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Scrub shirt neckline on McCall's pattern # 9123

Hi - my name is Sharon, and I've been lurking around for a while, gratefully picking up hints here and there, looking at your pictures. I can only hope to be able to sew half as well one of these days!!! I'm "retired" on disability, and have taken up sewing again after many years of not having time. I'm not a beginner, maybe intermediate, or in between. Like many, I think, I have had a habit of not pushing myself to do difficult stuff - no zippers, no buttonholes, etc. But........last Christmas, I got a Viking Rose, and love it dearly. So I figured I better start stretching my skills. And I have, somewhat.

Both DH and DD wear scrub suits to work. DH works in polysomnagraphy doing sleep studies, DD is a Vet Tech. I've made several scrub shirts, and yesterday I started a new pattern for DH that has a different style neckline. It's a V-neck, but the neckband is made separately, the V on the shirt is stay stitched and then slashed to the stitching, and then the neck band is attached. The pattern says "Pin neckband to front, RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER, matching notches. Stitch. GRADE seam allowances. Press seam allowances toward TOP." Sounds simple enough, right? Couldn't do it. Nothing I did made sense, I kept getting a big pucker at the V, on the right side. So I called my Viking dealer for help - they teach sewing, figured they'd know. They said sure, come on down!! Got down there, they had no idea. They called over an "expert" from the Joann Fabric side. She had no idea, either. No one had ever done one. That's when I decided I wasn't the only one who avoids difficult sewing ;>).

I finally got it sewed last night. Not correctly, I'm sure. The poor thing has been so worked over it's looking rather ratty. The pucker is still there. I've decided to top stitch because I'm afraid the material is really weakened, and I figure I'll sew the d*** pucker down if nothing else. But before I start another shirt, I thought I'd ask you guys for some advice. I hope my description is adequate.

TIA, Sharon

Reply to
Sharon & Jack
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I've tried several different patterns for this shirt and none of the instructions are very good. What I did was get one that you bought at the store and have it right beside you. I threw the directions away. You have to pin and use your iron.

What I do is lay the v part right sides together on the shirt, pin. Sew in place. Then iron the seam so it will be inside the v neck part. Fold the remaining seam under 1/4 inch or what ever works and iron. Pin in place and top stitch. This is the only way I've found I can do it. Now when your doing the ironing make sure there is no pucker. If you can get it to iron and lay flat then you've got it. Also if you are unsure then use a basting stitch first. Then if you have to rip it out it's not so bad. Basically what I'm saying is think of the v part are double folded binding. So one side on and then top stitch the other.

One pattern I actually went as far as to cut my own v part. There's would just not lay flat at all no matter what I did. It take some practice but when you get it you will be able to whip those shirts off in a couple of hours no problem. Take Care Joanna Remove "quilt" to reply

Reply to
Joanna

Hi Sharon,

From what I understand, you start at the point of the v and sew up toward the shoulder. The same with the other side. you don't sew to the v. Ease in toward the shoulder.

Arlene

Reply to
arlene

One of the tricks for a smooth even neckline is to sew in the same direction, don't start at a shoulder and sew to the V and then pivot and sew back up to the shoulder. Sew from the shoulder to the V, then start at the other shoulder and sew to the V.....or point of V to should, etc. I think know the kind of neckline you are talking about and it's a B*&ch. I found that sewing the neckband, turn under the seam allowances and pressing, then I used basting tape (make sure it's water soluble), put it on both turned under seam allowances, slip it onto the shirt, ( I didn't sew the side seams so the shirt lays open flat) finger press to make contact and then top stitch it, then sew up the side seams.

Hope this helps, Val

Reply to
Valkyrie

Reply to
Elaine Carpman

Reply to
Jeanette

SewNews magazine, June 2003 has an excellent article on V-necks with great illustrations & pictures. You should be able to read it at

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. Emily.

Reply to
Emily

I want to thank everyone for their help. It's much appreciated, and nice to know there is such a knowledgeable resource available. Sharon

Reply to
Sharon & Jack

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