Christine Sews

Attaching a neckband to a t-shirt style knit can look intimidating.  But it is actually a straightforward technique.  Using the right stitch settings and equipment can make it even easier.

How to Attach a T-Shirt Neckband:

1. Carefully cut and mark your pattern pieces.  The neckband should be 80 - 90 percent the length of the neck opening measurement.
2. Sew the neckband together at the short edges.  Fold in half lengthwise.
3. Line up your pattern pieces at the marks.  If your pattern does not have markings, use the quarter pin method .  Shirt should be right side out.  Cut edges will line up together with the folded edge facing away from the opening.
4. Set your sewing machine to a stretch stitch.  Attach a lightweight presser foot, suitable for knits. Make certain that you are using a knit needle.
5. Stretch gently, keeping the cut edges aligned and sew around the neck opening, attaching the band to the body of the t-shirt.
6. Fold the collar into place.  Press gently with an iron if your fabric will tolerate it.  If not, just finger press.
7. Topstitch on the shirt, securing the collar in place.

Sewing Tips and Notes:

• It is difficult to serge the neckband onto the body of the shirt without cutting away too much fabric. If you do decide to try it, cut the neckband piece wide.  And practice on a few scrap pieces before trying it on your t-shirt.
• This is the neckband for Vogue Pattern V8151.  See the pattern review here .
• The thermal knit shown came from my fabric stash.  I got it months ago from the $1.95 clearance bin at Fabric.com .  If I had made the shirt with a smooth double knit or jersey, it could be worn under a blazer, instead of looking like a pajama.
• The rippling at the collar could be eliminated if I had used a smaller size, or a different type of fabric.  (I’ll probably do both when I make the pattern again.)
• I prefer to attach knit neckbands using a small zig-zag (the stretch stitch on my sewing machine) and then a straight stitch to secure the edges and make the band flat.  A twin-needle, serger or any number of other techniques can be used.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS