Back To Basics Sewing: The Black Turtleneck

This Back To Basics Sewing: The Black Turtleneck is the latest in my “occasional” series of sewing those items that can be so necessary to mix and match with other garments in your wardrobe.

*The following post contains affiliate links.

For this one, I used one of my favorite patterns: the Wardrobe By Me Trudy turtleneck. I really like how this one fits. There are options for a traditional turtleneck collar, a low collar (think mock turtleneck), with sleeves and sleeveless. By the way, if you’ve never had a sleeveless turtleneck, they are a great layering piece to have, especially under long sleeve jumpers or dresses, sweaters, etc.

The Why Behind This Choice

This is an item that I have wanted to have for years. I never got around to buying one. Living here in the eastern part of the United States, the winters are often cold, so turtlenecks are very comfortable for me. I know some people don’t like things on their necks because they feel constricted (my mother was like that). So I get it. Personally, I love them! And I want more in different colors.

woman wearing black turtleneck, jeans and boots

The Turtleneck

I made the traditional shirt with the high collar that we always think of with a turtleneck. The fabric is a black cotton interlock (bought at JoAnn Fabrics). Interlock is great for something like this because it’s so comfortable. It’s breathable and easy to sew.

woman wearing black turtleneck and jeans back view

With only four pieces (back, front, sleeves, collar), this is also a good beginner project for someone new to sewing with knit fabrics. It really is hard to mess this up. Once you get your sizing right, it’s quick to put together.

I did use a twin needle for the hemming. Duckbill scissors are also great to trim away some excess fabric once the hems are done. Here’s a link to the video I made about using a twin needle.

If you have a serger, this can be even faster to make. But I wanted to show you some of the items I was able to put together with this one basic item.

woman wearing black turtleneck and black skirt

Above is the black turtleneck I paired with a black knit skirt. The skirt is made from the Angela Wolf patterns Kate skirt in knit.

woman wearing turtleneck with black and white jeans

Next I’m showing the top with a pair of black and white jeans I made a while back.

woman wearing black turtleneck with jeans

Last, this is probably my favorite way to wear this. A black turtleneck with jeans can be a quick, easy and stylish option. I hope you can see why I call this back to basics sewing: the black turtleneck!

Here is my YouTube video on making this terrific top.

Don’t forget to Like and Subscribe to my YouTube channel!

Happy New Year!

First of all, let me wish you all a Happy New Year! Here’s to a new year of sewing adventures and sharing those with you.

I have some goals that I thought of, particularly for my YouTube channel, but they apply here as well. There will be more intention about having some posts that correspond to my videos. I know some people like to read, especially if it’s a tutorial with instructions.

Goal #1

I want to create more thoughtful projects. By that I mean, I want to consider what I need in my wardrobe. This can involve garment style, color choice, pattern choice, etc.

Goal #2

I want to take my time (or more time, if necessary) per item. This will allow me to actually enjoy the sewing process more.

Gone are the times when I actually did attempt to make a garment a week (or close to it). I don’t have to do that so there’s no reason I can’t relax and enjoy what I’m doing. Since I almost exclusively sew for myself and I’m at home full-time, I can spend as much as I like on making whatever I want.

Goal #3

I’d like to share more of my process with you. That includes how I decide to make what I’m making and why I chose the fabric/pattern combo that I did.

As far as how this translates to the blog, I can show you more photos that will perhaps help with techniques so that the reader can understand what I’m talking about.

Goal #4

There will be more styling of the finished garment (at least that’s the goal). I admire those that do this on a regular basis. Whether it’s looking to websites for inspiration (I get inspiration from Talbots occasionally).

Or sometimes it’s looking back on my own posts and liking the way something looked.

Goal #5

As I have mentioned previously, there will be an occasional series that I’m calling “Back to Basics”. That will feature sewing those basics that I need/want in my own wardrobe that you may need as well. The point is to inspire you or get you thinking about making those patterns that you may already have. You might want to try a new garment type or style. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to try a new technique as well.

So those are the goals for 2024. I hope you will enjoy reading the blog and maybe I can help you in some way through my content.

Happy New Year!

Holiday Gift Guide For Sewists

Here’s a holiday gift guide for sewists with some links. I wanted to share something like this for a while, but I always run out of time-😂. These are some sewing helps for others to gift to you or for you to gift yourself, any time of year!

*The following includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission if you shop through these links (at no additional cost to you). Thank you for your support.

1. Walking foot

You may have heard me mention this before, on my YouTube channel or here. This is so helpful.

Be sure to check you machine to make sure you purchase the right one. Bernina feet are exclusively for Bernina machines.

Brother walking foot Bernina walking foot

2. Fingerthing pusher

Sometimes you need an extra hand, or some help. This is it.

Fingerthing pusher

3. Foldable cutting board

Although I don’t use mine as often as I used to, this definitely comes in handy!

Foldable cutting board

4. Cutting table

This is the closest thing I see to one the one I use (I’ve had mine over 20 years). But a foldable table is a fantastic investment because you will get so much use out of it!

Foldable cutting table

5. Darning egg

There are times you may need to fix something, and this is a great tool.

Darning egg

6. Sewing clips

I’ve received these as a gift, and they are so very helpful.

Metal hemming clips

7. Plastic clips

These are great for sewing with faux leather or any fabric that you don’t want to put holes in.

Sewing clips

8. Heat erasable pens

I have them and use them often. And they do erase with heat and I haven’t had any marks return.

Heat erasable pens

9. Flexible ruler

These are great for measuring the crotch curve for pants.

Flexible curve ruler

10. Pattern drafting kit

This has a lot of the tools needed for pattern drafting and alterations.

Pattern drafting kit

So that’s my holiday gift guide for sewists. I think that many of these items will make your sewing life easier. If you have other suggestions, please leave a comment and let me know.