Replies

1. 
   Teaf5 | Sep 20, 2008 12:17am | #1

   I've used a same-fabric bias binding on sheer v necks.  Cut the strip about 1.5 inches wide and a few inches longer than the neck opening.  Press in half lengthwise for a double binding with a clean lengthwise fold.  Starting in the center of the v, stitch  the binding to the right side of the fabric in a 3/8 seam with all the raw edges lined up .  Stitch the other side, starting from the v also (you can leave a little excess fold at the point of the v).  Press the binding up.

   At this point, you can choose to use the binding as a facing, in which case you press the whole binding to the back before topstitching, or you can leave a 3/8" bound edge by pressing the binding over the seam allowances before topstitching in the ditch (always start from the center of the v).  Before stitching, fold and press the center point of the v; it can be overlapping rather than stitched closed or it can be finished by hand.

   This is one project that would benefit from a practice on a scrap of fabric about 8" square with the neckline cut from the same pattern as the top.  Different angles of Vs can have different issues at the center v point, and you can make sure that you like your choice of "lined" vs "bound edge showing" options.

1. 
   Nat1964 | Sep 20, 2008 08:31am | #2

   Thanks for your advice, I will try it out on some scrap fabric first as you suggested, however it sounds like the best solution to my problem.

1. 
   MaryinColorado | Sep 22, 2008 05:05pm | #3

   You can use a facing on the front only and use bias binding strips on the back of the neck from the shoulder seam to shoulder seam too.  That works for my tunics with slit front necks. 

2. 
   Ocrafty1 | Sep 28, 2008 12:03am | #4

   How strange!  I was just looking at a couple OLD issues of Threads....Issue #51 pp.50-53(Feb/Mar 1994) has a fantastic article about doing binding with bias.  I don't know if you can order that back issue, but if not, email Threads and see if they can send you a photocopy of the article.  I've asked them before and got one within days of the request.

   Deb

1. 
   Nat1964 | Sep 28, 2008 02:33pm | #5

   Dear Deb

   Thanks for your information, I too have asked for a photocopy of previous articles in out of print issues and threads has been only to happy to help.  I will follow up that article with them.

   Thanks again

   Natalie