How to use clear elastic to stop gaping neckline

[bridesmom]

Ok, now that you are done, here's what I do. I have done this on a number of rtw tshirts that stretch out in the neck or ones I sew and screw up and get a gaping neckline. I open up the back seam of the neck ribbing (or whatever is there) on the inside of the shirt. I then put a safety pin through one end of the clear elastic and feed it through the neck piece (like you would with a drawstring). Then I make sure that I have enough in to hold the neck in place and not have it too gathered, (or have it how I want it) and with both ends of the clear elastic on the outside, crossing over each other, I resew the neck band seam stitching in the ditch across the seam, then a few hand stitches closes the seam if need be and it's done. It works great on a thin neck band or ribbing, that is about the same width or a bit wider than the clear elastic.

If you sew the elastic on the outside, it helps to have a teflon foot to help it glide over the elastic, and I also have laid tissue paper over it to also help the foot go, but it makes it hard to see the elastic so it's a slow process as you have to keep checking. I really like the teflon foot.

And one last edit, I never serge fleece, cause I always end up with a mess. And the edges really don't need the serger finish, cause they don't run or fray. But that's just me.

[temom]

Well here it is with the rest of the ensemble. I'm not at all happy with the neckline, but she absolutely loves it, so I will to.
The shirt itself is bunched up because of what she had been doing. It does lay flat. The neckline - no way does it lay flat!

[bridesmom]

She does look thrilled, and that's what counts mom!

[MartySews2]

Theresa, that's cute. Love it & your daughter is happy so that's is what only counts.
Marty

[DorothyL]

There is no thread on the bobbin!

Well, that was a spew coffee all over the computer moment.

She look warm and happy. I just love that smile.

Dorothy

[sewingmom]

She looks great in that wonderful outfit. Great for sleepovers and lounging around the house.

[lendube]

What a happy face!! She'll be warm and cozy for a long time to come.

[bridesmom]

And just for you Theresa for admitting to the first stupid mistake of the New Year! I missed that earlier, glad Dorothy brought it up again though I'm betting you're wishing she hadn't

[DorothyL]

My computer is still sticky

Dorothy.

[temom]

Ok, now that you are done, here's what I do. I have done this on a number of rtw tshirts that stretch out in the neck or ones I sew and screw up and get a gaping neckline. I open up the back seam of the neck ribbing (or whatever is there) on the inside of the shirt. I then put a safety pin through one end of the clear elastic and feed it through the neck piece (like you would with a drawstring). Then I make sure that I have enough in to hold the neck in place and not have it too gathered, (or have it how I want it) and with both ends of the clear elastic on the outside, crossing over each other, I resew the neck band seam stitching in the ditch across the seam, then a few hand stitches closes the seam if need be and it's done. It works great on a thin neck band or ribbing, that is about the same width or a bit wider than the clear elastic.

If you sew the elastic on the outside, it helps to have a teflon foot to help it glide over the elastic, and I also have laid tissue paper over it to also help the foot go, but it makes it hard to see the elastic so it's a slow process as you have to keep checking. I really like the teflon foot.

And one last edit, I never serge fleece, cause I always end up with a mess. And the edges really don't need the serger finish, cause they don't run or fray. But that's just me.

Laura, that is a great technique. I will try that with my next one.
And I am more than happy to admit to the first screw up of the year, and I have a mental image of Dorothy spewing her coffee on the computer screen. And now she has a visual reminder of me, every time she looks at her sticky screen.