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Ideas for fixing too big neckline?
NottaWadder   Advanced Beginner Member since 6/17/12 Posts: 377	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 3:26 PM I know now that I should have checked this closer and cut the neckline so it would be smaller.... but I am stuck now and I really like the rest of the top so far, so I am trying to figure out how I want to fix this. It is VogueVogue 8771 and I am doing it in a cotton interlock. I am considering adding a band to it, which is maybe the best option, but thought I should consider some other ideas too? Like maybe gathering it some how with elastic or something? I also read something about adding darts maybe? Thinking that might look a bit weird though? What do you think might look best? Preferably something sort of easy, I am still in my relearning phase (and in the totally learning phase for knits). It allows for a 5/8 inch topstitched hem around the neck. Even without turning under the 5/8 its pretty big on me. When I was younger I probably would have liked it but at my current age I am not very comfortable with it. I suppose if I do this pattern again I could even go down a size but I really like the fit of it the way it is. Plus I would have to repurchase the pattern, I am already using the smallest size in the envelope. But like I said, I really do like the fit except for the neck so next time I would just cut it differently. ------ My Singer crew: Sergei - Serger 14T968DC (set up as coverstitch) Stella - Serger Stylist II 14J250 (set up as main overlock) Quincy - Quantum 9960 (my main SM) Newest addition: Stevie, my very first Featherweight! (221 Centennial)
Kemish   Intermediate CA USA Member since 4/24/06 Posts: 233	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 3:46 PM I just had a similar issue with V1261. I like the top but the neckline was too large so I went back and sewed tiny tucks all along the neckline front & back. I haven't done a review on the pattern yet so I haven't posted a picture of my fix. Try pinning little tucks in or even hand-baste little tucks along the neckline to see if you like it before sewing. It worked for me. ------ Kemish
PattiAnnJ   Advanced OH USA Member since 12/3/06 Posts: 5223	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 3:50 PM No to the band. The sleeves are roomy, so try pinning out the excess at the shoulder and see if you can lift the neckline up to a position that is more comfortable for you. ------ “I don’t give them Hell, I just tell the truth about them and they think it’s Hell.” — Harry Truman
BeckyNoSleep Intermediate USA Member since 4/19/10 Posts: 131	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 4:50 PM Another option would be to insert essentially a "modesty panel" in a color close to your skin tone (matching the weight and amount of stretch of your original fabric, if possible). It could echo the curve of the original neckline. I agree, I have a RTW top that is similar to this, and not only does the neckline gape, but I am constantly tucking my bra straps under. *sigh*
ConnieBJ   Advanced ON CANADA Member since 12/31/03 Posts: 1866 Contest Committee	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 5:04 PM I really like Becky's idea. Try drafting a new neckline to fit under the existing one, but a bit higher. Here is a link to a photo that I found for an example .. double neck tee -- Edited on 9/20/12 5:05 PM -- ------ Connie Bontje http://www.couturesmith.com Twitter: Couturesmith Facebook: Connie Bontje Desperately trying to keep ahead of my pattern, fabric and dressform collection!
hazelnut   Beginner USA Member since 1/7/09 Posts: 2286	Login to reply to this post In reply to NottaWadder << Like this post Date: 9/20/12 5:10 PM If PattiAnn's idea doesn't work enough to fix the problem, you could also make a tiny slit inside the back neckline and fish some narrow elastic through and around. I salvaged a few of my stretched interlocks that had a large enough seam channel. I cut the elastic long enough, fished it through with a wire and safety pin and then tied it in a bow just to slip the top on and check how the neckline looked. I tightened or loosened as necessary. It may not look the greatest if it's *too* gathered, but at least it will be usable. I also tried to find an elastic whose width would fill the neckline without any rolling. Some people have stitched clear elastic on the outside (inside of neckline), but I didn't like the feel of that against my skin. I hope you can fix it ....and hope it's not that pretty yellow buttercup interlock. edited to add: I didn't leave it tied in a bow LOL I hand-stitched the elastic together and then closed the the tiny slit with hand-stitching also. You couldn't even tell it had surgery. :) -- Edited on 9/20/12 5:14 PM --
annemie   Intermediate ON CANADA Member since 1/18/09 Posts: 75	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/20/12 5:14 PM I really like that pattern! I have had luck in the past with too big necklines or gaping necklines by pulling a thin elastic (like a string) through the casing, not enough to pucker, but just enough to pull it in. It can make a lot of difference.
NottaWadder   Advanced Beginner Member since 6/17/12 Posts: 377	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/20/12 5:56 PM Oh my gosh, thank you for all of the great replies!! I have not yet sewed the neckline hem, so I would not have to "fish" the elastic through there..... what would be the best way to attach elastic being has I have not yet committed to the casing? I do also like the idea of the second neckline/panel. I actually thought of that but I wasn't sure if it would look right. Connie, that link to the double neck tee really helped me visualize it better!! I do not think that pinning the excess at the shoulder will work, unless I am not understanding correctly?? If I take it up at the shoulder, then that throws where the sleeve is attached right? I would have to take out the sleeve and refit the sleeve too? Or do you mean a different way? hazel, yes, unfortunately it's my buttercup interlock.But other than the neckline, it has gone pretty well! ------ My Singer crew: Sergei - Serger 14T968DC (set up as coverstitch) Stella - Serger Stylist II 14J250 (set up as main overlock) Quincy - Quantum 9960 (my main SM) Newest addition: Stevie, my very first Featherweight! (221 Centennial)
NottaWadder   Advanced Beginner Member since 6/17/12 Posts: 377	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/20/12 6:09 PM I hit submit and then realized I still have questions!!! Kemish, by the tucks, do you mean like little baby darts? Or a different kind of a tuck? Being as I have not yet sewed the neckline hem, if I do the double tee thing, should I do the hem first and the fit the new piece under it to make it look layered? At this point I could actually just make an insert that would be flat (except the seam of course). But I think I like the layered idea better... maybe? Edited to add: for the double neckline, I think I would just use the same fabric as the rest of the top.... unless there is a reason to NOT do that? -- Edited on 9/20/12 6:16 PM -- ------ My Singer crew: Sergei - Serger 14T968DC (set up as coverstitch) Stella - Serger Stylist II 14J250 (set up as main overlock) Quincy - Quantum 9960 (my main SM) Newest addition: Stevie, my very first Featherweight! (221 Centennial)
NottaWadder   Advanced Beginner Member since 6/17/12 Posts: 377	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/21/12 8:25 AM Uh oh, did I ask too many questions? ------ My Singer crew: Sergei - Serger 14T968DC (set up as coverstitch) Stella - Serger Stylist II 14J250 (set up as main overlock) Quincy - Quantum 9960 (my main SM) Newest addition: Stevie, my very first Featherweight! (221 Centennial)

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