A few months ago I picked up a brown vintage mock turtleneck sweater. I’m not a turtleneck person, but I’ve had mock-necks in the past and enjoyed them.
I thought I’d be fine. I was not. I’m bummed too; I got it to wear with this vest and it’s perfect but Can’t. Do. The. Neck. (Insert theatrical choking sounds.)
I was going to put it in the Goodwill bag, then I got to thinking if I could somehow change the neck? I bought it at Goodwill for maybe ten dollars, so if I wrecked it, no big loss. Google to the rescue!
First thing I found out, (here) very often the neck part of the sweater is actually a separate piece that is sewn on. Who knew?! Sure enough I could see where the neck was attached. Try as I might, I couldn’t find a single stitch to start ripping it out. I didn’t want to make any holes in the sweater proper so I gave up.
Then I found a blog post where someone cut the neck right off. She turned the edges and sewed for a new collar. I could do that!
But… this sweater has a zipper. How could I get that to work? I went for broke and just cut the neck off, including the top of the zipper.
I hoped I could find the stitching to completely remove the turtleneck, but no. When I turned the neck in to sew it, it just looked weird. Then I thought, maybe I could use binding tape or ribbon to cover the raw edge. This was becoming more of a project than I anticipated!
The more I looked at it though, I realized the raw edge looked like a purposely rolled neckline. It’s not like anyone would walk up to me and peer at my neckline, haha.
I trimmed the neck to be as even as I could get it. Then I folded back the edge above where I cut the zipper, slip stitched it, and added some stitches to top of the zipper so the slider wouldn’t come off. Voila!
It’s just perfect now!
I researched the brand, Duvet® because it is made in USA- a rarity now! I found a few sweaters on ebay and Poshmark, the company is long gone. My guess is the sweater was made in the 60’s. They are selling for $25-$45 so I feel like I got a good deal.
Take a few minutes and look where your clothes are made. It might surprise you.
Have you ever hacked a piece of clothing ? Tell me about it!
