How to Change a Neckline

In my yesterday's blog, I showed two dresses made from one pattern.  The first was a blue Liberty print made almost exactly as the one on the left.  The second was a raspberry linen, made with a round neckline and patch pockets.

Changing the neckline is easy.  

• Trace around a favourite neckline (I used a t-shirt), or draw your own freehand.
• Cut out your new neckline pattern on paper.
• Place the new neckline pattern over the original pattern, matching up the shoulder seams.
• Make the neckline facing using the new pattern for the shoulders and neckline and adding 2 1/2 inches (6 cm).
• Cut out the facing and line with iron on interfacing.
• Make sure you can get the dress over your head.  In this case, I left an opening at the centre back.

The new neckline and shoulder seam.

Measuring the facing.

Marking the facing.

Cutting the facing.

The finished front neckline

Inside view of facing

The inside back 

The inside back, showing armhole facing made from bias binding.

Back neckline with crocheted loop and button

Close up of pockets

Finished dress