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.

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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.

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Knit Dress With McCall’s 7561

This is my latest make. I was gifted this fabric by Minerva Fabrics. It’s a loop back French terry stretch knit. It is perfect for sewing this knit dress with McCall’s 7561 pattern. Although this is a beginner sewing pattern, it did present come challenges.

The Pattern

The pattern is from 2017 and is described as a close-fitting, pullover dress with back, sleeve, neckline and length variations. It’s a nice, basic pattern that has a lot of potential. But I did have several issues with it. First and foremost, there are no measurements on the pattern pieces or on the pattern envelope. Even a beginner will need to know what size the finished garment is supposed to be.

The Changes

With that in mind, I chose to go with the large, but do alterations. I found the bodice length to be incredibly short (by 3″-4″). Because of the short bodice, I added 4″ (although I could have gone with 3″).

Since I was making View A/B, I made the length of the dress 5″ longer. To me, that was perfect!

Although I graded to a wider waist, I think I should have added more. That probably would eliminate the puckering at the waist along the back.

For the sleeves, I used the lengthen/shorten line as my sleeve length.

While the instructions call for simply turning under the neckline, I added a neck band. This gives it a nicer finish and made it just a bit higher.

Overall, I do feel this is a cute pattern. Personally, I prefer the Moneta dress I made a couple of years ago. I did have to make many of the same adjustments to that pattern as I did to this. I would definitely refine the alterations the next time.

The Fabric

The fabric is exclusive to Minerva. It is very comfortable, soft and easy to sew. This is a medium weight knit with good stretch and recovery.

Until next time…

McCall’s 7561

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Making a Raglan Sleeve Top

Making a raglan sleeve top can be a little confusing at first if you haven’t done it before. I have made a few, but I always have to take my time to make sure I attach the sleeve in the right spot. For this top, I used this Kwik Sew pattern 4041. I used some fabric I’ve had for (many) years.

With a raglan sleeve, the sleeve extends to the neckline/collar in one piece. So, there’s no traditional shoulder seam. I hadn’t used this pattern before, but this is one that I had picked up in a recent pattern haul.

Although this is an easy pattern to make, this first one took quite a while because I needed to match the stripes. I sewed a size large for this one, but it was a bit too large for me.

So, I wanted to make this again because I do like the style. Since I had traced the pattern, it was easy to trace again and make a size medium. I used some leftover fabric I had in my fabric stash and made the next one.

I think this is a much better fit. I used some leftover Minerva fabric for the body and black ribbed knit for the sleeves. This is a quick top to make when I don’t have to match up any stripes! The black and gray top took me about two hours to make.

On the pattern envelope you can see that this is a wider neckline. With that in mind, if you prefer something that’s not quite as wide, I would choose a different pattern. Because of how raglan sleeve tops are made, I would not want to go through the work of altering this particular pattern. I would just choose a different pattern design.

But my original navy blue and green striped is definitely wearable. I simply wear it with a T-shirt or tank underneath. The black and gray is warm and very comfortable (you know I like comfort).

The majority of the time, I do use my serger when I sew knits. I just love how the seams look and hold together when finished off with this. But if you’ve never sewn knits before, or don’t own a serger, not to worry.

You can simply use a zigzag stitch to sew the seams and that will give you the stretch you need for the seams.

I love sewing and wearing knit garments. They are comfortable to wear, easy to pack when traveling and easy to care for. Here’s a previous post on some other knit top patterns I’ve made.

Let me know if you sew knits or are you a bit apprehensive about it? It’s a process that can be much easier than you think!

Here’s a book that I find is full of helpful information and inspiration:

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