hard time finding some kinds of tutorials too. I think it's bc many channels are online sewing schools and charge for the knowledge so, no UA-cam tuts on those subjects. Could be proprietary.
This is by far the best me neckline tutorial.
I thought that part was a secret until I found your video, thank you!!!
I have been racking my brain trying to figure out my first neckline. THIS is the video that made it click.
Thank you so much for this video.
My first neckline I redid 10 times and it still wasn’t perfect.
My one I’m working on I’ve redone 4 times.
I’ve just this minute watched your video, and completed it perfectly 1st time. I’m so chuffed!!!!
I was sewing it with the neckband uppermost and under the pressure foot, and always had 1 wee tiny fold of fabric when I came to the end.
Can’t thank you enough!! ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for this excellent tutorial. This is by far the clearest explanation and visual tutorial I’ve seen. You couldn’t have done it better! I’ve used it on my very first neckband years ago and just now referred to it once again! I will be sharing your video with others! God bless you for all you do!
Thank you thank you! After failed attempts in the past, i finally saw your video and followed your directions and have a beautiful neck band !!
Great tutorial! I actually used 75% on mine because it was really stretchy!
I have been searching for about a week to find excellently how much a neckband needs to be and this is the best, clear tutorial on you tube. with thanks
Jilly Rose wow, me too😁😁 this was the best explanation
Thank you! This is the best tutorial I have found for this so far.
You're very welcome!
Thank you!! I don't have a serger, but this was so helpful. Especially as it's the only one I've found yet that said how WIDE to make the neckband! Thanks heaps. :)
Glad it was helpful!
Just watched your tutorial and immediately tried it on a stretch fabric neckline. It worked like a dream. This will be my go-to method in future. The calculation was exactly right. Thank you so much for this very informative tutorial.
Thank you SO MUCH for this tutorial!!!! I’ve always dreaded making and attaching stretch neckbands. Using your tutorial I finally made the perfect neckband and it looks fantastic ❤️
You certainly have done a great, easy to follow tute! Kudos. Stress relieved!
My neckband turned out perfect!! Thank you!!
Thank you so much for this video! It saved by shirt and turned out perfect!
Best ever!!!
Great video! You’re the first person that I’ve watched so with the collar on the bottom, which makes sense to me if you have to pull the fabric and you want to make sure there’s no puckers on the inside, which is larger than the collar for stretch fabric. I’m about to do my very first collar and I’m terrified!
You got this!
This Tutorial is going to help me Greatly with my sewing projects..... Thank You so much for this helpful video!!! 😊
One thing to note is that you can’t use a straight stitch on your regular sewing machine because it doesn’t stretch. She’s using a cover stitch machine single needle which allows the fabric to stretch because a cover stitch machine doesn’t sew a single stitch the way your regular machine does. A cover stitch machine creates loops on the wrong side while a regular machine creates your regular straight stitch. You may want to use a zigzag stitch on your regular machine or if you have s stretch straight stitch option on your machine.
Best tutorial I've seen about this topic. 👌🏾👌🏾
That small amount shouldn’t matter since your fabric is stretchy.
Very nice tutorial. I thought I was the only one who used my teeth. You're not a dork. Just using your resources.
L*0.85 is helpful thank you
Best tutorial I've seen on this! Thank you!
So perfect im going to try this thank you!!
“I use my teeth, to be honest.” 🤣 Love the honesty! I do too! ☺️
Brilliant idea to put the band on he bottom! It’s easier to see the main piece.
✨I always refer back to this video ! 💕 Thank you so much for making it 🥰
Best tutorial ever. Ty so much.
This was incredibly helpful! Thankyou so much ✨🌸✨🌸✨🙏
I never sewed a neck band on before and followed your tutorial but neck band came out too small so after unpicking the band and remeasured and scratching my head I realized there was no mention of factoring in a seam allowance when attaching the two ends together. I was short 1/2inch and couldn't figure it for the longest time. Now, I need to go cut another band out. Crossing fingers it comes out right this time. 😅
Great tutorial , thanks
Very helpful, thanks!
I miss you!
Great tutorial. Keep the sewing videos coming. You're doing a fantastic job.
I love your videos, and this one really was clear for me on how to do a neckband as a newbie! My only question is- do you turn your serger knife off when attaching the neckband? Oh, and do you use the same technique for arm bands on a tank for example? Thank you!!!
Thank you for making this video, it helped me so so much!
Best tutorial I’ve found!!
Thank you! If you topstitch with a single needle do you use a straight stitch or zigzag?
Lovely tutorial, thank you so much.
this was so helpful
So helpful!👍🏽
thank you, i'm going to try it!
