How to Cut a Top: 4/4 The Facing for the Back Neckline

In this video, you will learn how to cut fabric for the back neckline facing of a top.

A facing is a separate piece of fabric that is stitched along the outer edge of a garment, and folded over to conceal a raw edge.

It is usually applied on the neckline and armhole, and is cut in the same shape as the opening.

To learn how to cut the material for the main garment, sleeves and interfacing, watch the previous videos of this series.

Start by laying the folded back piece flat on the table.

Mark a point at 10 inches down from the shoulder line, as shown.

Mark another point 4 inches from the folded edge, along the width.

These measurements correspond, respectively, to the depth of the neckline with an additional 6.5 inches and to the width with the addition of 3 inches.

Now, take a piece of leftover fabric and fold it in half.

Ensure that the width of the folded fabric is 4 inches and mark a point 10 inches from the top corner, along the folded side.

Shift the measuring tape further along the width and mark another point 10 inches from the top.

Draw a line connecting these two points and cut the fabric along the outline and the edge of the fold.

We shall now trace the curve of the neckline on the facing fabric.

To do this, place the folded back piece over the folded facing fabric, aligning together their top edges and folds .

We shall now mark the depth of the neckline slit on the back piece.

Along the fold of the back piece, mark a point 4 inches down from the bottom edge of the neckline.

Holding both the pieces in position, draw the curve of the neckline on the facing fabric and then cut it as shown.

Cut a slit along the fold of the back piece, from the bottom edge of the neckline to the marked point, as shown.

Now, cut a slit along the fold of the facing fabric from the top edge to the marked point.

Place the facing over the back piece, aligning all open edges.

Fold one corner at the bottom of the facing fabric such that it creates a triangle, and finger press it.

Do the same for the other corner.

You now have a V-shape at the bottom of the facing.

Fold the facing fabric again in half, along the width.

We shall now cut out the V-shape at the bottom, as shown, along the creased lines.

You have now learnt how to cut material for the back neckline facing of a Top.

To learn how to stitch the Top, watch the next series.