Tools and materials:
- 1 Meter of medium weight, stretch fabric
- Dress/top
- Pattern paper (optional)
- Rotary cutter
- Pins
- Sewing machine
DIY Turtleneck Top
6 Materials
$10
2 Hours
Easy
In this tutorial, I will show you how to make a turtleneck top that is perfect for winter! I myself have actually made a few of these tops as they are so easy to make and you can choose what type of turtleneck you want. Get started and create this DIY turtleneck top!
Turtleneck top
DIY turtleneck top
Use or make a template
There are two ways to go about preparing the fabric. Either you can place a top or dress, as a template, directly on the fabric and cut around it or you can trace around the top or dress onto paper and make a paper template.
Pin the side and shoulder seams
Pin the pieces
After cutting out the fabric, pin the shoulder and side seams.
Pin the sleeves
Cut out the sleeves and then pin the side seams.
Easy turtleneck top
Sew the seams
Use a zig-zag stitch to sew all of the seams.
Attach the sleeves
Attach the sleeves
To attach the sleeves, turn the top inside out and have the sleeves right side out. Put the sleeve through the armhole and pin it on, matching the seams. Then go ahead and sew around the armhole to attach the sleeve.
Draw a trapezium
Turtleneck 1
Moving on to the turtleneck! Take the measurement for the neckline and then using it draw a trapezium shape on a folded piece of fabric. Don’t forget to add seam allowance. Then cut the fabric so you have two pieces that are exactly the same.
How to sew a turtleneck
Start by hemming the top of the turtleneck by folding over the fabric once and sewing. Then, go ahead and sew along the sides of the trapeziums using a zig-zag stitch.
Pin on the turtleneck
Next, you want to make sure that the right side of the turtleneck is facing the wrong side of the top. Go ahead and pin on the turtleneck and then sew around to attach the turtleneck.
Cut out a rectangle
Turtleneck 2
To achieve a different turtleneck style, you will first need to raise the neckline of the bodice. Then cut a straight rectangle as your collar pieces with a width of 2 inches and a 0.5-inch seam allowance.
Turtleneck women’s top
Lay down the top and this time, fold the rectangle in half. Then pin the raw edges of the rectangle to the raw edge of the neckline so that they are right sides together. Go ahead and sew on the turtleneck using a zig-zag stitch.
How to sew a turtleneck top
Make flared sleeves
The sleeves on my grey turtleneck were a little different! First, trace the sleeve template. Then decide how long you want the sleeve to be and draw a flare. The bigger you draw it, the more flare your sleeve will have.
Cut a wider triangle
Turtleneck 3
The third turtleneck style is like a hybrid of the first two. This time, cut a much wider rectangle and sew the ends together. Then attach it to the top and hem it.
Simple turtleneck top
This top is so easy to make and I love that there are so many ways to tweak the turtleneck. Which of the three turtleneck styles do you like best? Share your answers in the comments!
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Join the conversation
I have been planning to do this soon, so your tutorial gave me some great ideas for customizing. I have a suggestion. When sewing knits, it is common to sew the sleeves on before sewing the sides of the body. Then you sew one seam from the bottom of the body to the end of the sleeve. Also did you mention that the turtle neck should be a little smaller than the neck hole?
Who doesn't LOVE a perfect turtle neck!? This is great!!!