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From: GFranklin
Date: 05-24-2005, 08:03 PM (1 of 11)
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I made a really cute pair of pajamas, but I didn't like the way the neckline was behaving. It didn't lay flat on the hanger and didn't do much better on the child. I used to same pattern to make a gown, trying a little different approach for the neckline, but had the same problem. This particular pattern calls for bias tape as a facing for the neckline. With the first project, I made the bias tape from the pajama fabric, the second time, I purchased the tape. Is there a way to adjust this neckline so it lays flat? Or should I just search for a different pattern? My husband says it really isn't that noticeable, but it drives me crazy!
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 05-25-2005, 04:24 AM (2 of 11)
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What about a stretchy bias tape? ribbing? stretch lace binding?
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: Anniewear
Date: 05-25-2005, 10:39 AM (3 of 11)
| It sounds as though there is just a little too much fullness in the pattern. For the completed garments, you could try sewing a piece of clear elastic on the front and stretch it just a bit while sewing. This elastic is very thin and opaque looking and is nice for sleeves as well as stabilizing. If you use the pattern again, you could redraw the center front line that is cut on the fold. Try to determine how much to remove at the top by pinching the garment on your daughter's body until it lays flat like you want it to. Say the pinched amount is 1/2 inch deep. Mark that amount in at the top of the center front fold line and with a ruler or yardstick taper very gradually away to nothing. Then fold on that line or cut on it and line the new one up with the fold. That should do it! If there is a separate facing, you will have to adjust it too so you don't stretch it back out sewing the facing in. I hope you follow what I am saying. This is difficult without having hands to demonstrate with! Good luck! |
User: Anniewear
Member since: 01-15-2005 Total posts: 2 |
From: MaryW
Date: 05-25-2005, 10:49 AM (4 of 11)
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Hi Anniewear, welcome to Sew Whats New.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-25-2005, 11:34 AM (5 of 11)
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Bias stretches.. That is the purpose of 'bias'.. necklines are cut sort of on a bias, so they will stretch if you are not very, very careful.. (why most necklines call for stay stitching).. You may be pulling the neckline out of shape as you apply the bias binding.. You have to handle it very carefully to keep it from stretching..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: GFranklin
Date: 05-25-2005, 01:01 PM (6 of 11)
Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. I don't think the neckline stretched as I was very careful about that (been there, done that  ). I think that the pattern is just too full at that spot. So, I will try to adjust it with the "pinch method" and I do have the clear elastic (hadn't thought of using that  ) and see what happens. I have three more yards of Hello Kitty fabric (sigh) to make into a short sleeved pajama for her.
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: paroper
Date: 05-26-2005, 12:15 AM (7 of 11)
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It might not be a neckline problem at all. It may be a shoulder problem. If her shoulders are square or slope a little more than average, (esp. if they are square), they can really throw off a neckline.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 05-26-2005, 04:59 PM (8 of 11)
Yes that may be part of the problem. But the neckline didn't look right on the hanger either--it just sort of stands away from the neck instead of laying down. If I was smart enough, I could figure out how to attach a photo so you could see what I am talking about  I'll work on that.
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 05-26-2005, 05:26 PM (9 of 11)
| Can you use the bias to ease the extra fabric in at the back neck? After staystitching the garment, hold onto the bias tape a bit more firmly than the garment edge and allow the feed dogs to ease in the gap. If you decide to try this, make sure that you press carefully shaping the bias to the neck edge - after stitching the bias to the neck edge, before hand-stitching or top-stitching, to get a more professional look. |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
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From: blackie
Date: 06-13-2005, 01:02 AM (10 of 11)
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My husband says it really isn't that noticeable, but it drives me crazy! Don't have any more advice - the other ladies had a lot of good tips - just wanted to say I don't know HOW MANY TIMES my mother or husband has mocked me for perceverating on some detail that they swear NO ONE will notice... but it's ALL i can think about when I look at the garment! Anal retentiveness... so much fun! see the mundane life of a housewife.
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User: blackie
Member since: 03-31-2004 Total posts: 594 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 06-13-2005, 04:22 PM (11 of 11)
Yeah, anal retentiveness is a lot of fun  I am really obsessive about the things that I make, from home dec to clothing to quilts. But, it appears that we all are in some respects. That is what makes this forum so comforting! Thanks for the encouragement and the gentle reminder.
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
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