Fans of the the Peach Patterns Pearlie Dress & Peplum Top will know that this pattern is already a really quick sew. Having said that, attaching neck bands is usually the number one cause of heartache associated with sewing patterns for knit or stretch fabrics.

At some stage you will definitely want to try and make a neck band for your Pearlie Dress. There are two options (narrow and standard) and, really, they are fun to make. But if you're in a rush or are new to sewing with knits then you might like to give this method a try. 

Making your neckline in this way creates a slightly different look: less "t-shirty" (if that's a term?) and a little more dressy.

All you will need is a twin sewing machine needle for stretch fabrics and two spools of thread in the same colour. Fusible hemming tape is optional but not required (we made ours without using hemming tape). 

Enjoy these pictures of our Pearlie Dress taking a twirl in the park and then scroll down to check out our tutorial for the "Easiest Ever Fold and Sew Knit Neckline". (I made this Pearlie dress with the slim fit bodice option. However as you can see there's still some ease in the bodice as I sized up to allow room for growth.)

HOW TO MAKE THE FOLD AND SEW NECKLINE FOR YOUR PEARLIE DRESS OR PEPLUM TOP:

Supplies:

• Twin sewing machine needle for stretch fabric (My preferred needle for finishing necklines, armholes and hemming knit fabrics is the Schmetz Size 75/4.0mm Twin Stretch Needle.)
• Two spools of thread in the same colour.
• Optional: Fusible hemming tape to press and hold the fabric around the neckline seam before sewing. (As mentioned, I made my dress without using the tape.)

Step 1

Extend the neckline area of your Front and Back Bodice pattern pieces by 1/2" (15mm) evenly all the way along (see diagram below).

You can do this by either:

A. Placing your original pattern pieces on some tracing paper/pattern paper and drawing the modified lines around the pattern pieces before pinning them to your fabric; OR

B. Pinning your original pattern pieces to your fabric and using an erasable fabric marker to mark the extended cutting lines on your fabric.

It will help to use a tape measure to mark some points at 1/2" (15mm) all the way along the new curves before connecting the points with your marker.

Step 2

After sewing the Front and Back Bodice pieces together as indicated in the sewing instructions, press the shoulder seams and then press down the neckline area wrong sides together by 3/8" (1cm).  (Note: if you choose to use fusible tape for this step, follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply and press the fabric/tape together.)

Step 3

Insert your twin needle into your sewing machine, thread it and sew around the neckline 3/8" (1cm) from the folded edge. Sew carefully making sure you catch the raw edge on the wrong side of the fabric with your bobbin thread. (If you are new to sewing with twin needles you may want to have a practice on a piece of folded fabric first to ensure that you are using the correct seam allowance). 

Give the neckline area a press and that's it! Finish the remaining steps of the sewing instructions and enjoy your new Pearlie :)

Pattern: Peach Patterns Pearlie Dress & Peplum Top for Girls Sizes 1-12

Fabric: "Alaska White" Digital Print Knit Fabric from Dizzy Daisy Fabric Studio

If you have a go at this tutorial I'd love you to share your pictures in our Peach Patterns Sewing Group on Facebook or on Instagram with the hashtags #peachpatterns #pearliedress