Creating a turtleneck sewing pattern is a straightforward process. Turtlenecks are cozy and versatile garments that you can wear on their own or layer under other clothing. Here's a basic guide on how to create a turtleneck sewing pattern:
Materials Needed:
- Stretchy knit fabric (such as jersey or rib knit)
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine with a stretch or zigzag stitch
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape
- Turtleneck garment for reference (optional)
Instructions:
1. Take Measurements:
Measure the following to create a pattern that fits you well:
- Neck circumference: Measure around your neck where you want the turtleneck to sit.
- Bust or chest circumference: Measure around the fullest part of your bust or chest.
- Shoulder width: Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other.
- Sleeve length: Measure from your shoulder down to where you want the sleeves to end.
- Torso length: Measure from the base of your neck down to your desired turtleneck length (usually hip or waist length).
2. Create the Turtleneck Pattern:
You'll be creating a simple pattern consisting of a front and back piece and sleeves.
- Front and Back Pieces:
- Fold your fabric in half lengthwise, with the right sides together.
- On the folded edge, measure and mark half of your bust or chest circumference plus seam allowance. This will be the width of your front and back pieces.
- Measure down from the folded edge and mark your desired turtleneck length plus seam allowance.
- Using these measurements, draw a rectangle on your fabric, with the folded edge as the top edge and the marked bust/chest width as the width of the rectangle.
- For the width of the rectangle, you can add a couple of inches for ease, depending on how loose or snug you want the turtleneck to be. Keep in mind that stretchy knit fabrics will be more forgiving.
- Cut out the rectangle, and when you unfold it, you'll have a front and back piece for your turtleneck.
- Sleeves:
- Measure and mark your desired sleeve length plus seam allowance on your fabric.
- Measure the circumference of your upper arm and mark it on the fabric, adding a bit of ease for comfort.
- Draw a rectangle with the marked measurements for sleeve length as the length and the upper arm circumference as the width.
- Cut out the rectangle to create the sleeves.
3. Sew the Turtleneck:
- With right sides together, sew the shoulder seams of the front and back pieces using a stretch or zigzag stitch.
- Fold the front and back pieces in half, aligning the side edges, and sew the side seams from the underarm to the bottom hem using a stretch or zigzag stitch.
- Hem the bottom of the turtleneck by folding the fabric up and sewing it in place using a stretch or zigzag stitch.
4. Sew the Sleeves:
- With right sides together, sew the sleeves into tubes by stitching along the long edges.
- Gather the top of the sleeves slightly (if necessary) to fit into the armholes of the turtleneck.
- With right sides together, pin the sleeves to the armholes and sew them in place using a stretch or zigzag stitch.
5. Create the Turtleneck Collar:
- Measure and mark your neck circumference plus seam allowance on a piece of fabric. The width should be about 2-3 inches.
- Fold the fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the short edge to create a loop.
- Fold the loop in half, wrong sides together, and attach it to the neckline of the turtleneck, stretching it slightly to fit. Sew it in place using a stretch or zigzag stitch.
6. Finish the Turtleneck:
- Trim any loose threads and press your turtleneck with an iron to give it a clean, polished look.
Now your turtleneck is complete, and you can customize it with different fabric choices, sleeve lengths, or other details to suit your style and preferences.
