Super clean V-neck - in downloads
While sewing the Mamu Deborah (which has horrible instructions) I came up with a nice way to do v-necks. I wanted to share:)
First pin the front body piece to the back body piece, right sides together, at the shoulders. Make sure to use something to stabilize the shoulder seams - I used lastin. Sew the shoulder seams.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/...1eac9425de.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #1 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Now take the piece that will be the neckband and iron it in half. This really helps with lining things up later so don't skip it:)
Note: We will be overlapping the neckband by so when calculating how big to make the neckband add 2" (or by the amount you overlap depending on the thickness of your neckband). You can measure the total neckline and then multiply by 0.75 then add the extra 2" to get the neckband length.
Overlap the end of the neckband, pin and baste 1/8" from the raw edges- see second pic.
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V-neck Tutorial #3 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
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V-neck Tutorial #5 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Now cut a 1/8" slit into the front of the v-neck NO BIGGER that 1/8" (If you cut it too big your v-neck won't come out clean) (Note: if you are using a larger seam allowance then 1/4" you can cut it bigger.)
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/...152d9c62d1.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #6 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Pin the neckband, right sides together, to the front of the v-neck. Line up the raw edges of either side of the v-neck with the raw edges of the neck band. Have the bottom of the slit meet up with the corner of the basting stitch so that the slit is opened up - don't stretch it too much or it will be wonky.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/...31a9594370.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #7 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Pin and baste these two together. I found it best to baste each side separately. Sew one side, cut threads and then sew the other, don't pivot the needle. You have more control this way.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1366/...e584abe404.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #8 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Turn to the right side and double check that what you have done looks good. If not, pick out the basting stitches and try again, if you like how it lays then go on.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1214/...3a4c7dc0eb.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #9 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Pin the neckband all the way around the neck.
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/...c714a41912.jpg
V-neck Tutorial #10 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Serge/sew around. Start at one end of the vee and go all the way around to finish at the other side of the vee. When you are sewing right at the corner of the vee pull the fabric from the other side out of the way so you don't catch it. Watch that you sew right on top of the basting stitches. You may want to sew with the neckband on the bottom so you can see your basting stitches better.
Secure the serger tail by sewing it down. (not shown)
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V-neck Tutorial #13 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
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V-neck Tutorial #14 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
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V-neck Tutorial #15 by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
Finish off the shirt according to the directions and enjoy your lovely V-neck!!
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/...68d9047aa9.jpg
Mamu Deborah by Apple Dumpling Gear, on Flickr
