How to sew a facing?

A facing is a piece of fabric added to the inside of a garment to ensure a neat finish at the neckline. This technique provides a clean and 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 sew a neckline facing

1. Fuse the facing

Start by reinforcing your facing by fusing its different parts, both front and back. Use an interfacing suitable for your fabric to give more structure to the neckline. Press carefully for good adhesion.

2. Overlock the edges

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

3. Attach the facing

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

4. Sew the neckline

Join the interfacing and neckline by sewing with a straight stitch at 2.5 mm stitch length. Be sure to start and end the seam without overlapping for a cleaner finish.

5. Trim the seam allowances

Trim the excess fabric to about 0.5 cm from the seam. This reduces bulk and results in a flat neckline.

6. Clip and press

To soften the curve of the neckline, clip the seam allowance slightly with small snips. Then press open the seam well. 

7. Turn the interfacing

Turn the interfacing to the inside of the garment and carefully flatten by pressing.

8. Understitch

To keep the interfacing in place and prevent it from popping out, make a understitch: sew a line on the interfacing catching the seam allowance, about 2 mm from the edge. This technique secures the lining without visible stitching.

9. Final attachment

If needed, attach the interfacing to the shoulder seams with a few hand stitches or a discreet machine stitch. This ensures better hold of the interfacing.

Conclusion 

Using an interfacing offers several advantages:

• A neat finish: The neckline is clean and tidy, with no visible stitching.
• Good support: Interfacing prevents the neckline from deforming over time.
• A seam accessible to all levels: This method is simple and adaptable, suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers.

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