? Width of seam when sewing band together. It appeared you only used he width of the serger stitch
Hi there are lots of sewers who do not have a serger, so really your should also demonstrate how to sew this neckband using just an ordinary sewing machine.
Thank you for your suggestion - and we agree! We'll keep that in mind for future videos.
I'm the same kind of biting dork as you are. #respect.
Thank you!!!!!!
What about allowing for the seam when you measure round the neck.
Excellent tutorial. When you did the top stitching, I noticed that you're using the serger. Is that a coverstitch on your serger, or did you just disengage the blade of your serger without going to a coverstitch? I have a serger that does both, but it's a hassle to change from regular serging to coverstitch, so I'm wondering if by simply disengaging the blade I can get this result? Thank you.
She’s using a cover stitch machine. You can see it looks different from the serger machine.
You can top stitch with sewing machine using a stretch stitch like small zig zag.
I only have a ''normal'' sewing machine, not an overlock. Would you recommend me to do this neckband and in the way you did it? Or would you rather recommend me another type or another way to do it?
Some "normal" sewing machines have an overcast stitch and in that case the overcast foot is really helpful to keep it nice and neat. Otherwise, you can experiment with a zigzag and that can be serviceable.
thanks
Please more videos!
measuring and cutting out the neckband do you allow for seam (the small seam that you serged together) or is this insignificant?
Insignificant
What about non-stretch fabric? :(
It just baffles me that the neckband length and the opening wouldn't be the same length. I never would have guessed that! Why do you make the neckband only 85%? I would think that it would cause the neckband to get scrunched up since you pull ot during sewing but it doesn't because yours turns out beautifully.
Hi Diana! The neckband gets stretched while sewing. If it were the same length as the opening, the neckband would get... droopy? in the final product. Thanks for watching!
Could you please provide details on how you set up your serger? Is it a typical 4 thread?
Hi Paula! We have a tutorial on our site all about sergers! Check it out here! doitbetteryourself.club/blogs/sewing-tools/serger-tension-made-easy
Im brand new to sewing and am confused as to why you would multiply the number by 0.85 giving u a smaller number then the one u came up with?
In the case of a stretch fabric (like jersey t-shirt fabric) you want to account for the stretch so it fits well and doesn't feel all loose and gapey around the neck. I've only done a couple but trust her, it works, and is a standard method. I'm new to this too!
Because you will stretch the knit material as you go along
Very useful video.. this method workout for cotton clothes also?
This is for knits only! For woven or cottons, you will often cut on the bias for that stretch. But the stretch is so much less.
It would have been nice if you would have covered how to determine how wide to cut the neckband, if you cut it a little wider if the knit is thicker or if different style of necklines have a different with of band to look like ready to wear. Would different fiber content properties also affect the with of the band. What math formula do you use if you are so sewing with a knit that doesn't have very much stretch to it. What if the knit is super stretchy , would the length of the band change. I am wanting to start using knits with more unusual properties & don't want to experiment with expensive fabric to get the neckline right . Thanks
Experiment with your fabric. Make mock demo models to determine what will work for your project, skill and fabric. I do this every time but if I change fabric type it is always a learning experience. If I am making the same item from the same fabric type each time then it is very methodical.
Great video, but I just wanted to say that Peggy from Silhouette Patterns says to always start your neckband at the top left seam, not the back. That's the way the professionals do it, so that there's no extra seam. I know it seems logical to start at the back, but just a tip I wanted to point out. I used to always start mine at the back too. Who knew?!
Virginia O'Malley great tip! Thank you for sharing!
I was expecting her to line up the neckband seam with one of the shoulder seams.
rpprevost I just learned that the shoulder seam is not a true quarter of the way around the neckline. Fold any tshirt in the neckline and check. I did and its true.
cooperalisa True. If it were, the front would choke you!
I noticed you used a coverstitch machine to finish sewing down the neckline. Can you tell me which stitch you used and how many needles? Any settings info would be great too as I just had the good fortune of purchasing a coverstitch machine and would like to finish my neckline the same way. Thanks so much!
Jen Friscia For necklines I like to use a narrow two needle stitch around the edge. Lots of RTW clothes straddle the seam of the neckband with a wide double needle stitch. And you can also do a triple needle with the middle needle going right over top of the seam. Or even just a single chainstitch around the edge. There isn't a right or wrong way to do it. I'd just try out a few different stitches and see which one appeals to you most 😊
The only potential problem with using the triple needle cover stitch to secure the serged edge of the neckband to the inside of your garment is rippling / puckering the fabric in the neckline. The more thread you stitch into a stretchy knit in a bias area often increases the distortion effect on the fabric. But each type of knit fabric has its own characteristics in how it behaves, so it's best to test your fabric with the intended stitch beforehand whenever possible. :-) I've been sewing knits since the 1970's when Stretch and Sew (Ann Person) was all the rage. Wish I could find really good quality cotton interlock like we used to get "back in the day."
