Sewing turtlenecks

During the colder months of the year, I love wearing turtleneck tops. They are elegant, modest, warm, snug, and the perfect base to build an outfit. I have a few ready to wear turtlenecks that I really enjoy wearing, and I’d love to have one in every color in my wardrobe. However, that becomes expensive quickly, and I’m just no longer willing to spend a large amount of amount on buying new clothes. Splurging on fabric, absolutely yes, but that’s a whole different story. Anyways, I am a sewist, so that means I should be able to sew my own turtlenecks, right? Sewing with knits has intimidated me for a long time and I’m starting to overcome the fear, so I decided that the time has come to sew my own turtlenecks.

I opted to use the Turtleneck Top pattern by Kiana Bonolo after hearing many positive reviews. The pattern is a fitted, long sleeve top with 2 neck options: a turtleneck and a mock neck. It has a limited size range that goes from XS to L.

Based on the measurements and finished garment measurements, I sewed a size M with mock neck and made no fit modifications. I did change the hem, as I made a lettuce hem on my serger instead of a regular straight hem. I used a pointelle jersey in the color ‘light sand’. This is a super easy and quick make. Few pattern pieces, few steps, very straightforward. The instructions are not very detailed, but because of the simplicity of the pattern (I mean, it really is just a top), that really is no problem. In the end, it took me just over 1.5 hrs, including cutting and all. I sewed everything on my serger, but you can also make this on a regular sewing machine with a zigzag stitch. It’s a very beginner friendly pattern, even for a pattern that requires knit fabric.

I am really pleased with the result. It’s just as you’d expect and that’s exactly what I wanted. The lettuce hem adds a very cute detail and the pointelle jersey makes it slightly elevated. I’m so excited about the pattern, I immediately sewed another top! For this one, I used a rib jersey and sewed a size S. Making a smaller size was a good call, this one is more figure hugging which is my preference for such tops. This version is my favorite of the two. The fit is great and I just love this color!

This is not a very fancy or special garment, but it’s a perfect basic that fits in everyone’s wardrobe. While the pattern itself is not versatile, your fabric choice can make each top look different and unique. I love that that I am able to sew my own basics, I can customize my handmade wardrobe even further and sew the perfect top that suits me. I will for sure be making more of this pattern!