facing alternative

What about purchasing a compatible shade of lining material (such as the lovely stuff you line coats with) and using that instead of the jumper fabric? An alternative rather than using it for facing is to make a full-bodice lining with it, which may be an easier way to go and would give it a nice finished look.

facings. However, the neck facing out of the boiled wool is way too heavy and plain bias tape is too light for the armholes. What would you all suggest as alternatives for this material?

Just because the pattern calls for a facing doesn't mean you must put one on. A grosgrain ribbon might work in both places, especially for a child's garment.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Dear Group, A question: I am making a very simple jumper for my 10 yr old daughter. It is made out of a very heavy boiled wool(a lovely shade of plum.) My question is this-it requires a simple facing and bias tape for the arm hole facings. However, the neck facing out of the boiled wool is way too heavy and plain bias tape is too light for the armholes. What would you all suggest as alternatives for this material? Sue

How about edging with bias strip made out of velvet? Velvet makes good bias if the pile is short enough, and it's a lot less scratchy than wool, too. If that would be too formal, I'd go with the knit strip Jenn suggested. I'm not a big fan of facings either, and usually edge with bias these days, either contrast or matching.

:) Trish

Use a firm cotton as facing, fused to a good interfacing. Light, flat, and will stay put. As an alternative, think about lining the whole top.

Thanks for all the suggestions! I lined the whole jumper(which my daughter appreciated cos'"wool itches") and it turned out beautifully! It will be passed down for generations to come Sue