Jersey Twist with a Higher Neckline

It’s not unusual to get comments about the Jersey Twist Top that some think that the neckline is a little low for their personal modesty.  And I totally get that.  I’m not one to show too much decolletage and often lift the neckline of many of my patterns.  So if you’ve purchased my sewing pattern for the Jersey Twist you might be interested in the following post and the pattern making instructions to change your own sewing pattern.

To recap you’ll find that my sewing pattern has two options for the front styling.  A Single and a Double Twist with all the details for making included with the sewing pattern.  What we’ll be doing with these pattern alterations is leaving the twist where it is and extending the centre seam above the twist by 5-7.5cm (2-3″).

Trace a copy of half your Jersey Twist Top up to the centre front line only.  When you trace your pattern be sure to include the bust point location for future use.

Draw a line 1cm (3/8′) in from the centre front line of the pattern.  Extend this line up toward the neck by 5-7.5cm (2-3″).  This extended line will be the seam line above the twist for your new Jersey Twist top.

Check the Bust Point on the pattern and assess how much higher you’d like your  ‘V’ neckline to be.  I’d suggest at least 5cm (2″) higher.   The mark I have added to the new front seam is 6.25cm (2 1/2″) above the original neckline.

Draw a curve from this new neckline depth back towards the neckline.  The curve you add to the extended centre front line will be your new neckline.

The extension above the centre front line is a seam that goes into the twist the same as the seam below the twist.  When you’re sewing twist the cut cloth first then sew the seams above and below the twist as close to the twist as you dare.  If you find you can’t get as close as you’d like to the twist you can hand sew that last half centimetre to be sure.

Now you have the final pattern shape for a Jersey Twist Top with a higher neckline.  Trace an exact copy of this pattern (so you have two) to make your twist.  Check that the curve from centre front to the seam is the same above the twist as below.

To make a Double Twist Jersey Top turn your traced copy 180º and butt the centre front line together and glue ready to cut your fabric.  Add a grain line to the full length of your pattern, parallel to the centre front line.  Remember that this pattern shape already has seam allowance included when you made your first tracing.  So no need to add any seam allowances at this stage.

To make a Single Twist Jersey Top turn your traced copy 270º and butt the centre front line together and glue, ready to cut your fabric.  Add a grain line to the full length of your pattern, parallel to the centre front line.

If you have further questions do not hesitate to contact me in the comments section below or through any of my social media accounts.