Recently, I had to fix a gaping neckline on my pattern. I’m always reluctant to mess with my neckline because I don’t want my shoulders or armholes to be affected. So this time I decided to take the excess from both my front and my back neckline. That’s what makes this video tutorial a little different from the one I did in this post. Today, I’m going to show you how to make a gaping neckline pattern adjustment on the front and back neckline.
Why adjust the front and back neckline?
When you make a gaping neckline pattern adjustment from the front neckline only, it changes the slope of the front shoulder-but the back shoulder slope remains the same.
This can sometimes cause the front and back shoulder to pull against each other, which is what you don’t want.
Video Tutorial
Watch the video tutorial below to see exactly how I made the adjustment. I’m so glad it solved the gaping neckline problem without distorting my shoulder slope or armhole.
Gaping Neckline Adjustment Guide
I created a handy step-by-step Gaping Neckline Guide of everything I covered in the video tutorial. To get the guide, click the image below.
Would you use this method to adjust your gaping neckline? Let me know in the comments.
I’ve never been pleased with the tops I’ve made because of the gaping neckline, despite trying to remedy the problem, i.e. creating a centre back seam; threading shearing elastic through the facing. Now, I can’t wait to try this method as I feel confident this is the answer.
Thanks so much for a concise explanation.
Kind regards.
You’re welcome, Sian.
Oh this was a lightbulb moment! I thought I had to take the extra fabric out of the front and was worried how this would affect the straight centre front line. When I saw what you were doing I said Oh Brilliant! out loud. Thank you for your clear explanation.
You’re welcome, Ann. You were right in not wanting to mess with your center front. I’m glad this post was a help to you.
I cannot wait to try this. Gaping necklines are the primarly reason I have decided to give up on dept store shopping, because everything I try on has a gaping neckline. I have a large bustline making gaping worse & it ruins everything, driving me crazy. I am 65 with some spine & neck issues (no disc’s left); could this be causing the gaping issues to become worse? I have noticed it worsening the last few yrs, just wondering. I am very interested in your ideas on solutions & will be taking a close look at your library right after Christmas. You just might be a life saver. I can’t wait to get this problem resolved.
Hi Linda, I’m not sure how your spine & neck issues could be affecting the neckline, but I can say that retail manufacturers don’t allow for any unique body issues when making clothes. They use models with what they call perfect measurements and body types. I understand your frustration.
I really hope the gaping neckline pattern adjustment solves your problem.
Thanks so much for subscribing to the Sewing Library.
Your very good at explaining every step.
Thank you, Corinne. I appreciate you saying that.
Thanks! Good tutorial.
You’re welcome, Elizabeth.
Is there any chance that you will do a tutorial on this on a ready made garment? Any hints from others would be appreciated as well.
I’ve added your request to my list, Alice. Although, there’s not a whole lot of options when dealing with a garment already made. But I’ll see what I can do.