Technically Speaking
Neckline
Problem!
By Maureen ThompsonCaftans are a beautiful fashion item to wear. They
are comfortable and cool without compromising your
appearance during hot summers. Many are made in
diaphanous fabrics such as chiffon and georgette, so
they l oat beautifully, and traditionally they have beaded
necklines. Now this is where the problems can start.
If the body of the neckline facing is not structured
well with strong interfacing, the whole look can come
unstuck with droopy and untidy results. This article
shows you how to use a product called Rigilene to give
an invisible 'stay' to support that neckline.
Rigilene is available in any good fabric/haberdashery
store. If you are a craft person, you have probably heard
of it. If not, be assured every sewer should have some
in her stash for emergency jobs. It can be used as collar
stays, handbag frames and handles, in corsetry and
millinery as well. It comes in several widths, and in colours
of black and white (12mm width used here).
- Turn the garment inside out and measure the distance from
the top of the opening and extend down approximately
4-5cm (1¾-2in) below the point of the 'V'. Cut two pieces
of Rigilene to this length.
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The droop is due to the weight
of the beads and not enough
interfacing in the facing ... not a
good look!- From the top of each piece, measure and mark the distance
from the top of the opening to the bottom of the ‘V’ point;
this is where you are going to change its direction.
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