I love the clean finish look of Nilah Dress with lined bodice. However, I also love the look of the neckband around the neckline. Also when you are out of fabric, the neckband look is preferable when doing sleeved-version ;).
Today we are going to show you how to finish your Nilah neckline using neckline band. You will need Nilah Dress pattern for this tutorial here (English version) or here (Dutch version) . If you do not have your copy yet, you can get it for just $5.95 till Monday, November, 20th.
Are you ready to make one?
You can use rib knit band. or knit jersey (if you want your neck band to have the same print as your dress like me).
IMPORTANT: If you choose to use knit jersey make sure a) your fabric has 50% more stretch than the original length and b) you cut your band on bias to avoid neckline gaping! I’ll show you next how.
Tutorial: How To Finish The Neckline With Band
What you will need.
- Nilah Bodice
- Knit jersey or knit rib band
- Pins
- Stetch stitch & twin needle
STEP 1: Use the table below to choose your neck band WIDTH for your child. The LENGTH of the neckband is 1.5″ (3.81 cm) for all sizes. The measurements include the seam allowance!
STEP 2: Cut your neckband on bias so it’s stretchable to fit into a rounded neckline and avoid gaping!! The photo below shows the WS up. For example, my daughter neckline is 5 length so I cut (14.5″WX1.5″H).
STEP 3: Place the strip, RS together, short edges matching and sew. Fold in half lengthwise, WS facing. Mark quarter points.
Put your neckband aside. Next we are going to take our bodice.
STEP 4: Lay your bodice front and back right side up.
STEP 5: Mark quarter points on the neckline.
- First fold it right sides together and mark front and back center.
2. Then align the front and back center pins and mark the other two points. Note: These points will not be exactly on the shoulder seams.
STEP 6: Pin the neck band on the neckline, right sides together, quarter points and raw edges matching. Pin and sew with a zig zag stitch or serger. Stretch the neckband ONLY as you sew. NOT the neckline.
STEP 7: Press the neckline seams you just created in STEP 6 towards the wrong side of the bodice and topstitch with a stretch stitch just under the neckline.
You did it!
Nilah Dress with Neckline Hack!
This is a French terry knit by So Sew English. It is such a breeze to sew with it and the stretch amount is perfect!
Please be sure to post your creations in our Facebook Group. Also don’t forget to use the hashtag #nilahdress #sansahash. We will love to see what your version look like.
Don’t forget to tag us with hashtag #nilahdress #sansahash also in our Instagram @sansahash. That way we can all find each other’s posts and admire your nilah dresses. I am looking forward to it.
Happy sewing xxx
PS: Let me know in the comment what you think about the tutorial!
[ap_instagram_feed]