Neckband Hell

I saw a free download of the Reine pattern from Styla Patterns, this is the adult pattern company run by Little Lizard Pattern company. It is a raglan shirt pattern with gathered sleeves. I wanted to use up a panel and matching fabric I had purchased. This project was a test of wills.

I had never made a pattern from this company so was unsure how the pattern would fit. I cut a size that was too big. When I first put it together the neck was so large and all over the place. I unpicked ALOT of seams and recut it based on a smaller size.

Now the neckband looks like it is not for a 2 headed beast

Everything was going much better except the neckband. I just could not get it lay down flat. It kept popping up.

I tried all the tricks. I cut 4 different neckbands out of the fabric I had. None of them would work. I then took in the back shoulder seam to try to make the neck opening even smaller in width. I also cut the 5th neckband from a lovely soft white ribbed knit in my collection I have used for other neckbands. I still had to take in the back shoulders and I cut a size of neckband 4 sizes smaller than needed according to the pattern.

Still sticking up in the back but at least laying down everywhere else

I fiddled with again and I managed to get it laying down except for one small spot. I unpicked the basting at that spot and put another seam into the ribbing there and reattached.

I suspect the issue was the fabric. It was sold and labeled as a 4 way stretch but I used the white leftovers from the panel to make the sleeve cuffs and they are pretty loosey goosy. The band on the bottom is also not very stretchy.

I am going to try the pattern again but with different fabric bases to see if it works better. Stay tuned.