When working on garments it seems as though the neckline would be the least of one’s concern. The neckline kind of sets the tone of the garment. The neckline can be rather low and revealing or a wall hiding every inch of skin up to the face. There are several ways to sew a neckline v neck, scoop neck, boat neck, turtle neck, crew neck, the list goes on and on. For me, I find the neckline can be a breaking point.
Since I have started sewing I have noticed that either I am shrinking, which wouldn’t be so bad. Or I am having a problem defining the size of my shoulders. My necklines seem to reveal more about me than I would like the casual onlooker to see. I’ve considered altering them and have done a search or two on the best methods for altering necklines. A great source for alterations is located here.
I guess most importantly, is to consider the type of top that is being constructed. If it is a tank top, the fix is actually quite simple. The alteration is accomplished by shortening the top at the shoulders. This brings everything up higher on your neck. At the same time decreasing the size of the area for your arm. Make sure not to lose sight of that. You could end up with a tank top that squeezes the arm pit. This is very uncomfortable.
Another solution, quite simply put is to add elastic. This is incredibly easy. Open up the seam that connects the neckline to the rest of the top. I work with knit quite often, so for me this is a great solution. After the seam is open about two-three inches, cut a piece of elastic 2 inches shorter than the length of the neckline. Place a safety pin on one end and thread the elastic through the casing. When both ends of elastic meet, sew them together, sew up the seam recently opened and your neckline is perfect.
Another idea is to just go with it. Attach a couple of straps to mimic the look of a layered t shirt. The top stays where it should and the look is effortless. Of course all these ideas are wonderful for knits. I am really not sure how to fix the woven tops other than to add some additional gathers to shrink the opening. Let me know if you have any other ideas while you’re sewing in the comments below.
ENJOY!