Tuesday, June 21, 2011

A new V-neck tutorial


A little over 2 years ago now, I made and posted a tutorial for a V-neck shirt. It seems to have helped out a few people, so I thought I'd post another one. (Here is a link to the original, if you're interested)


  • Cut your neckband piece to needed length and width (for this shirt I cut mine at 2" wide and 28" long). Place raw ends right side together, and measure 1/2" up from the center and mark it with a dot. Then mark from that dot to each corner like this..


  • Sew basting stitches along the dotted lines, and trim off excess fabric.


  • Turn neck band right side out, and iron with raw edges together (ironing it in place will help prevent shifting, and ensure that you don't end up missing a layer of fabric while sewing it together). Sorry, I didn't get a picture of that part, but I'm sure you know an iron looks like. ;)
  • Place the neckband at the center front of the shirt. This is what makes a v-neck the trickiest, because you have to match up opposing angles. ****BEFORE DOING THIS, MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE THE SHOULDER SEAMS OF THE SHIRT SEWN UP***


  • But, with pins, it's not too hard. So pin the center in place.



  • Then manipulate it and place 2-3 more pins on each side of the center pin.

  • Sewing carefully, so as not to hit a pin, baste this center area to the front of the shirt. You've now completed the most arduous part of the v-neck shirt.


  • Finish sewing on the neck band (I like to serge mine, but you can use a sewing machine if that's what you have available).


  • You're done!! Well, with the neck band at least. You might want to add sleeves and sew up the side seams. ;)


I hope this helps you, but if anything is unclear, please don't hesitate to leave a comment with questions.

9 comments:

  1. This tutorial is super; thanks for posting - I've always had trouble with the V-neck - with your tutorial it seems crystal clear!

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  2. Nice. I found the 2009 V-neck post first and was going to email you a question and then I saw for 2011 V-neck post and it totally answered my question. Thanks. Your tutorial was much more clear than this one http://sewing.about.com/library/sewnews/qa/aaqa0203a.htm

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  3. This really worked. I tried your original method too, but this one is better. What is the rule for how long to cut the ribbing for the neckline?

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  4. Gina, I don't have a tried and true formula for the length, because it's going to vary a bit with the fabric. I tend to cut my ribbing about 2-4 inches shorter than the neck opening for an adult shirt. If my fabric is on the stretchier side, it'll be closer to the 4", and if it's more "sturdy" then it's closer to the 2" mark.

    I'm so glad this newer version is helpful. :)

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  5. thanks for your helpful tutorial. that was exactly what i needed!

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  6. Thank you very much, I will use your tutorial for my husband´s t-shirt!

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  7. thanks so much for this! i have been avoiding v-neck tees since my first attempt a few months ago (not a total fail but took wayyy too long for a less than par result, making me grumpy!). have this pinned for next time I try one!

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  8. Hi, my fiance came across your original version of this tutorial then I found this one.
    once I wrapped my brain around how the cut works this made it incredibly easy. This is the first time I have ever made a v-neck and your tutorial made it a cake walk. Thank you so very very much for putting this up.
    Her costume will be a success!
    Yes, I am one of those rare males who knows how to sew and isn't gay. ;) Tim Gunn is still one of my heroes. :)
    -Michael

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