2682 V-neck top: Understanding the front bodice

The 2682 V-Neck Top front bodice comes together in an unexpected way, but once you see how the pieces fold, it all makes sense!

This tutorial walks you through the V-neck construction, showing how two identical pieces become the right and left sides of the bodice, each with its own built-in lining and clean, folded neckline edge.

Before you start, make sure center front (fold line) is visible on your bodice pieces, at the bottom edge.

1. Match the two pieces and mark the center front stitching

Open out both front bodice pieces and lay them flat, right sides together. Match the edges, center-front lines and neckline marks. 

Transfer the mark from the pattern to the wrong side of the top layer (or with a pin). That mark indicates the bottom of the V-neck opening. If you want less "cleavage", make that mark higher on center front line. You can trace a line from that mark to the bottom edge to make the next step easier.

3. Sew center front

Using a straight stitch, sew directly from center front edge to the mark, through both layers, without stretching the fabric. Sew over the same line two or three times, securing the stitching carefully at the neckline mark.

4. Fold each piece to form the neckline

Fold each piece back onto itself, wrong sides together, matching its corresponding raw edges. One folded piece now forms each side of the bodice.

As you arrange the fabric, the stitching you just completed earlier becomes the center-front seam below the V. Above the neckline mark, the folds form the two finished edges of the V-neck opening.

5. Secure the layers

Smooth the fabric and pin the matching raw edges together. Check that the right side of the fabric is visible both outside and inside the bodice, and that the neckline folds meet at the bottom of the V.

Baste the raw edges with a straight or zigzag stitch to hold the layers together for the next assembly steps. Leave the folded neckline edges unstitched.

Your front bodice is now ready to attach to the other pieces! Each folded piece forms one side of the bodice, with a built-in lining and a clean neckline edge. No binding or bands needed!

Continue with the pattern instructions to assemble the back bodice and join it to the lower front. With the layers basted together, you can handle the upper bodice as a single piece.