How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape

Follow these easy steps to learn how to sew a V neck with bias tape. The V neck bias tape neckline has an air of professionalism and simplicity all at the same time.  It cuts out the need for a collar or fussy facing and gives a casual but stylish look to any shirt.  It can be finished with store-bought or you can make your own bias tape in a vibrant contrast fabric.  Bias tape is an easy way to complete a neckline and quick and simple to do. 

How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape - Supplies

• GARMENT - The garment should be stitched at the shoulders with the neck ready to finish.
• BIAS - ½ inch (12mm) double-fold bias tape. It is important it is double fold. If you aren't familiar with what this looks like then read my article on types of bias tape.
• SEWING TOOLS - Pins, thread, sewing machine.

Further Reading: How to make bias tape with a bias maker.

How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape

Step 1: Select Bias

Choose the bias tape you want to use either in contrast or complementary colors.

Step 2: Stay Stitch

Prepare the V neck opening by stay stitching just inside the seam line. 

This is the line of stitching marked on the pattern guide which is commonly ⅝ inch (15mm) or ½ inch (12mm) depending on the pattern company. Stitch with a long stitch length so you can pull out the stitches if any show in your finished garment.

Step 3: Clip the V

When that is done, cut into the V of the neckline at a point ending ⅛ inch (3mm) before the stitch line you have made.

Step 4: Pin the Bias

Your garment should be right side out.

Open up the shorter side of your double-fold bias tape and pin it to the neckline with the right sides together.  Use the stitch line as your guide as to where to position the tape.

This means that when you turn the binding over you will have the wider side of the binding on the reverse side of the V neck.

Pinning the bias across the v: Pull open your clipped seam and pin the bias straight across.

Starting and finishing the bias: It is best to start pinning at the shoulder. Fold the end up by ¼ inch (6mm) and then overlap the top piece by about ½ inch (12mm) and cut.

Step 5: Stitch

Now you are ready to sew and here is the clever trick.  The bias tape and neckline are pulled straight as you sew over the V of the neckline. Gently pull the V open as you sew across this part.

Step 6: Clip

Clip the corners of the back of the neck.

Step 7: Stitch

Pull the bias tape to the back of the garment, press and pin in place.

Now you are ready to sew the bias down by stitching from the front and at the same time ensuring that the wider side of the bias is caught at the back.

Step 8: Stitch the V

Turn over the garment to the wrong side and fold the V neck so the bias juts out.

Find the center point and check that the garment is folded down the center from the V part to the bottom of the front side.  There should be a small triangle visible on the bias just at the point of the V neck.

Stitch here across the triangle following on from the straight line of the fold in the fabric.  This sews the V to a point and when done the triangle can be pressed to the side.

Step 9: Final Press

Now it is time to open the V-neck onto the right side and give it a really good final press.  If any of your stay stitching is visible you can remove it with a seam ripper. Just be careful!

Proudly you can display your sewing talents with a beautifully and professionally finished neckline.

Thanks for reading how to sew a v neck with bias tape. Here are some more in my bias tape series.

More Articles on Bias Tape

1. How to Make Bias Tape with a Bias Maker
2. How to Make Bias Tape with no Special Tools
3. How to Sew Single Fold Bias Tape
4. How to Sew Double Fold Bias Tape
5. How to Make Continuous Bias Tape
6. How to Sew Mitred Square Corners with Bias Tape
7. Types of Bias Tape
8. Bias Bound Seam
9. Hong Kong Finish
10. Sewing Bias Tape
11. How to Sew a V Neck with Bias Tape
12. Types of Bias Tape