Max Tee Sew Along | Sew the Neckbands and Neck Facings

Now that we’ve sewn our bodices, we’re ready to finish the necklines. In this post, we’ll demonstrate how to sew all three neckline options: the rib neckband, the mock neckband, and the neck facings.

SEW THE RIB NECKBAND OR MOCK NECKBAND

With the right sides together, sew your preferred neckband, either the rib neckband or mock neckband at the short end. Press the seam open. Fold the neckband in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together and press.

ADD QUARTER MARKS TO THE BODICE NECKLINE

You will find the center front and center back marked on your bodice. To help attach the rib neckband or mock neckband, you’ll need to add quarter notches to your neckline. Start by matching the center front and center back and find the midpoint between them. Mark this mid-quarter point with a pin, then repeat for the other side.

SEW THE RIB NECKBAND OR MOCK NECKBAND TO THE BODICE

Line up the neckband seam with the center back double notches. Continue to pin the rest of the neckband around the neckline, matching the notches, while evenly stretching the neckband slightly. Do not stretch the garment. Stitch with a stretch stitch or overlock. Finish and press the seams towards the bodice.

OPTIONAL NECKBAND TOPSTITCHING

Topstitch the neckline at 1/4” (0.6 cm) or 1/8” (0.3 cm) based on your preference to hold the seam allowance in place.

SEW THE NECK FACING

With the right sides together, sew the neck facing to the neckline, matching the notches and shoulder seams. Trim your seam allowance to half. If your fabric is thick, grade your seams by trimming the facing seam allowance to 1/8” (0.3 cm) and the neckline seam allowance to 1/4” (0.6 cm). Clip the curves. Press the seams towards the facings.

UNDERSTITCH THE NECK FACING

Understitch the neck facing by stitching a line 1/16” (0.15 cm) away from the seam. Make sure to catch the seam allowance towards the facing when stitching.

EDGESTITCH THE NECK FACING IN PLACE

Press the neck facing towards the inside of the bodice and pin in place. Lengthen your stitch length a bit. Start at the shoulder seam and sew from the wrong side during this step. Edgestitch the hem facing in place at 1/16” (0.15 cm). When stitching from the wrong side, make sure your bobbin thread matches the right side of your garment.