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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Syntoniser
Date: 10-16-2004, 07:18 AM (1 of 5)
If a blouse pattern fits where I want it to, but the neck is too big, how/where do I adjust the pattern to change the neck opening only? It has a little "stand-up" collar which was too high, so I managed to cut that down to suit me, but I don't want to button the top button and it sticks out awkwardly. I need to make the neck opening smaller I guess? Getting the proper fit from a pattern must be the worst part of sewing.
User: Syntoniser
Member since: 10-05-2004
Total posts: 6
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 10-16-2004, 01:42 PM (2 of 5)
You may need only to be a little more careful in handling your garment pieces.. I used to stretch out the neckline of everything I made with too much handling and pulling.. It took me a long time to learn to handle any cut edge that was not on the straight grain of the material with "kid gloves" as they say.. Collars as well.. I found that was my problem and that my unbuttoned top button no longer irritates my under chin...
Sew With Love
Libby
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002
Total posts: 2022
From: legalsewer
Date: 10-18-2004, 07:37 AM (3 of 5)
One way to alter a neckline is to trace the neckline you like onto a square of tracing paper and then slide the traced box with that neckline on it along the shoulder line to widen or narrow the neck. You will have a piece that goes beyond the center front if you are narrowing the neckline, and you just cut that off. If you are widening the neckline, then just continue a line from the end of the original neckline to the center front. Make sense? Marian
User: legalsewer
Member since: 10-16-2004
Total posts: 1
From: Syntoniser
Date: 10-18-2004, 01:22 PM (4 of 5)
I have completely re-built this pattern now, lol. It had a dropped shoulder, which I didn't like. This is all so new and aggravating, but I figured I have nothing to lose by experimenting. And lots of advice from this site. Thank you girls.
User: Syntoniser
Member since: 10-05-2004
Total posts: 6
From: Londa
Date: 10-22-2004, 11:00 PM (5 of 5)
I would take in the shoulder seams first, then whatever amount you decreased the neckline by - cut and lap the collar at the same point the same amount. Then cut collar out from new pattern. That's all there is to it - in my experience.

Oh - for a lump at the back of the neck, this is a 'bump' that needs neckline darts, or a back neckline seam and more length. A shaped centeer back seam really acts like a dart.

The best place to read and understand this is in Fit For REal People by Palmer & Pletsch - my personal fitting 'bible'.

Londa
www.londas-sewing.com
Londa
www.londas-sewing.com
www.alondaoriginal.com
User: Londa
Member since: 05-26-2004
Total posts: 39
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