How to Finish a Neckline Without Bias Tape in 3 Quick & Easy Steps

5 Materials
15 Minutes
Easy

Have you ever wondered if bias tape is always necessary to finish a neckline? This tutorial will show you how to finish a neckline without bias tape. It is easier to do with a serger, but since not everyone has a serger, this tutorial will show you how to do it on a regular sewing machine.

Tools and materials:

  • Metal pins
  • Thread
  • Ruler
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
How to hem a neckline without bias tape

1. Pin the neckline hem

Put two pins in the neckline to mark the center-front and center-back of your neckline.


Then, at one shoulder seam on the neckline, fold the neckline hem over 1/8 of an inch to the inside and then fold it again 1/8 of an inch. Pin the folded neckline hem in place at the shoulder seam.


Repeat the double-fold and pin at the other shoulder seam and at the center-front and center-back. Pinning those four control points will ensure that your neckline will not twist.


Tip: when you are pinning, place the pins perpendicular to the fold to make it easier to remove them when you are sewing.

How do you finish a neckline?

Now, complete folding and pinning the entire neckline by adding pins between the first four control points.

How to make a neckline lay flat

Iron the pinned neckline flat. Note that you should use metal pins, not plastic, if you are going to iron over them, because the iron will melt plastic pins.

Is bias tape necessary?

2. Sew the neckline hem

Starting at one shoulder seam, stitch the whole neckline close to the edge, removing the pins as you go.

Pressing the neckline with an iron

3. Press

Iron the neckline one more time.

Finish a neckline without bias tape

How to finish neckline without bias tape tutorial

That was easy, wasn’t it? Now you have a nice, clean, finished neckline that doesn’t sag, and you didn’t have to use any bias tape. Leave a comment to let me know what you think of this simple way to hem a neckline without bias tape.

Suggested materials:
  • Metal pins
  • Thread
  • Ruler
See all materials

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Comments
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2 of 6 comments
  • Kdd893664 Kdd893664 on Sep 14, 2021

    It should be noted that this method will not work well on fabric with a tight weave. It does work quite well on fabrics with a loose weave. A very nice job on the video presenting the technique. As for pinning, I generally pin perpendicular to the seam but with thick fabrics (such as fleece) I generally pin diagonally.

  • Doj12481082 Doj12481082 on Sep 15, 2021

    thanks.great,clear, instructions, .definitely will be doing this as i have been changing the necklines on my turtle neck tees.

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