Sewing can be fun, real fun I mean. And sometimes it gets boring, when you feel you need some spices to prep it up a bit. Being in the industry for close to 2 decades, I’ve come to realise a part of sewing that makes many of us feel we’re on a constant ‘track replay & repeat’; Neckline.
If you go through your designs or wardrobe, you may realise that most of your clothes have similar necklines, especially the most common, – round neckline. When sewing, being able to play around neckline designs has its own way of making the designs stand out. Sometimes it’s about how you place the fabric designs to align with the neckline cut, other times its the design you come up with in cutting the neckline shape.
Bringing your creativity to play is an essential tool.
If you have been the type on one or 2 neckline styles, take the challenge and try something new. Do paper cuts to be sure you are getting it well. Remember, measure twice (or even more) Cut Once.
When designing for body shapes, necklines have a way of playing up or playing down body shapes. Personally I have seen V – necklines as a tool to make some body shapes appear slimmer and we’ll structured. It’s like a makeup contour. If you know how to do it, you are on the way to getting your clients asking for more.
Sweetheart neckline has variations you can always play around too. Depending on the body structure, especially the upper body structure.
Strapless selects body types, as seen on 1 & 2. The bust and shoulder shape should determine which fits who. To avoid too much pulling up in public or accidental wardrobe malfunction, play safe with a lace up back. It keeps it firm. For any kind of bust shape, lace-up will be comfy.
Court, Bateau, Hug Shoulder and halter – variations I love playing with especially when designing casual wear. Court works for many body types, only be cautious when working the down and across measurements on the neckline. To avoid it falling off if the user doesn’t have a broad back and broad chest to work with. Hug shoulder disguises heavy upper body if you know how to style it. Halters happens to fall into a Shaped neckline or U-Shape. Which slims down some face shapes. Make it deep enough to avoid it sticking up too much. To get the depth of your V – necklines accurately, place rape measure on the shoulder line where the neck opening will likely be and slant it down to where the V will slant to.
The beauty of neckline versatility is not a topic to push aside of you want your designs standing out.
Try out a neckline design you haven’t worked with and let some magic start. You could have different one for back and front. And observe how your facial structure changes with different necklines.
To avoid mistakes, cut on paper or work with toile to see how it goes. It’s advisable you practice new designs before attempting them on your projects directly. Better safe than sorry.
When designing to suit body types, another area to consider is the sleeves. It has a good contouring advantage if you play it well. For those who want to hide arms, sleeves longer than elbow lengths make them appear slimmer.
Before the makeup contours, your styling can do that perfectly. As a fashion designer or stylist, you need more than the knowledge of sewing ro keep your clients coming back. If you know the secrets of playing their body shapes well, you’ve won more than a client.
Designing involves styling as your clients trust you on their looks and how they will pull impression on the public in your outfits.
Renew your skills and reach for more. It’s 2017, don’t work with past years skills. The field is getting more competitive, only the unique ones good at their skill will stand out. Anyone that wants to spend now, want to spend on what will worth it. May your designs be what everyone wants.
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