How to Make a Low Neck Dress Modest
A low neck dress may need some adjustments for a more modest look. Accessories such as scarves, jewelry and cardigans can help with the cover-up. Sew a trim to a dress neckline for extra coverage and a more permanent addition. The trim can complement or contrast with the garment’s fabric. Purchase ribbon or trim from a sewing supply store. Examples include plain velvet trim, lace edging or double-fold bias tape.
Things You'll Need
- Trim, ribbon, lace edging or double-fold bias tape
- Iron
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Thread
- Hand-sewing needle
- Hook-and-eye fastener
Instructions
-
-
1
Press the trim. If the front neckline is curved, such as a scoop neck, try to shape and press the trim to follow the neckline curve.
-
2
Pin the trim to the neckline. Some trims with two long finished edges can go on top of the neck edge. Trims with one unfinished edge can go underneath the neck edge. Tuck under one end of the trim, and line it up with a back seam. Cut away excess trim near the ends.
-
-
3
Thread a hand-sewing needle. Hand-sew a basting or running stitch, to fasten the trim to the dress temporarily.
-
4
Remove every pin.
-
5
Try on the dress to check the effect. Make the corrections before you machine-stitch. For example, the trim at the shoulder area may need adjustments.
-
6
Set the sewing machine to a straight stitch or zigzag stitch. Then edge stitch or top-stitch along the neckline. Tuck under the remaining tail of the trim and stitch. Back-stitch to secure the threads.
-
7
Trim the threads close to the stitching.
-
8
Hand-sew a hook-and-eye fastener to close the gap between the two folded ends of the trim at the back neckline.
-
9
Press the garment and the new neckline. Set the heat setting for the most heat-sensitive material.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
A square neckline may require mitered corners on the trim. Fold the trim right-sides together. Stitch a line at an angle, so the trim spreads at an angle The angled trim's outer corner will point to the inner corner of the dress neckline.
A V-shaped neckline may require the trim to overlap at the bottom of the “V.”
A line of stitching may pull or pucker the fabric. Try stitching in short sections.
Please keep pins, needles, scissors and irons away from small children.
