V neck on a knit tunic

[annierose]

Hello all, I dropped off the forum for some time, my sewing having had to take a back seat, but I am back, with a stash to work through!
2 years ago, on holiday, I bought a lovely, substantial knit, a wool / viscose mix. I aim to make a tunic length 'T shirt'
My arthritic hands can't manage a T-shirt V-neck now, but I would love to do one with this. It is a good weight, and I was wondering about doing a V-neck facing (I'll have a few scraps to practice on). I'd appreciate any advice - including 'stick to a round neck'

[datcat23]

There is nothing wrong with a v-neck on knit fabric, and facings are certainly the way to go.  Staystitching the neckline is certainly a good option, but I use narrow strips of interfacing along the seamline to achieve the same thing (about 1cm wide).  I actually have seam stabilising tape, which is strips of interfacing, with a row of stitching up the centre of the strip.     Remember to interface the facing with knit interfacing if you have it.  I actually block fuse interfacing to a piece of fabric first, and then cut out the facing, so that it doesn't stretch out when cutting.  Also, remember to under-stitch the facing, so it doesn't roll out. 

[annierose]

Thank you!
Hoping to try that today - if I don't get as far as the neck, it ill have to wait until next week.
Especial thanks for the details, and i will let you know.

[annierose]

Despite following you detailed advice carefully datcat, I simply couldn't get the V to sit nicely on my trial piece. The knit I am using is very lovely, bought on a holiday 2 years ago. I would rather sew it with a round neck than risk spoiling it. But I will try again sometime - and thank you!

[datcat23]

@annierose ... I understand the worry when dealing with precious fabric.  Rather than a high round neck, try a scoop neckline, with a rounded v-neck. 

But better to try the facing option next time. 

[annierose]

Thanks! I used the term 'round' loosely, it will be a scoop.

[Ouryve]

Having loved a pattern by this company, previously, and wanting to support a physical sewing shop, I bought the sew house seven Tabor tee and sweater, this morning. A few methods to achieve the V included. Should be what you're after.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

I know this thread is a few days old, but I can highly recommend using wondertape on a knit fabric, it just makes any seams, especially a diagonal one, so easy to sew as it holds it all steady with no stretchiness.  You can still sew with a stretch stitch or overlock or whatever you wish.

[annierose]

Thank you - and I hope that others are finding this useful. I did use the tape, but somehow just couldn't get the stitching quite right - and on a Vneck it is so obvious!
I suspect the problem is my arthritic fingers rather than your excellent advice.

[Renegade Sewist]

I suspect the problem is my arthritic fingers rather than your excellent advice.

I completely understand and can unfortunately relate @annierose . Sometimes when I'm doing fiddly things I soak my hands in very warm water or wash a few dishes by hand. It seems to help a bit. Sometimes one of the pain rubs help. I use one called Biofreeze.

[annierose]

Thank you!

[annieeg]

This thread is very well timed for me - I'm trying to make a tunic with a very lightweight knit.  Can @Bodgeitandscarper (or anyone else) please tell me what wonder tape you would recommend using to stabilise the seams?
TIA

[Bodgeitandscarper]

This is what I've been using, I think it was the cheapest I could find at the time @annieeg
If I'm sewing jersey seams on the overlocker, I don't stabilise them, but I think it would help on a sewing machine.

[Ohsewsimple]

I used to use Collins but believe it’s been discontinued.  So I’d probably be using this
https://www.sewessential.co.uk/dritz-washaway-wonder-basting-tape?gclid=Cj0KCQjwqp-LBhDQARIsAO0a6aJoVKxLbIds0EOJhl9Vu0vuGuoiy772txLnwtGStIaOehrbvzo726IaAggDEALw_wcB

I never stabilise seams either. 

[Helen M]

I only ever stabilise the shoulder seams @annieeg  and use an iron on tape that I got in the US. One is a sewkeys (sorry if I've got spelling wrong) and the other came from Fabrique near Dallas. I don't find the other seams need stabilising on the whole.