What woman doesnt own a scoop-neck shirt or two? Do you have one that scoops a little too low? Maybe you own one that you wish looked different? Whether its an ill-fitting shirt, or just time to change an old favorite, you can easily do so with a piece of lace. Choose lace that closely matches the color of the shirt or select a coordinating color. All you need is a small piece of the lace and a sewing machine.
Find something that you can use for a pattern for the lace inset. A half-circle is all youll need but it may be easier for you to cut the whole circle at first. Later, you can split the circle in half. Its much easier to find a circular pattern shape around the house than a half-circle. Use a large bowl, a pizza cardboard or another circle shape. The diameter of the circle must be long enough to reach from one side of the scoop neck to the other.
Cut the circle shape from the lace. Fold the circle in half and cut. Half a circle will become the new lace inset. Hem the cut side of the circle and trim away the excess thread. Position the half-circle behind the scoop neck of the shirt. Use straight pins to hold the lace piece in place. The edges of the lace, from one side of the hem to the other, should be placed about an inch behind the hem of the scoop neck. Begin sewing the lace piece in by starting at the shoulder seam. Stitch down until you arrive at the lace edge and continue stitching around the scoop neck and up to the other shoulder seam. As you sew down from the first shoulder seam position the new stitches to run along beside the original stitches of the scoop neck. This will create a double stitch around the neckline. If you dont want a double stitch theres a different technique you can use. Remove the stitching from the neckline and pin the lace in place. You will be able to see needle holes where the thread used to be. Follow the needle holes to create the new stitch line. This method will stitch the lace in place while re-stitching the original neckline hem. The lace inset looks great with most any type of scoop-neck shirt but you can also use other fabrics as the inset. Cut a circle from an old tank top, an insulated top or a different type of fabric. No matter what type of fabric you use youll need to launder it before stitching it in place if the cloth is new. If you dont the new fabric can shrink and cause puckering around the neckline. If the shirt youre changing is a stretchy type its a good idea to use fabric that also stretches. If the shirt you are adding the inset to does not stretch you have the option of using stretchy material or non-stretch fabric or lace. If you have trouble choosing just the right fabric take the shirt with you and ask an assistant for help. Make sure the cloth you choose as the inset is equal to or lighter in weight than the shirt fabric. Using heavy material can cause puckering or drooping around the neckline. If you cut a shirt you already own to make the inset be sure any hems and other stitching has been removed. The lace inset technique works for other neckline shapes, too. If you have a "V" neck shirt that is a little low for comfort just create a triangular shaped inset. For square neck shirts cut a rectangular piece of fabric or lace as an inset. The method not only works for shirts but dresses as well. Whether youd just like a new wardrobe piece, or you have a shirt that drapes a little too low in front, you can easily change it in a few minutes. Its very easy to position and sew in lace or cloth insets. After youre finished the shirt or dress will seem like an entirely new garment.
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