How to sew a neckband (with secret tricks!) for knits/T-shirts!

[@emcarver8983]

I've been sewing for nearly 65 yrs and still, ALWAYS, baste first. This saves so much time ripping out, if i haven't placed everything perfectly. I will baste the entire garment and try for fit, then sew it up with confidence that it will fit.

[@helenweatherby1694]

My mother was a dressmaker and said always baste. It will save you time in the long run. Experience has taught me that this is so true.

[@virginiaomalley]

How wide would you cut the neckband for a 6 year old child's dress? Thanks.

[@martinadelvai4115]

I'm so proud of a project I did yesterday. It might just be the most meaningful so far. Our dog Tina just turned 15 this week and the following day she was no longer able to walk down stairs. She lives with my mom on the 2nd floor. Tina is a German Shepard mix and weighs almost 30kg (70 lbs) and my mom can't just carry her down 4 flights of stairs. My mom asked me to sew some kind of carrying aid so she can get Tina downstairs. I'm proud that I was able to imagine, scetch and plan it all by myself. I got the aproval of a coworker who is great at sewing plus got some additional tips on what to pay extra attention to. There I was measuring dog and mom and cutting, ironing and sewing along. When my thread was all used and I had to use some old one my mom had there it started to get difficult because it was breaking constantly. I startet out with nice matching thread for the fabric and ended up with a seam that was light green on one side and bright pink on the other side. But apart from the thread the project turned out really well. Firm where it needs and with cushined handles and doggy belly part. I'll have to ask my mom how it worked when they try it. Took me 6 hours to make it, planning and scetching not included.

[@flourishfaithfiber]

I just watched another sewing video and the importance of basting, especially hand basting, was emphasized. I never thought about doing it on a neckband. Makes so much sense. As a newbie, I want to form good habits now. Thank you!

[@martinesgood7197]

Hello, my lovely friend? you look amazing and gorgeous at profile photo. I wish I can be a good friend to you. How are you doing?

[@dshe8637]

The grey neckband on the green floral is beautiful. So accurate. A 'rescue' tip I discovered when making neckbands, is that if they pucker because they are slightly too small, you can topstitch a row of triple stretch stitch on the band itself near to the seam. The extra thread going in and out of the fabric loosens it a little, while the folded edge is unaffected.

[@rickacton7540]

what about the binding of that uncomfortable neck seam though?

[@Thelisabest1]

Your explanations are so clear and useful. Thank you!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ethelbruwer5295]

I love all your tips all that you do for us. You are so special from the bottom of my heart . South Africa

[@arlenes8085]

Thanks! Your explanations are very helpful. No distracting music, no lengthy "please subscribe" - just sewing.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisedorsey2889]

Great tutorial. I’ve watched several as I am learning to sew knits. Yours is the only one that addresses an issue and how to fix it. I recently had to remove a neckband and cut another (fortunately had enough fabric). I will definitely follow your tips to sew this one in. Hand basting is my salvation in so many tricky places! No shame in that. Sew smarter, not faster!

[@janienreeves2813]

I’ve always had problems with knit but your tutorial is helping me with the courage I need to sew my first knit dress. Thanks this is very easily explained

[@michellemabelle100]

Sewed a knit jersey neckband for the first time today. Followed your advice with 80% length and it worked absolutely perfectly! Thank you so much!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Wonderful, Michelle! Congratulations on the success, so happy for you!

[@dianadivadiamond]

Thanks for those tips. They're quite helpful in so many ways. Blessed weekend to you my dear.

[@msuebentley]

I am a recently retired upholsterer and sewist. My efforts over so many years were focused on cushions, upholstery and cushions. Now I want to get back to sewing my own clothes. Thanks for your accurate description of neck band ratios. That's just what I was looking for. I appreciate your attention to detail. I have many industrial machines and now will also use my cover stitch machine to make me happy too.

