The Tight Turtleneck
Hello Readers. I am going to refashion all green pieces in March because it is going to be St. Patrick's Day this month. I am Irish so I am into it. I thought it would be a fun sewing challenge for myself. This turtleneck sweater is a great start.
Before and after.
This turtleneck was so small it was difficult to pull over my head. It was so tight it wiped all my make-up off. I don't like turtlenecks that much anyway. I knew this one would have to go.
I cut the turtle neck off. I left about 1/4 of an inch of fabric. This is important. I need the extra so I could sew it down later. This sweater is a tight weave that won't fray. I was able to cut and sew this whole project with out any fraying anywhere.
I found a small hole in the sleeve and I thought short sleeves would be great for spring so...
When I cut the sleeves into a short sleeve length, I made sure the hole was cut off when I cut the sleeves.
I also cut the wrist bands off and saved them for later. I will use them to finish the sleeves.
I got some matching thread and stitched the neck band down. I tucked that 1/4 of an inch of extra fabric under and into the sweater. I stitched on the outside of the neckline and from the outside it looks like a round shaped neckline was always there.
I used the wristbands at the ends of my new short sleeves. I put the right sides together and used a zigzag stitch to stitch the edges together. The sewing will be hidden inside. The zigzag stitch means the sleeves would have some give and stretch. That will make them more comfortable to wear. The cuff was smaller than the sleev so I stretched it gently as I sewed to make the sleeve and the cuff the same size. It connected smoothly and evenly.
My new short sleeved NON-turtleneck sweater was ready to go. It could be worn anytime but it also works for St. Patrick's Day. Thanks for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself.
Chickie
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Tightly knit sweater (Thrifted)
- Matching Thread (Sewing Supply Store)
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I guess if you needed more length for the sleeve bindings the cuffs are wide enough that you could cut them in half and sew them end to end for longer but narrower pieces to edge the sleeves.
Very inspirational. I’m going to follow your lead and make some of my turtlenecks at least into mock necks if not crew necks. Sadly, the older I get, the shorter my formerly “swan-like neck” seems to get!!!
That is so true! 😆
Chickie