I always use this measurement too but I add seam allowance as well.
Yes! You are absolutely correct. I need to make a note in the video to add in your seam allowance :)
should we stay-stich the neckline to prevent stretching, before attaching the neckband?
Karen Derbes that is totally up to you! I personally don't find it necessary but I know several talented sewists that do.
I wanted to come back and add that it is optional for *knits*. This tutorial is only for knit tops but if you are working on a woven neckline with a different method then you will want to staystitch :)
Karen Derbes a
Would this work with woven fabric too please?
Probably only woven fabric cut on the bias.
You would be better off to use facing to finish any neck opening made from non-knit fabric. If you are not familiar with facings you might want to look for UA-cam how to make a facing. Also, the neck, made from non-knit is also likely to need some way to open and close, (think buttons, zippers) since most finished neck openings made of woven fabric, will not get over a person’s head.
If you use a sewing machine with a twin needle to topstitch, how do you suggest setting up your stitch? Also, do you use stretch thread to do this?
Always have neckband seam matched to shoulder seam. Never have neckband seam in the centre of the back.
What were your settings for the Brother coverstitch? (I have the same one so I'm curious!)
Can you please tell me if this method would work on a polyester satin fabric (not knit) and if so, after I measure the neckline what adjustment would I have to make to my measurements?
Rosemary Paton, a neckband for a woven fabric needs to be cut on the bias so that the band can stretch. Being an older seamstress, I don’t like a raw edge showing on the inside of my neckband, so I make double fold bias tape (like the kind sold in the fabric store) out of my own fabric and encase the raw neckline edge in that. Press 1/4 inch hems on neckband and then fold over the band in half and press again.so the neckband now looks the same as double fold bias tape (but you can make it what width you prefer, instead of what happens to be available at the store). I put raw edge of neckband to raw edge of neckline and sew around. Then I fold the neckband over the seam to encase it. I hand stitch it down with a hemming stitch. You can topstitch it if you want. If you have a serger, you just apply the neckband like in this video.
Are these rules only for stretchy fabrics? ie the maths
Yes
Hello would this technique be the same for the arm hole band?
Hello! You might find this tutorial helpful! doitbetteryourself.club/blogs/knit-sewing-techniques/how-to-sew-knit-neckbands-sleeves-and-hems
What type of knit fabric are you using?
Did you press the neckband out/up?
When you measure your binding by 85% do you add a bit for sewing the ends together or is it included in the 85%?
Sage Preaumx All my reference books say it should be the finished width and the ends are added.
What if I'm using a fuex suede that doesn't have much stretch? Does this method still apply?
No - you need to modify the percentage based on that reduced stretch. Hard to answer without knowing more about your fabric.
What should the seam allowance be?
Where do you get your fabric? I love florals and never see them anymore.
Check out Surge Fabric Shop, So Sew English, or Slyfox Fabrics. Other suggestions welcome!
I noticed you where stretching the neckline and neckband. I was told to only stretch the neckband to fit the neckline, otherwise the neckline would pucker. So your method would be better.....
Schellb Schell it's not so much that I'm stretching the neckband as much as I'm manipulating its curve to keep the layers even. I wish I could be sitting next you you with the fabric in hand to explain it more clearly but you are right to not stretch the neckline. Just the neckband. ❤️
Thanks for replying, I understand where your coming from. I used your method and it worked very well. Thanks for all your videos.
Can you do this without a serger?
Of course you can! Just use a stretch stitch to attach the band. If you aren't sure what stitches you should use on your sewing machine, check out this blog post first :) doitbetteryourself.club/best-stretch-stitches-sewing-machine/
Great!! Thank you for responding so quickly!
What is the model of the brother machine you are using?
I'd like to know that too!
you sound just like pam from the office
I'm glad I'm not the only one using teeth!
I love your tutorials and get a lot of good info from them. If you don't mind, I'd like to add a teensy editorial comment. (Sorry, I was an English major. I can't help it. :-) ) You, like many other youtube tutorial folks, use the term "go ahead and..." far too often. Too many times and it is distraction. Try saying your instruction and leaving "go ahead and" out; usually you are completely understandable without it. Your tutorials will be improved. Thanks!
Thanks for your suggestion. That bothers me too when they say "go ahead and".
How does the math work with a v-neck?
How does this work with a v-neck? Is the math the same?
opuskitty25 I prefer to do closer to 89% with a v neck 😁