[@reneehughes7860]

I made all my son's shirts in the 80s with lots of stretch neckbands. I finally invested in a serger so this video is a big help. Always basted mine too. Made it so much easier to attach. Thanks

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

That is awesome!

[@kerstinprinz6733]

First of all, I love your videos! I totally agree with you concerning the letting go of the quaters when inserting the neckband. I gues the reason why it never comes out neatly on the front is that the frontline ususally is longer than the backline. With pinning the neckband quarterwise it is not evenly distributed. So when sewing it is too long for the back -which is not so much a problem- and it is too short for the front. So you end up with a wavy seam there.

[@alicejohnson3100]

Thank you so much for the video. Your instructions are very helpful. I really didn't think I could do this but it really wasn't that hard. Thank you.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it helped and give yourself a good pat on the back - you did it!

[@diandjohn4]

Thanks again. I've now studied closely your videos re a knit garment with sleeves, neckband and hem. Thank you! I've made notes, and tomorrow, I'll start on stage two of adding them to my bodice. As you suggested I intend to practice on a mini-neckband with similar material before I go for it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@joannegreaney3962]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge - what a difference your advice and tips have made to my neckbands... Your style of instruction is encouraging, clear and seemingly simple which motivates me to TRY... I look forward to watching and learning more from you Alisa. Really appreciate your neckband tutorial.

[@sora.2901]

Your technique your explaination is very good

[@valerieconrad1005]

Your tutorials are the best! I changed the neckline of a pattern I have and wasn't sure what to do. Now I'm confident that I can get my shirt finished the way I want!

[@helenlouise1737]

This video is so valuable. I've made a lot of tops with stretch necklines but still learned things here. Your camera work was thankfully excellent, too. Concentrating on achieving success with tricky seams is so helpful. Look forward to more brief lessons like this!

[@LydiaDeHep]

Spectacular you. I have watched many. Your method and detailed demonstration was extremely helpful. You have excellent teaching skills.

[@shirleyknight8946]

Another great video! Thank you.

[@nicolewilson4055]

I’ve been sewing for years but am always still learning. Great tips Alisa.

[@lriveglia]

I followed these instructions for inserting the neckband and my jersey came out perfect - THANK YOU!

[@PatMcFadyenGrowingGradeByGrade]

What a treasure to have this step-by-step tutorial! I can already see some things to try differently. I can literally have it playing on my laptop while I sew! Thank you so much, Alisa!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love how you explained a knit neckband. Love your videos . Love you .GOD BLESS YOU.

[@geethamenohn1]

Tried it on my daughter's T shirt dress and it came out perfect. Thank you so much.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Geetha, so happy to hear! Yay for easy knit necklines! 😊

[@dorothykennedy9529]

Thankyou so much I was struggling with necks.i appreciate your tutorial thankyou for sharing❤

[@ambisweetiepie]

This is so helpful, thank you! I'm venturing into stretch fabrics for the first time, and I'm so nervous, but excited! Thank you for making this so easy to understand!

[@vickiecopeland7131]

Your sewing is perfection!!!

[@hannahzambito]

Omg I have been sewing neckband wrong this entire time 😱 thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I am glad this video helped, but perhaps you weren't doing it wrong, because there are many ways how to go about sewing techniques. Did you get a good result with the previous technique you used? :) I just try to show people multiple ways how to go about things :)

[@hannahzambito]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity so sometimes, it truly depends on the fabric base i use. I've been doing them the same way I would binding not realizing theres a difference 🤦‍♀️

[@inthekitchen8842]

Best and easiest vid on a neckband. Thank you!

[@shanaazmohammed7713]

Thanks Alisa for the tip for the neckband I LOVE how mines turned out, even though I didn't have a serger to make it even more beautiful, thanks sooooo.much for these tips

[@paulinehenri9734]

Thank you for straight forward clear instructions.

