In today’s post: Learn everything you need to know to finish your t-shirts and other knit garments with a professional looking neckline.
Nearly all of the patterns I share on the blog are designed to be sewn with knit (stretchy) fabric. That’s mostly because I really like to wear comfy knit fabrics (t-shirts for life!), but it’s also because sewing with knits is easy. There’s rarely any darts, zippers, finicky fit issues, etc. Easy to wear, easy to sew. Find all of my free patterns here.
But there is one part of sewing up a t-shirt or other knit garment that can be tricky: finishing, or binding, the neckline. To make sure you won’t be intimidating by this step in each of my patterns, I’m sharing two videos that walk you through each step of the process.
How to sew a t-shirt neckline
These two videos will show you exactly what you need to do in order to end up with a professional looking neckline on a t-shirt or other knit top or dress. The videos are each 8-9 minutes long because I wanted to be very thorough and make sure to show and explain each step. If you do not see the videos here, you are likely using an ad-blocker. If you disable it or whitelist this site, you’ll be able to view the videos.
Part 1: Determine the size of the neckbinding piece
A few notes:
- This video shows you how to determine the length of your neckbinding. Cut the height as follows: 1.75 inches tall for an adult’s shirt and 1.5 inches tall for a child’s shirt
- Each of my patterns will give you a neckbinding measurement. This is an approximate measurement for cutting out your pattern piece only and IS NOT the final length of the neckbinding. You will determine the final length using one of the two methods I showed in this video.
Part 2: Attaching the binding to the neckline
Remember, you can find all of my patterns by clicking here.
Find my Classic T-shirt pattern here
Meg says
Would you use this same method in order to do a v-neck or is that a totally different quest?
autumn says
HI Meg! A v-neck is fairly different. You can see my tutorial for a v-neck here: https://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/how-to-make-a-v-neck-t-shirt-sewing-pattern-and-tutorial.html
Le says
Thank you so much for your tutorial!
I’ve started using this technique for necklines and my shirts look awesome and very professional!
Cassie @ Looks Good to Us says
Thanks for the math you included to figure out the size of the knit neckline! It was so simple and really helpful for someone like me who is just starting out! I used your tutorial recently while making my first ever dress 🙂
Valentine says
Thank you for your tutorials! Would you mind sharing what your duals are set at on your serger? I’m the worst when sewing with knits 😓
Mary says
I went to the BIG fabric store and was so disappointed in the selection of knits appropriate for casual T shirt tops. I was ready to use your sleeveless pattern and I had to put it away. I wanted a floral with stretch for spring. Thank you for all your videos and patterns. I appreciate them.