How can I change the neckline of a wool jumper?

[MikeWyzowski]

I bought a cashmere sweater on sale but have now decided the neckline is too tight for my liking. I cut a notch in the neckband and sewed up the edges but think I need to cut off the neck altogether. I can sew but not knit or crochet (which is a shame as i think a crocheted finish would be nice). Any suggestions? Would bias binding be weird? Amazingly pinterest is not answering with its usual enthusiasm on suggestions for changing the neckline so, help mumsnet!

Bias binding could work, but you would need to make sure you cut a "head hole" large enough that you can fit your head through it. A regular neckhole on a sweater is stretchy (as knitwear is stretchy) but the bias binding will be less so. Also consider that the bias binding will stretch a bit, but won't stretch back very well. So the neckline could end up sort of lettuce-edged, if that makes sense.

The other thing is, if you do cut the neckline, make sure you pin it onto your chosen backing (bias binding or whatever you choose) quickly, because it'll come unravelled very quickly and you'll end up with a raggedy raw edge.

It will be tricky to amend your jumper, I think. Could you enlarge the notch, add some straight tape to the backs of the raw edges and add buttons? That would be your best bet.

If you google it you may get more ideas?

fitzfabulous.wordpress.com/2011/03/28/sweater-fix-the-neck-a-how-to/

You may have already tried it but sometimes I just yank very hard at the neckline when it's wet, and it stretches. You need to do it quite a few times and really give it some rough treatment. I find it only works on natural fibres.

I've seen foldover elastic used but I don't think the finish is all that nice. You can just fold it over and tack it down. Or there is the sort of ribbing used on sweatshirts: raystitch.co.uk/cotton-sweatshirt-ribbing-plains-swatch-pack

There are loads of Youtube videos and tutorials online: www.google.co.uk/search?q=change+jumper+neckline&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&dcr=0&ei=UFmZWuXxNJqggAeKp6bwCg

You could make a small split in the back neck and line the neckline and split with bias binding or a grosgrain ribbon might be nice. Then a button/rouleaux loop fastening.

The trouble will be with the stitches fraying. Before you cut the split in the back neck, maybe machine stitch on a short stitch around the split before you cut so that when you sew on the ribbon the stitching is covered.

You also get something called Fray Check which comes in a small bottle and is like a thin clear glue. Might be handy for a job like this.

I like this idea deux. Think I'll try it on the shoulder (as that's where I've started the slit)

Certainly worth a try especially if the jumper would otherwise be unwearable. Good luck.

ahem ...did you read any of the other poster's suggestions, OP?

sorry Ghost i did, and you said what id been thinking. Im not a good seamstress so need the simplest idea going. But thank you for your advice. All of you. Everyone. I really appreciate your two cents worth.

Hehe did you tackle it yet Mike? Had another thought about securing the neckline if you decide to cut it, you could stabilise it with some iron-on fusing or iron-on “tearaway” to keep the stitches all in the right place.