[@Cass_772]

thank you! I love your videos, you simplify sewing so much, love the advice on doing just the neckline + neckband for practice! Thanks to your video, I did my first pyjama yesterday, I draw the pattern myself! It's not perfect, I have to work harder and practice more but your videos really helped me! I'll make my second pyjama tomorrow :D

[@tammymasson2343]

I appreciated the exact percentages depending on the fabric content. I prefer to press my neckbands flat. I baste by machine. This last weekend I sewed in a neckband with the neckband on the bottom and the main shirt on top. It made it so much easier to keep all the raw edges perfectly even. I was sewing with double brushed poly and ended up taking some length off. I was so glad I has basted first! Thanks for this video!

[@martinesgood7197]

Hello, my lovely friend? you look amazing and gorgeous at profile photo. I wish I can be a good friend to you. How are you doing?

[@loveleeluv7]

I 💗 how you teach!🌸I've been sewing since I was 11, but haven't really tried a stretch ribbing fabric for neckbands yet. Thank you💖!

[@nancywilliams3454]

Thank you for this video. I'm about to make my first t-shirt this weekend and was quite nervous about the neckband but this has helped xx

[@julieottaway177]

Your tutorials are so clear to understand thank you xx

[@claudiaevans7240]

This was a great tutorial. It was detailer but not too long. Thank you for sharing.

[@RosemondNsowah]

Great teacher ❤

[@littlelady7843]

I just sewed my first top yesterday after watching many youtube videos and used a favorite PJ top as pattern. It turned out pretty good after a couple reworks :). The main struggles I had were two. One was to attach the neckband. I wish I watched this video before I did that. I didn't baste it and the edge was not even. I had to remove stitches at one place and re-attach part of it. Two: the neckband was a tiny little bit too big, not hugging the neck perfectly. I used the same material as the PJ body and didn't shorten it enough (more like 95% of the neck size). As it is a PJ, I will live with it. But in the future, I will surely make the neckband size smaller.

[@maryjoindy48]

This is the best video yet on v neck insertion. Thank you so much!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you for being so kind!

[@slyhkitchen]

Love the idea of a small practice neckband with some scrap fabric. This method is similar to how I’ve added a few waistbands to skirts, so it doesn’t seem as intimidating as I thought it might be. Thank you for the videos and tips.

[@ehopkins1234]

Thank you. You made sewing a neckband easy to understand.

[@ethelbruwer5295]

I just want to say thank you so so much. I did my neck like you showed an. Wow. It cam out so nice. Enjoy watching you

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Great job, Ethel! I gave you the steps - you did the heavy lifting, so all credit goes to you! :)

[@ethelbruwer5295]

Aaaah thank you my friend

[@ethelbruwer5295]

Thanks Alicia I do appreciate every tip and video. I never doubt whether to ask you anything. You are so Gracious

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@ethelbruwer5295 My pleasure! :) I truly hope that all of this helps!

[@jojosewist8921]

This is a very good video. One needs to be sure you are measuring the neckline--as you stated. This is the stitching line and not the edge of seam allowance. There is a difference in the meadurements. Until this difference settled in my brain I couldn't figure out why my neck bands never worked.

[@dianavestal850]

This was so helpful! OMG I made it so difficult. I was sewing the front seam turning it and sewing that to the neck. or surging the edge and capturing the neck- line, in-between and top stitching, both caused a slight dip at the center front because my neck band was the same size as the neck line itself. Didn't think to come here and actually learn how. lol so silly. THANK YOU!

[@bjazz68]

Thank you very much, especially for explaining and showing the difference between certain fabrics when stretched. Without that information, I probably would have miscalculated the length of the cut for the cotton band I am using. Thanks again 🙂

[@rebclout]

Your videos are absolutely the best! I am actually practicing this now on baby pullover bibs and came here for some tips bc it wasn’t going right but I think the basting will help lots! Thank you for your great tips and videos!

[@annethevenot461]

Excellent nuanced instruction.

[@marinadi532]

Thank you for this fantastic tutorial 👍 I just made my first Tee

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Woooohoooo, way to go! Well done!

[@944gemma]

You always do a great job. Born to teach sewing.

