Elastic Neckline (3115 Views)

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  Step 1 of 9

  This is my first How-To; I hope it makes sense! Ok, first, I used the Sadie 6019 pattern as a guide (outlined in purple in the picture). I extended the shoulders to about 7" total and continued the curve from the waist to meet the extended shoulder. I also cut the front neckline about 1" or more lower than the Sadie--for a fuller gather, cut a deeper neckline or keep the Sadie neckline for less gathering (adjust to preference).
  

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  Step 2 of 9

  To make sure both sides match, fold front and back in half (respectively) and cut excess.

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  Step 3 of 9

  Pin shoulders and side seams. You might want to slip it on inside out to make sure you can get your arms through the arm holes (to my chagrin, I've skipped this simple part before and was sorry...and stuck in an armless sack!). I started the side seam about 9" down from the shoulder (adjust to fit).

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  Step 4 of 9

  Once you found that your arms can fit through :-) stitch shoulder and side seams (I used 5/8" seam). For finished sleeve, create a rolled hem, by starting in seam allowance. Fold fabric over twice and sew a tiny hem (about 1/8" from rolled edge). Or use the rolled hem setting if you have a serger.

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  Step 5 of 9

  Next, create a sleeve for the elastic in the neckline by folding fabric to inside 5/8" and sewing 1/8" from raw edge--make sure your elastic (1/8") will be able to fit in sleeve easily. Very Important Make sure you leave an opening in seam to get the elastic in!

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  Step 6 of 9

  Attach a small safety pin to one side of the elastic (I used 26" of elastic, but adjust to preference by measuring a comfortable amount of elastic and "trying it on" as desired neckline). Pin the other end of elastic at opening in neckline sleeve.

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  Step 7 of 9

  Feed safety-pinned end of elastic into neckline sleeve all the way around and sew it onto itself when you get back to the opening. Sew up opening in neckline sleeve.

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  Step 8 of 9

  Hem bottom of shirt, and Ta Da! You've got an elastic neckline shirt! To make a dress out of this simple pattern, just extend fabric down to desired length...that's all I did for my Grey dress!

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  Step 9 of 9

  sorry, the first image didn't show up too well....here it is again--more complete!