Sewing an easy neck finish on a dress or garment made from knit fabric is so satisfying! Learning how to sew an easy neck band is just the thing for that satisfaction. 😊
I am going to show you how I do it and prove that it is and easy way to finish off the neckline for your dress so you can wear it and feel good about a job well done!
Let’s get started!
Neck finishes
The neck band is different from the neck binding because it adds to the neckline instead of wrapping around the seam allowance.
This is a neck binding. It wraps around the seam.
And this is a neck band. It adds just a little to the finished size of the neckline.
The neck binding (top pic) is great for any knit fabric but especially thicker knits. This is because we are sewing on single layers of fabric.
The neck band (second pic) works better for thinner knits since the band is a double layer and will give more stability to the neckline.
The neck band also works great for knit fabrics that have are very stretchy. Working with knit that is very stretchy can be more difficult making the neckline difficult also.
Let’s do easy! 😊
How to sew a neck band
Below is a video on the steps to sew an easy neck band. First, I will write down the basic steps, but definitely watch the video for the full tutorial.
Step 1. Measure neck circumference.
Step 2. Neck circumference minus 1 inch.
Step 3. Cut neck band 1 inch less than neck circumference and twice the width of finished neckband, plus seam allowances.
Step 4. Sew neck band ends together and press open.
Step 5. Fold neck band in half lengthwise, pin to neck opening and sew.
Step 6. Press seam towards the inside of the garment.
Step 7. Topstitch seam allowance to the garment close to the previous seam.
Done!
And below is the video for the full tutorial!
Practice makes perfect
Last but not least, practice!
If you are unsure of how your neck band is going to turn out, just cut a hole in some scrap fabric and sew a neck band onto it! That’s what scraps are for, to test and practice! 😊
And when you sew a test or practice piece there is no need to rip. We get lots of practice elsewhere! 😄
Do you have any challenges with sewing neck bands? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy sewing!