[@SEWalke]

Your videos are so clear! Thank you.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad you like them!

[@susanrussell8195]

Hand basting the neckband is a brilliant tip. I’m going to try not to be in too much of a hurry.

[@kartodirjofar5658]

Tried this and it worked! Thank you soo much❣🇸🇷

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Fantastic!!!

[@lynetterene]

Hi..came across this again and I really love this video.... I'm looking forward to practicing as you said with just the top portion. You gave amazing tips as always...thank you so much 😊

[@annhamman5096]

Thank you for all the options.

[@christophermaurer1271]

It wasn't just the fabric it was me. My first attempt at a T-shirt neckline after doing two pyjama pants. So, only my third attempt at sewing , ever. You are a very good teacher and I have seen from your video where I have gone wrong. I had also cut the neckline on the same lines as the body . it didn't go well. I have subscribed but hope you will be doing some men's clothes , jeans , shirts and jackets. You have a pleasant voice that compliments your slight accent. Cheers from Australia.

[@pennyc7064]

Thank you! Well explained. I will keep this video for my reference!

[@maryc4463]

This is an awesome tutorial! I've watched a couple and none have explained every step as good as you, thank you! Btw I just love your voice it's so sweet 😍

[@queenelcene638]

As always, excellent advice. ThankYou ❤

[@jasonjones4502]

thanks for the tips and tricks

[@lindagillespie6556]

Thank you , I adore you and your information

[@loveinseattle]

This video is so unbelievably helpful. Thank you so much!

[@peggymahabir6108]

Thank you Alisa! This was very helpful. Keep bringing good, easy to follow tutorials :-)

[@RosemondNsowah]

❤ love it 😊

[@janissharkey7174]

Very good information. Thank you so much!

[@InAgatasCottage]

Brilliant video

[@martinesgood7197]

Hello, my lovely friend? you look amazing and gorgeous at profile photo. I wish I can be a good friend to you. How are you doing?

[@geethamenohn1]

Thanks for the tips. So clearly explained.

[@joannecava2418]

Thanks - super helpful

[@annamarieh333]

Loved this. So helpful

[@pamici1]

Basting makes all the difference!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

It sure does! Takes time but so does the ripping the seam!

[@158Nici]

Hey Alisa, I follow your channel for a while now and I am really enjoying it. Your Tutorials are so easy to follow and well explained. In a recent video you mentioned, that you a have a Plan B if something doesn't work out. I finished a long wrap dress out of viscose and it definitely not suit me at all. I would love to see a video with some ideas if something doesn't work. Keep up your great work and only listen to kind comments, these are the one you deserve!! Love from Germany Nicole

[@SamanthaLlanos]

This was super helpful! I always rely on the pattern for the bands and I get mixed results. I’ll definitely try measuring the necklines myself to make my band length, cut out those quarter points (cuz I don’t think they were helping me much), and try basting! I hope practicing this will help my neckbands lay flat and get rid of those puckers!

[@girlgeekFL]

Running into that today. The neckband piece for the short is too large if I use the pattern piece. I had to take out a serged neckline and am now going to measure and cut following this video....and basting it in first!

[@1tinac]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@elainesnyder8210]

Thank you for the great tips. Love the idea ofbasting.💖

[@susankroeger7445]

Love this video - so helpful!! I am math challenged so wondering if you could tell us how you figure out 80%, 75%, etc., length of the neckband. I've been sewing neckbands with the quarter method but will try your method with the knit I am working on now. Thank you for being such a dear guardian angel to all the sewists out there!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Susan, hi! :) for the math - I hear you, so the easiest way that I go about it for 80% length is: 20% that I need to subtract is 1/5 of any length or measure. So if my neckline is 10", then I need to subtract 2" (which is 1/5) in order to get the neckband length, The same goes for all of the other percentages. Think of it like cups when baking/cooking, it helps me a lot while I am sewing and I don't need to get calculator or my phone. I hope this helps, dear Susan :)

[@susankroeger7445]

Makes perfect sense. Thanks so much Alicia!

