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From: GFranklin
Date: 04-13-2007, 10:52 AM (1 of 20)
This is my first attempt to make a t-shirt, and my first attempt to make a garment using mainly my serger. The pattern calls for a narrow hem neckline. I am not really great at coverstitch, and wondered if this would be better done on the sewing machine. Or would it be easier to create a ribbing from scrap fabric and put that on the neckline instead. And, if I do that, what type, if any adjustments should I make to the neckline itself--that is, should I cut it out a little more to allow for the 1/4" to 1/2" ribbing that I will have and the seaming? (BTW, if I am making this too hard, tell me; I tend to obsess
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 04-13-2007, 04:25 PM (2 of 20)
| Hi there. I'm about to make a T shirt too., have cut it out. I really didn't want the neck stretched out, and want it somewhat stabilized for laundry. I found at the Threads site an article by Marcy Tilton on T shirts. Also, Londa has info on her site on stabilizing and finishing necks. I personally do not like ribbing, but narrow edging made of bias fabric, stretch satin (if you can obtain it), or a narrrow self edging. Marcy explains all this better than I can. Good luck. |
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006 Total posts: 44 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 04-13-2007, 04:57 PM (3 of 20)
|
Thanks! I will go there and read the article. I did put stretch elastic at the shoulder seams. And, after agonizingly long afternoon, finally got the coverstitch the way I want it--for now anyway. But, I am having a problem with crossing the little seams at the shoulder. Anyone have a suggestion for crossing these seams with the serger without it bogging down? BTW, I have a gorgeous t-shirt that I got at Ann Taylor (really marked down  ) that has a little satin binding at the neckedge--I love that!
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: gmcsewer
Date: 04-14-2007, 09:30 AM (4 of 20)
| For the neckline on the Tshirt, you might try serging the edge, then turn it to the inside and stitch with a double needle on the regular sewing machine. If you use clear elastic under the turnback, you can stretch it sllightly and this will eliminate any sagging of the neckline. I don't have a serger with the overlock stitch so can't help you with that. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
From: GFranklin
Date: 04-14-2007, 05:21 PM (5 of 20)
|
What a great idea--clear elastic! I used that on the shoulder seam, but never thought to use it in the neckline--I wound up using a cover stitch on the neckline (folding the edge at the 5/8" mark, pressing carefully, and holding my breath!). It looks pretty good, but I haven't put it on, yet--still needs the sleeves and sideseams done. But, I love the idea of using the clear elastic--I will remember that for other projects. Thanks!
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 04-16-2007, 06:05 PM (6 of 20)
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I've been re-styling t-shirts from dd's teams and schools for a while now. I have a short neck and crew necks choke me. So... I cut off the hem of the shirt and use that to create a neck band so that the color and texture are a match. Once I have the neckline cut to the shape I want I'll use a flexible ruler to measure it -- (fold it in half, measure, multiply by 2) -- for the neckline length. I then cut the band to be 3/4 of that. Neckline 20 X .75 = 15. I make the band 15" (example) and sew into a circle. Mark the neck and the band into quarters and finish as usual for a t-shirt. I've done this enough times now and it works. hth az Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73 
|
From: GFranklin
Date: 04-16-2007, 08:15 PM (7 of 20)
Thanks! This is great information. I have printed it and will put it in my notebook for future reference. I wound up doing a coverstitch (fold the seam allowance in and stitched) and the neckline came out really well for my first try! The shoulders needed adjusting, but I knew that this was "practice". I am really encouraged and hope to get more fabric as soon as Hancock's has another coupon--
Gayle
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User: GFranklin
Member since: 07-04-2004 Total posts: 101 |
From: Teri
Date: 04-26-2007, 10:49 AM (8 of 20)
I use a similar method to Barbara's, using a tape I make from the hem, but I make all my T's V-necked as I like the look better, plus I don't have to measure . I start sewing on the tape one inch up from the V, leaving a 2inch or so tail end on the tape. I use the ---v---v stitch for some stretch, slightly stretching the tape as I go. When I've sewn all around to the V I tuck in the tape to form a cross over, press the new neckline out and top stitch all around. I have done so many of these for myself and friends I now include T-shirt remodelling on my business card and my advertisments.
Teri
"Where are we going, and why am I in this basket?" |
User: Teri
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 66 
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From: mommgsews
Date: 04-26-2007, 08:51 PM (9 of 20)
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Teri, Great instructions. I have done the v-neck several times but had not come up with one method that I liked the best. Maybe I'll use yours. Thanks for sharing. AZ Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: Susy
Date: 05-01-2007, 01:05 PM (10 of 20)
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Hi, I am stuck on fitting a shirt, Simplicity pattern #4076 (I think Lennie has done this one)? I have done the sleeveless (view F) and because I am small across the back, it is gaping. I put stretch elastic in but that didn't help, could I just use the size 12 pattern and cut the back neckline with the size 8? I am so stuck on fitting clothing, no clue as to altering patterns. I have also done view A which has a band around the back and it also is a bit big, again, could I just cut the back and the band in a different size? (size 8). Hope you can understand this, I feel like I am constantly sewing things and just crossing my fingers that it will fit somebody half decently. Thanks so much. Susy |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 05-01-2007, 04:21 PM (11 of 20)
|
Does the shirt fit across the front? If so you may be able to take out excess fabric from just the back. Right next to the seam, pinch out a dart or tuck as needed from the back only. (You may need to do this at the side seams AND the shoulders.) If this helps the fit of the back then release (rip out) the affected seams and draw the appropriate amount of fabric into the seam pulling from the back only. Restitch and try on before hemming/edge finishing. Keep track of the changes on your pattern so you'll be able to repeat the success. hth AZ Barbara |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
|
From: Susy
Date: 05-02-2007, 10:18 AM (12 of 20)
| Thanks so much, I did what you said and though this top has been ripped out so many times its barely wearable, at least I can make another and it will fit! The only thing I could figure to do was make a whole smaller size but other than the back it fit perfectly. So, thanks again, I'm off to make another one with much more confidence this time. |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 05-02-2007, 10:52 AM (13 of 20)
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I'm glad I was able to help. Your last comment hit home with me. Confidence, it seems is one of the most important ingredients in success. You go girl!
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User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: gmcsewer
Date: 05-02-2007, 03:09 PM (14 of 20)
| FOR YEARS I TOOK OUT 1/2 INCH ON THE BACK PATTERN PIECE, LAID ON THE FOLD, OR 1 INCH TOTAL, SINCE I WAS NARROWER IN THE BACK, AND THAT SOLVED THE PROBLEM. SOME PATTERNS IIN THE PAST HAD YOU TAKE A SMALL DART, 1/4 INCH AT THE NECKLINE AND TAPERED FOR 2 TO 2 1/2 INCHES. THIS WOULD BE THE WAY TO DO IT IF THE BACK SHOULDER AREA FITS WITH THE REGULAR SIZE. THE DARTS MADE THE NECKLINE FIT CLOSER AROUND THE NECK, BUT I DO NOT LIKE THE LOOK OF THAT IN KNITS. YOU COULD HAVE SOMEONE MEASURE FOR YOU THE DISTANCE ACROSS THE BACK OF YOUR SHOULDERS AND ADJUST THE PATTERN TO THAT WIDTH PLUS 3/4 TO 1 INCH FOR EASE. WWW.UNIQUEPATTERNS.COM HAS A FORM TO PRINT SO YOU CAN TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS AND FILL IT IN. EASE FOR BUST, WAIST AND HIPS IS ABOUT 2 INCHES EACH. IF MAKING A COAT OR JACKET 4" OR MORE. |
User: gmcsewer
Member since: 08-19-2003 Total posts: 45 |
From: Susy
Date: 05-03-2007, 10:18 AM (15 of 20)
| Again, thank you ladies, I made a new shirt yesterday and the fit is perfect! I have now fixed the pattern so I won't forget next time I make one. I had tried darts in the first one, when I saw that it was too big, but didn't like the looks of it. This info you gave me will help with all my clothing sewing, I just realized that the few things I have sewed for myself were always gaping at the back and I didn't really clue in, just assumed they didn't fit anywhere. So, now I will maybe venture back in to making myself some more garments. Funny how one little success gets me that gung-ho to tackle new things(until my next failure, next time I will come back here instead of just telling myself I am hopeless!) |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: PaulineG
Date: 05-03-2007, 04:10 PM (16 of 20)
|
Well done Susy. It seems that no matter how many questions or issues you come up with there's always a solution or encouraging word to be found here. Before I joined if something wasn't going well I would give up and throw it out or consign it to the cupboard. How much better it is for our skills and confidence to work through the problems. Pauline
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User: PaulineG
Member since: 09-08-2006 Total posts: 901 |
From: mommgsews
Date: 05-03-2007, 07:38 PM (17 of 20)
| Good Job Suzy! It's great that we can bring our concerns to the forum and get help! I love it! |
User: mommgsews
Member since: 03-15-2004 Total posts: 73
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From: grandma C
Date: 05-04-2007, 12:28 PM (18 of 20)
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Pauline you are so right! Gongrats'! Susie. I am a fitting nightmare since I have only a slight bit of a Waist and a bellly and a Wide flat Butt. I think I will try again. Threads has a neat wrap top in the May issue and I have some white sheer fabric with blak dots and I have some sheer black. Think I will try to make some sexy pants to go withe top and maybe a pull on skit or wrap skirt. I just get sos much inspiration from the success of others. Belinda |
User: grandma C
Member since: 01-15-2007 Total posts: 263 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-04-2007, 07:33 PM (19 of 20)
|
For the future of all who make t-shirts, Barbara's instructions of how to make a neckband (she did it from the tail she cut off the shirt) was exactly how the experts taught us in a class.. They were explaining what to do if you did not have ribbing or did not want ribbing.. I have made several and used Barbara's method with the self fabric of prints, etc... They look and feel a lot better.. Looks like a nice top and not a t-shirt..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: fabrikate
Date: 05-07-2007, 09:41 PM (20 of 20)
|
This is my first attempt to make a t-shirt, and my first attempt to make a garment using mainly my serger. The pattern calls for a narrow hem neckline. I am not really great at coverstitch, and wondered if this would be better done on the sewing machine. Or would it be easier to create a ribbing from scrap fabric and put that on the neckline instead. And, if I do that, what type, if any adjustments should I make to the neckline itself--that is, should I cut it out a little more to allow for the 1/4" to 1/2" ribbing that I will have and the seaming? (BTW, if I am making this too hard, tell me; I tend to obsess I like to do a different kind of neckline on my t-shirts using my serger and a bit of the fabric. I cut a strip about 2" wide, long enough to go around the complete neckline. Starting at the center back neck, I serge on the strip, right sides together. This makes a perfect 1/4" seam. Then I fold the binding around the serging to the inside of the garment and use a narrow zig zag to top stitch it in the ditch. Trim the excess binding from the inside so that the zigzag is at the edge of the binding. It looks neat and professional. |
User: fabrikate
Member since: 04-19-2005 Total posts: 1 |
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