Sewing clothes can be really fun! In this blog, you’ll learn an easy way to finish the back seam on necklines.
This step-by-step tutorial shows how to neatly sew and finish the back neckline seam on shirts, dresses, and other clothing items.
- Sewing a crisp, professional-looking neckline finish
- A simple technique using binding strips
- No complicated sewing machine skills are needed
- Results in a tidy neckline from the front and back
Want to give your handmade clothes a polished look? Read on!
What You’ll Need
To follow along, you’ll need:
- Sewing machine
- Thread matching your fabric color
- Scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- 1-2 yards of bias binding tape or strips
That’s it! With just a few basic supplies, you can achieve great neckline finishes.
Getting Started
First, let’s prepare the neckline area:
- Sew the front neckline according to your pattern instructions
- Leave the back neckline unsewn, with an opening down the center back
- Press or iron the neckline seam allowances on each side
Having this opening makes it easier to attach the binding neatly.
Binding the Back Neckline
Table: Neckline Binding Steps
Step 1: Pin binding strip to the neckline, right sides together. Step 2: Sew binding to the neckline using 1/4″ seam allowance. Step 3: Flip the binding over the raw edge and press. Step 4: Hand-sew or machine-stitch binding’s open edge down
To bind, simply:
- Lay the binding strip right-side-down along the neckline
- Pin or clip in place
- Sew it on with a 1/4″ seam
- Flip the binding over the raw edge and press flat
- Finally, sew or hand-stitch the binding’s open edge down
Go slowly and adjust as needed to get a smooth, crisp finish.
Pro Tips
- Use a contrasting binding color for a pop of color
- Trim away excess binding at corners for a clean look
- Gently stretch binding slightly as you sew for curved necklines
With a bit of practice, you’ll get beautifully finished necklines every time!
FAQs
How do I sew a neat neckline back seam finish?
Follow this easy tutorial to bind the back neckline seam with bias tape. It results in a crisp, professional finish on handmade garments.
What supplies are needed for neckline binding?
You just need a sewing machine, matching thread, scissors, an iron, and 1-2 yards of bias binding tape or strips.
Can I use contrasting binding for a pop of color?
Yes, absolutely! Using a contrasting binding color along the neckline can add a fun design accent.
Is this neckline binding method difficult?
No, it’s an easy technique that is suitable for beginner sewists, too.
Do I need special sewing machine skills?
Not at all; this method uses basic straight stitching skills.
How do I get smooth curves on the neckline?
Gently stretch the binding slightly as you sew around curves.
Can this work for all neckline shapes?
Yes, this binding method works well on crew, V-neck, and other neckline styles.
Conclusion
There you have it – an easy way to give necklines on handmade garments a professional look. By using simple binding strips:
- You avoid unsightly raw edges peeking out
- The neckline lays flat and smooth from both sides
- You get a crisp yet soft finish around the curves
Why not try this neckline finishing technique on your next sewing project? What clothing item would you like to make?
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