[@TheDoglover1970]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity Hi. What seam allowance do you use to sew the sides of the neckband together? Just wondering how that factors into the percentages.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@TheDoglover1970 it does not factor into percentages, count out the length, then add seam allowance that you like.

[@MartyMakesStuff]

Always great tutorials

[@tigerbutterfly7784]

Thanks! This is a great tutorial; I've only made three and this information will be of great help to me.💖💖💖💖💖💃💃

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@monybony8807]

Great explanation!!! Thank you 🙏

[@kaigu3p]

I loved the video really helpful :)💖 I'm gonna try it because I made a shirt on my own without measuring well the neckband and it came a little bad haha so I'm want to fix that for my next project

[@gied.6474]

Love this video. Just in time. I was having major problem with my last project, (tried your Bishop sleeve tutorial) it was almost perfect then came the neckband part, I almost ruined the whole project. The neckband was kinda loose and dipping but that’s okay. Will definitely consider these tips you gave. Thank you for this! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Gie, hi there! Great to hear that you tried the bishop sleeve top..... ugggr, neckbands can do that, can't they? Right when the project is almost done - this happened to me a few times. I remember I needed couple of hours to step back, then come back to it, unpick it and finish the neckline. I hope you can get your bishop top to work, it is such a lovely garment to have! Thank you for being here, sharing your experience and watching!

[@gied.6474]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity oh yes, I’m loving your channel. I even printed your colouring pages and stick it on the wall of my ‘craft room’ Thank you for bringing out the love of craft for most of your followers. Keep it up!

[@maryc4463]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity that is EXACTLY what I just did! Couldn't get the neckband right and was just going to throw in the towel because I'd spent so much time on getting the project perfect then the neckband ruined it! But I decided to watch a couple of tutorials to see where I was going wrong and came across yours, now I'm about to unpick and see if I can salvage it! Wish me luck haha 😂

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@maryc4463 all the best of luck, you can do it!

[@philiptipping6738]

Great info. thanks very much. cheers Mary

[@margiehogan3315]

Such good advice!

[@katejharmer1973]

This is awesome! It would be great if you could do a short tutorial on how to make the practice neckband.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Kate, You make the practice neckband the same way you would make a normal one... just with practice fabric on both - t-shirt and the neckband.

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Alisa!! Thanks for the wonderful tips.. This is always the fiddly spot on most everything made.. Deeply appreciate... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@marathonfortruth4768]

I’ve been sewing for decades and I concede that I must always hand baste my neckbands before sewing by machine. It takes time, but so does seam ripping unsatisfactory results.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

So true, so true! Wise words!

[@elitasergejeva7391]

Super. Thank you very much

[@mufithabuhari4021]

Those little details are helpful. Thanks. Pls teach us as how to make a blazer. Thanks❤

[@banditasydemas6120]

Thank u so much!! I was searching for a vid like this cuz I wanted to change the neck of my favourite t-shirt (dont know why the neck is destroyed & the t- shirt looks new😳). Not a sewer here but with ur clear explanation I will try do change it!. Thanka again!!😘

[@elizabethswan2040]

Brilliant, thanks so much.

[@MadeByTriniLena]

Happy Friday Alisa, thxs for another awesome video❤️🙏🏽

[@deannajohnson3933]

thanks, I am going to try this soon!

[@aurarivas4684]

Muy buena técnica para pegar el cuello 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@joshua789]

Well done my sister. May God bless u in Jesus name.

[@sandrar3124]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@sheilajoyforones5493]

Another helpful tips! Will wait for your tips on how to handle/sew satin fabric.. It frustrates me a lot, the fabric just doesn't stay in place while I'm sewing, lol

[@MP-ng1sc]

Thank you so much for explaining this so well, new subscriber here!

[@jennyventer6940]

Always a good turitoral with valuable tips and you are very professional. What pattern did you use for you jacket you wearing. Love it and the material is lovely.