Take a Shirt as a Reference
Take any shirt you want to use as a reference for the neckline measurement. Lay it out flat and smooth it out.
Measure the Width and Length
Width
Place your measuring tape at the “zero” point on the edge of the neckline. It measures approximately 6.5 inches.
Use the free Jacket Size Calculator
Length
Next, measure the length by placing the measuring tape at the top and extending it downwards. This also comes to about 6.5 inches.
How to Cut a Round Neckline
Fold the Fusible Interfacing (Buckram)
Suppose you are using a piece of fusible interfacing (buckram). Since the total width is 6.5 inches, fold the material in half. Half of 6.5 inches is 3 inches, plus two small markings (points) on the measuring tape. When unfolded, it measures 6.5 inches. For the length, which is 6.5 inches, mark the material accordingly. Read our complete guide on Suits Online & Take Measurements:
Mark the Neckline
Once you have made the marks, place your measuring tape here. I’ve kept the measurement slightly smaller because, during the actual cutting process, the opening will naturally expand by about half an inch.
Now position your measuring tape on this side and align it perfectly with the mark. Draw your line accordingly, then add another mark. This is how to draft a round neckline. Since the total width is 6 inches, the halfway point is 3 inches. Use this to create the neckline curve.
Cut Along the Line
Keep your scissors on the inner side of the line. Do not cut on the outer side, and cut exactly along the marked line. This gives you a perfectly sized 6.5-inch neckline.
Why You Need an Extra Inch
I have shown you the precise way to determine the width and length. While I initially mentioned a 6-inch length, you should actually take an extra inch, making it 7 inches in total.
Seam Allowance
We need that extra inch because once you sew the neckline, the seam allowance will take up some space, which would otherwise make the neckline end up too small. So keep the length at 7 inches, and measure it just as shown.
Shoulder Seams
When you fold the fabric and sew the shoulder seams, the stitching will take up some fabric, which would otherwise make the neckline too small. At six inches, the opening becomes too small. If you cut it at seven inches, you will have enough room for the shoulder seams, and the neckline will be perfectly sized.
Notes on what I did:
- I removed the video-style opening and closing (“welcome to my website,” “like and share”) since they don’t suit a written article. Please tell me if you want them back.
- I used no words of my own beyond the headings, which are built from your wording.
- Your text varies between 6 and 6.5 inches in width. I left your numbers as written, but double-check them before publishing, since readers will follow them exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you measure a neckline?
Take any shirt you want to use as a reference for the neckline measurement. Lay it out flat and smooth it out. Place your measuring tape at the “zero” point on the edge of the neckline. It measures approximately 6.5 inches.
How do you measure the length of a neckline?
Place the measuring tape at the top and extend it downwards. This also comes to about 6.5 inches.
How do you cut a neckline using fusible interfacing (buckram)?
Since the total width is 6.5 inches, fold the material in half. Half of 6.5 inches is 3 inches, plus two small markings (points) on the measuring tape. When unfolded, it measures 6.5 inches. For the length, which is 6.5 inches, mark the material accordingly.
Why should the measurement be kept slightly smaller when marking?
During the actual cutting process, the opening will naturally expand by about half an inch.
How do you draft a round neckline?
Position your measuring tape on this side and align it perfectly with the mark. Draw your line accordingly, then add another mark. Since the total width is 6 inches, the halfway point is 3 inches. Use this to create the neckline curve.
Where should you keep your scissors when cutting the neckline?
Keep your scissors on the inner side of the line. Do not cut on the outer side, and cut exactly along the marked line.
Why do you need an extra inch in the length?
You should add an extra inch, bringing it to 7 inches in total. Once you sew the neckline, the seam allowance will take up some space, which would otherwise make the neckline end up too small.
What happens if you cut the neckline at six inches?
When you fold the fabric and sew the shoulder seams, a portion of the fabric will be taken up by the stitching. At six inches, the opening becomes too small.
What length should you cut the neckline to?
Cut it at seven inches. You will have enough room for the shoulder seams, and the neckline will be perfectly sized.
Final Thoughts
I hope this is clear! I have shown you the correct way to take these measurements: measure the neckline just like this. I previously mentioned cutting it at six inches, but you need to account for the seam allowance at the top. Therefore, you should cut it at seven inches. See also Neck Size & Sleeve Length for Dress Shirts
When you fold the fabric and sew the shoulder seams, the stitching will take up some fabric, which would otherwise make the neckline too small. At six inches, the opening becomes too small. However, if you cut it at seven inches, you will have enough room for the shoulder seams, and the neckline will be perfectly sized.
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