GG V-Neck Hack: Cut Out Back with Bow Details

My last two makes using the Sum It Up Bra reminded me of this inspiration pic I pinned forever ago:

And so I tackled a version of my own. I knew I wanted a v-neck instead of the round neck shown on the inspiration photo, so that’s where I started.

About the Fabric

Main: Teal Grey Heather Brushed Stretch Sweater Knit from Cali Fabrics

• 200% horizontal stretch, 50% vertical stretch
• polyester / rayon / spandex
• light midweight

I love this sweater knit. I had quite a bit left over from my last North Pole Poncho. It’s the perfect transitional sweater knit: fairly lightweight with a brushed back and gorgeous drape. It keeps me warm without going overboard.

Bows: Offwhite Double Brushed Poly Spandex Knit from Cali Fabrics

• FABRIC CONTENT: 96% Polyester/4% Lycra
• STRETCH: 4-way 150%
• WEIGHT: 5.5oz (Light Midweight)

Patterns Used

• GGVneck (modified)
• Sum It Up Bra (bows)

About This Make

I’ve modified the original GGVneck pattern quite a bit to suit my tastes, and so my base for the pattern is moderately different than the original:

• size: graded from 4 at the arms/bust to 10 at the hips. (Bows: range 8)
• narrowed neckline
• modified sleeves (mashed the sleeves from the 40K Sway Top [free pattern!] into the GGVneck armscye) with long cuffs
• +1″ to bodice

And how I bow-i-fied the back…

1. Subtract 1.25″ from each half of the back pattern piece.
2. Cut three binding strips: one for the back neckband, and two for each side of the back opening along the bows.
3. Cut a strip at 2.5″ x 2″ for the bottom back strap. Fold in half lengthwise twice for a final strap width of 0.5″
4. Hem the front and back pieces of the shirt.
5. Construct the bows. (I made 8 total spaced along the back with 1.5″ in between each bow.)
6. Attach the bows and bottom back strap.
7. Bind the seam allowance along each side of the back along the bows.
8. Sew front and back bodice together at shoulder seams.
9. Attach sleeves.
10. Sew side seams.
11. Attach sleeve cuffs.
12. Attach neckband.
13. Bind the visible seam allowance of the neckband.

Notes for Next Time

• Rather than knotting the bows, try a narrow strip of fabric to bundle them at the center. This is mostly for more comfort when sitting back against the bows; the knots are pretty knotty.
• Omit the straight straps at the top and bottom and re-work the spacing of the bows.
• Possibly shorten the shirt.
• Instead of binding the seam allowance, maybe try facing and topstitch. This could save a ton of time.
• Modify for a dolman sleeve.
• I could also do a version with my cold shoulder sleeve and somehow carry over the bow effect to the cold shoulder strap.

 

Project Settings

Sewing Machine vs. Serger

Sewing Machine	Serger
everything else	side seams

Sewing Machine Settings

Presser Foot	Stitch#	Stitch Width	Stitch Length	Needle	Top Thread Tension	Application
standard zig-zag (A)	5	1.0	4	blue tip	4	seams
overedge (C)	6	5.5	3.5	blue tip	4	edge finish

Serger Settings

Stitch Name	4-thread overlock
Needles	R, L
Finger	B
Threads	4
Tension Left Needle	4
Tension Right Needle	4
Tension Upper Looper	4
Tension Lower Looper	4
Cut Width	6
Stitch Length	2.5
Differential	1.0
Application	seams