I have a few turtlenecks that are made of beautiful fabrics, but I can’t stand the high, tight neckline. Another DIY upcycle project comes to mind! Why not add tulle fabric and transform a simple turtleneck into a stylish top? Sounds great! I have listed all the steps here and included a video below with the full tutorial.
Supplies:
- Turtleneck
- Tulle fabric
- Sewing Supplies: scissors, quilter ruler, tailors chalk, pins, universal thread
- The first thing we are going to do is cut off the sleeves and collar (my turtleneck has a raglan sleeve, but any sleeve style will work). Cut inside of the sleeve seamline and underneath the collar. Save the sleeves to use as a pattern.
Mark the Back of the Sweater:
- Trace the back for the sweater outline onto the tulle fabric from the underarm up.
- Mark a line across the sweater where you want the sweater fabric to meet the tulle fabric. Add a seam allowance and cut. Align the sweater with the tulle fabric. Add a seam allowance onto the tulle fabric and cut.
Note: The video below shows all these steps in detail.
- With right sides together, pin the tulle fabric to the sweater fabric.
- Because the fabric stretches either use a 3-thread overlock stitch on the serger or a zigzag stitch; narrow the stitch width to 1.0 or .5. Adjust the length if needed. Sew with a ½” seam allowance.
- Press the seam allowance toward the sweater fabric and topstitch. For topstitching on this stretchy fabric, I use the triple stitch with a stitch length of 3.5.
Mark the Front of the Sweater:
- Trace the front of the sweater onto the tulle fabric from the underarm up.
- Draw a line for the new front neckline where you want the tulle and sweater to meet. This could be a straight line or curve at the center front. Cut along the chalked line.
- Mark the same curve on the tulle fabric, add 1” to accommodate a seam allowance for both pieces of fabric. Cut the tulle fabric.
- With right sides together, pin the tulle fabric to the sweater fabric.
- Because the fabric stretches either use a 3-thread overlock stitch on the serger or a zigzag stitch; narrow the stitch width to 1.0 or .5. Adjust the length if needed. Sew with a ½” seam allowance.
- Press the seam allowance toward the sweater fabric and topstitch. For topstitching on this stretchy fabric, I use the triple stitch with a stitch length of 3.5.
Sleeves
- You can trace the original sleeve pattern onto pattern paper or cut along the seam, lay the sleeve out onto the tulle fabric. We will be sewing a French seam so either add ½” seam allowance if you want to sew a ¼” seam or 1” for a ½” seam (I am adding ½” seam allowance).
- Be sure to add a little extra if the tulle and sweater fabric don’t have the same amount of stretch. Cut the tulle fabric.
Sew a French Seam:
- Choose a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.5. With wrong sides together, pin the sleeve. Stitch with ¼” seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance to 1/8”.
- Turn the sleeve right side out and press. Stitch along the seam fold with a ¼” seam allowance.
Attaching the Sleeves with a French Seam:
- With wrong sides together, pin the sleeve into the armscye, matching up the side seam with the sleeve seam. Stitch with a ¼” seam allowance. Trim the seam allowance, turn the seam to cover the seam allowance, and press. Stitch a ¼” seam allowance along the folded edge.
- Trim the tulle along the neckline to create a straight edge.
That’s it! You are ready to wear your new top out on the town (😊) Let me know if you try this and be sure to share photos on social media using hashtags #brothersews and #angelawolf
Cheers,
Angela
See more in the video below!
You don’t need a seam or facing for the new neck edge? I’ve never sewn with that can of fabric before and it just seems like it wouldn’t hold up without some sort finishing.
The fabric doesn’t fray and will be just fine. You can add a bias binding or fold over elastic if you want a little more security
Hi, What sewing machine did you use?
I always love your projects, we’ve been (Frankensewing) and Goodwill is our best for Drama this year and the kids had a great time. I also loved your interview with Crafty Gemini Vanessa.
happy sewing
Judy
Love your finished top Angela!
I’m cleaning out my closet and I think I found several “turtles” that need a similar makeover. You have inspired me!!!