How to Alter a Low Neckline
Are you tired of your favorite shirt’s low neckline feeling too revealing? Or maybe you’ve found a beautiful dress with the perfect fit, except for that plunging neckline? Don’t worry; altering a low neckline is a straightforward process that can be done at home with a few simple tools and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to safely and effectively adjust your garment’s neckline to your desired level of coverage.
First, gather your materials. You’ll need a pair of fabric scissors, pins, a measuring tape, a straight edge, and a needle and thread. It’s also helpful to have a tailor’s chalk or a fabric marking pen for marking your adjustments.
Before you begin, take your garment to a good tailor or use a mirror to ensure that the neckline is centered and even. If it’s not, you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments before altering the depth of the neckline.
Now, let’s get started:
1. Mark the New Neckline Depth: Measure the desired depth of your new neckline from the shoulder seam to the desired point where the neckline will end. Use your tailor’s chalk or fabric marking pen to mark this point on both sides of the garment.
2. Cut the Seam Allowance: Using your fabric scissors, carefully cut the seam allowance around the neckline, leaving about 1/2 inch of fabric. This will allow you to adjust the depth without affecting the garment’s shape.
3. Pin the Adjustment: Take the excess fabric on either side of the marked line and pin it to the new depth. Make sure the pins are placed at a 45-degree angle to the original seam line, which will help maintain the garment’s shape.
4. Sew the New Neckline: Using a straight stitch, sew along the new neckline, removing the pins as you go. It’s essential to keep the stitching as close to the original seam line as possible to minimize any distortion in the garment’s shape.
5. Press the Seam: Once the new neckline is sewn, press the seam allowance open using a hot iron. This will help the fabric lay flat and prevent any bunching or pulling.
6. Finish the Seam: To ensure a clean finish, you can topstitch the new neckline if desired. This is an optional step but can give the garment a polished look.
7. Adjust the Facing: If your garment has a facing or lining around the neckline, you’ll need to adjust it as well. Follow the same steps to mark and sew the new depth, then press and finish the seam.
And there you have it! You’ve successfully altered a low neckline to suit your preferences. Remember, it’s always a good idea to test your alterations on a similar piece of fabric before making changes to a favorite garment. Happy sewing!
