Sometimes you may find that you like the shape and style of the existing neckline, but you just want to tweak it slightly to your preferences. Maybe you want it to sit a little higher or maybe you want it to go a little lower.

To be honest, raising or lowering the neckline is the easiest adjustment to make because you aren’t redrafting the neckline entirely. Here is how I like to make this pattern change. In this example, I am raising the neckline on the Micah pattern, which features a V-neckline.

Step 01: Remove the seam allowance at the shoulder seam and neckline.

Step 02: Then, determine the desired width and depth of our neckline. Want to add a bit at the shoulders for better bra coverage? Or raise the neckline for your comfort? No prob!

Hold the cut pattern piece against your body. Align the center front of the pattern piece with the centerline of your body and align the shoulder seams along your shoulders. Use a ruler to measure where you want to adjust the neckline and how much you want to adjust the neckline.

Step 03: Lay your pattern piece on your working surface and tape a piece of pattern paper underneath the existing neckline if necessary.

Use a ruler to mark the desired neckline at the shoulder and center front, wherever you want to reduce or add. Here, I am raising it 3”.

Then, use a curved ruler to redraw the neckline. Just a note: The Micah pattern has a center front seam, but your pattern may not. If your pattern does have a center front seam, raise along the seam line.

If you made any updates at the shoulder, be sure to match that on the back pattern piece.

There you have it! It’s really that easy.

Note: If you are making very significant changes, I recommend following the V-neck or crewneck tutorials to account for the chest and shoulder contours. Check out those instructions if you plan to raise or lower the neckline by anything more than 2”.

If you need any help, be sure to share in the Community.