I just read an article on how to change a scoop neck to a v-neck (on a woven fabric) – it doesn’t sound too difficult but I’m wondering if others can share their methods for doing this or share links to videos that show how to do it? I would like to change 2 scoop necked dresses to a v-neck. One has a lining the other does not.
I do not have any ‘extra’ fabric from these dresses and would prefer to avoid buying anything that doesn’t match (have looked and can’t find anything that matches).
Thanks!
Edited 10/12/2008 10:12 am ET by cloetzu
Replies
If the tops have a deep scoop you may not be able to make a V out of it without it being too wide. Keep in mind that the point of the V will be deeper than the scoop which might make it too revealing.
My solution to deep scoops that are too revealing (also works for revealing Vs) is to fabricate a "modesty" which can either be sewn into the top or (my favourite), can be pinned to my bra straps to fill in the scooped out space.
If the scoop is a shallower one it is possible to cut a V (keeping in mind that you will need a seam allowance - 1cm will do it - and then use the new opening to draw and cut a facing. When cutting a V, a shallow curve from the shoulder to the point is much more attractive than straight lines.
Thanks. It's a shallow scoop so shouldn't be a problem. How do you sew the point of the V so that it doesn't keep ripping open? I mean if you cut to the point of the V when you turn it over to sew to a facing or other at the point you have NO fabric so will it not just keep fraying or look unfinished?
You will sew your facing on the RIGHT side of your neckline, clip it at the bottom of the V almost to the stitching line so the V doesn't pucker, trim the seam a bit if it's too bulky, & turn the facing to the inside of the neckline. Press it. Finish the facing so it doesn't ravel. You should have no unfinished fabric on the right side of your neckline.
You could wear a scarf under the scoop neckline in a V shape (crossed over at the bottom), if you don't want to cut it the neckline, or, as Cathy suggested, fill it in with lace or a modesty panel (like a dickey to sit right across the cleavage).
Gloria
Gloriasews has the right idea. To apply the facing, place right sides together and then sew the new V. Sometimes it works better if you take a horizontal stitch or two at the bottom of the V before beginning up the other side - depends on the fabric.
I'm a great fan of V-necks as I'm quite well endowed and I find this to be the most flattering neckline. But sometimes a neckline is just that wee bit too deep, and my daughter is trying discreetly to signal to me, across a room or a table, that I'm showing too much cleavage! The idea of a little piece of lace or something pinned to the bra straps is appealing as sometimes wearing a strap top under something adds extra unwanted bulk, or stops a top feeling as fine or slinky as I want it.
My thoughts exactly - at my age I don't want cleavage or extra layers and it seems these days even t-shirts are cut to the navel!
If you look around for some nice lace pieces, and sew them to organza for some body, then put a button hole and a button on a string, you do not even have to use pins. You just loop the button on the string around the strap and button it up. It is prettier if you have a bit of show as well, rather than a pin, and can be worn under sheerer or lighter fabrics. Cathy
That is such a lovely idea! Thank you. I had thought of pins showing or making a bump, but tiny pretty buttons would eliminate that worry. You know, I have a few strappy tops I might wear under certain jumpers for that purpose, but often they slide down and so don't do their job, and I've had to pin them with safety pins to my bra straps. Your idea with lace and buttons is a little star!
You may find a rectangle or square of fabric that is scooped down on the lower edge will stay better in place than a triangle of fabric as well. The triangle shape tends to fall between on a bosom and gape, while the wider fabric square or rectangle stays put. More coverage for a variety of tops as well. Cathy
I have also found that a more "tailored" modesty looks nicer, curved at the top to look as though it is a cami. The button idea is a good one, thanks for the hint.
I haven't heard them called that in years, tee hee, but it is a perfect description as well isn't it? Calls to mind the fichu that was worn in the eighteenth century to cover up the revealing necklines to in fashion at that time. Cathy
I personally have not tried to do this to a garment. A binding or bias trim in a similar colour on the inside of the garment should not show, so the actual colour would not matter as much. This would also make the perfect opportunity for some creative work. Lace or trim of some sort on the neckline to finish perhaps? Cathy
I take very small stitches at the V so that when I clip into the V, I do not have to worry about the slit going any further. I also grade the seam allowances so there will not be an excess of fabric to hinder the V point from laying flat.
thanks everyone! I will give it a try!!!
I knew this question rang a bell - the current issue of Threads (October/November 2008, #139) has an article about it: GUSSETS IN FACINGS by Kenneth D. King. He mentions using an extra piece at the point of a v-neck facing to help avoid the "no fabric left" problem.
Hope that helps ~
Kharmin
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