How to sew a shape?

A shape is a piece of fabric added to the reverse side of a garment to create a beautiful finished neckline. This technique creates a clean, structured look while stabilizing the shape of the neckline. It is often made from the same fabric as the garment or with a contrasting material for a decorative effect.

Steps to sewing a neckline shape

1. Heat seal the shape

Start by reinforcing your neckline by ironing on the various sections, both the front and back. Use an interfacing that matches your fabric to give the neckline more support. Iron carefully for good adhesion.

2. Overlock the edges

Assemble your shaping and the rest of the garment separately. Overlock the outer edge of the shaping to prevent the fabric from fraying. This step ensures a clean and durable finish.

3. Fix the shape

Place the shaping and neckline right sides together. Make sure the side seams are aligned. Pin carefully before sewing.

4. Sew the neckline

Join the shaping and neckline together using a 2.5mm straight stitch. Make sure to start and finish the stitching without overlapping for a cleaner finish.

5. Trim the seam allowances

Trim the excess fabric about 0.5 cm from the seam. This reduces the thickness and ensures a nice, flat neckline.

6. Notch and iron

To soften the curve of the neckline, lightly notch the seam allowance with small cuts of scissors. Then, iron, opening the seam well.

7. Return the shape

Turn the shape inside out and flatten carefully while ironing.

8. Understitch

To keep the lining in place and prevent it from coming out, understitch: sew a line along the lining, taking the seam allowance with it, about 2 mm from the edge. This technique fixes the lining without the seam being visible.

9. Final fixing

If necessary, secure the shaping to the shoulder seams with a few hand stitches or a discreet machine seam. This ensures the shaping holds better.

Conclusion

Using a shaper brings several advantages:

• A neat finish : The neckline is clean and crisp, with no visible seams.
• Good support : The interfacing prevents the neckline from losing its shape over time.
• Sewing accessible to all levels : This method is simple and adaptable, for beginners as well as experienced seamstresses.

By following these steps, you will achieve a flawless neckline with a professional finish!