- What is a Keyhole neck ?
- Different styles of keyhole neckline
- 1. Simple straight keyhole neckline
- 2. Regular keyhole neckline
- 3.Keyhole placed to the side
- 4. Keyhole in the back
- 5. Keyhole joined with bead chain/buttons
- 6. Keyhole neckline with ties on top.
- 7. Round Keyhole neckline
- 8. Choker Keyhole neckline
- 9. Tear drop shaped Keyhole neckline
- 10. V shaped Keyhole neckline
- How to sew a keyhole neckline
What is a Keyhole neck ?
As the name suggests, keyhole neckline has a keyhole cut away along the neckline. The keyhole usually has a slightly convex shape and the top of the convex shape may be left open or joined together at the top edge of the neckline (usually with a closure). Other shapes of the keyhole neckline include a teardrop shape, an oblong shape etc. It is an appealing neckline as it takes away the severity of a regular plain neckline.
Different styles of keyhole neckline
1. Simple straight keyhole neckline
This kind of neckline is cut straight down on the central fold of the bodice. Check out this post on making a Kurta tunic to learn how to make this type of neckline.
2. Regular keyhole neckline
This has a correct convex shape with the top secured with a metal hook and eye.
3.Keyhole placed to the side
Here the keyhole is placed to one side of the neckline rather than on the center of the neckline
4. Keyhole in the back
The keyhole shape can be bigger on the back.
The top of the keyhole can be bridged by a bead chain as in this case or simple metal chains or a metal pipe or fabric tube.
6. Keyhole neckline with ties on top.
The keyhole can be tied at the top with fabric ties
7. Round Keyhole neckline
8. Choker Keyhole neckline
9. Tear drop shaped Keyhole neckline
10. V shaped Keyhole neckline
How to sew a keyhole neckline
Cut out a facing for the neckline – the red line indicates the stitching line – here I have drawn a straight keyhole. For a convex shape you have to draw that shape.
Or a convex shaped one.
Keep the facing on top of the bodice.
Sew the neckline. As you reach the end take a single stitch across (rather than bring it to a point) – this will create a small space there which will make the turning smooth.
Cut out the extra – leave 1/4 seam allowance. Especially important is to cut to the end of the bottom point.
Clip the seam all along – the red lines in the picture indicates where you should clip.
Turn the facing to the right side.
Related posts: Names of nacklines; Draft and sew necklines ; How to select necklines that suit you; V neckline ; Sew necklines with binding; Sew necklines with facing
I have an open key hole neckline that one side wants to fold under. How can I fix this?
You can add a stay tape under the edge to make it stiffer.
Hello, I’m trying to follow this tutorial for a dress I’m making. I’m interested to see how the facing looks once it’s turned to the right side, and how it’s sewn down.
This article is really helpful in my attempt to convert a too-deep “V” neck to a round/keyhole neck. Thank you!
Thank you for the easy to follow explanation. If my original pattern has a bias binding finish, should i extend the new faceing to include the back of the neck?
I like that fabric what type is it and could I use it on a semi fitted v keyhole top .The pattern is just like the black and white you have in the photo I just don’t how to finish it with the binding. Thanks
Well explained with pictures _ thank you
Thank you for indicating that you need to take a stitch at the bottom of the V! This step is so often left out of directions but is so important in making the keyhole facing lay flat!