I recently unpacked all of my long sleeve shirts (all like 7 of them) and basically got rid of all of them, except a sweater I bought in the men’s section of Kohl’s last year, and a couple of button down shirts that aren’t particularly warm. I think I have gotten rid of almost every shirt in my closet after having Braden. Anyone else hate all of their clothes after having a baby?? I also don’t like RTW long sleeve shirts very much, but I think it’s because the sleeves and hem length are never long enough! Ever since I finished sewing these two shirts about a month ago, I have not been able to stop wearing them (because they’re finally long enough!!). Seriously. I did the laundry a week ago, and they’re already dirty again.
These are both the Lane Raglan by Hey June, and I LOVE them. I just love all of Adrianna’s patterns and I always get so excited when I get to make another one. This pattern is amazing and the instructions are excellent (as always).
Both the fabrics I used are knit, but very different from each other. The maroon floral fabric is a brushed poly spandex.
My gray sweater is a double knit that I found in the LA fashion district a couple of summers ago. But I think any double knit would work great for this pattern! It does fit a bit differently because it’s much more stable than the brushed poly, but both are really comfortable. The inside of this fabric is a really dark gray, and I did think about color blocking, but I decided to stick to what I know I’m comfortable with. Since the brush poly version turned out really long, I decided to only lengthen this one by 1 inch at the lengthen/shorten line. I think in the future I’ll just always lengthen by 2 inches though, because I do wish it was a tiny bit longer.
I made a nursing friendly Lane Raglan/Panama Tee Dress back in April, but I didn’t realize how wide the neckline was on the newer version of the pattern. I was also trying the contrasting sleeve look, but the white fabric I used was just too sheer, and I didn’t want to have to wear a full slip every time I wore it.
The neckline went a little further out towards my shoulders than I prefer, but I wasn’t sure how to fix it on a raglan. So the pattern sat and sat, until November when I decided I would just get the old version of the pattern and use tit instead. Adrianna willingly sent me the original pattern, but let me know that the newer version of the raglan seams and body shape are so much more flattering than the original. It told her what I was wanting to fix with the neckline, and she explained to me how to easily fix it!
[Straight from my email from Adrianna:] “Start at the center front point on the front piece and start to angle it up higher so it’s a nice gradual curve. Then match the sleeve at the raglan seam and continue adding more height on the sleeve and through the back piece. If you compare the older and newer versions you’ll see that that’s actually the main difference between the two. The center front height isn’t really different, it’s just closer around the sleeves and back neckline. Then measure your new neck line and your band will be 85% of that measurement plus seam allowances.”
Here are two photos showing my adjustment to the front and sleeve piece, bringing the side in by 7/8 inch. My adjustment didn’t effect the length of the neckband piece very much, so I just left it the same length. I loved my first one so much that I made the grey one the next day! I was also very happy not to have to reprint the original and still be able to use the newer version with this easy fix. (And can we just sing Hallelujah to hem bands because no hemming!)
Next on my sewing list is another Lane Raglan/Panama Tee Dress mashup (of course!). I really want to try again with the nursing friendly version with zippers, but since I’m not nursing anymore it’s probably not going to happen for a while.
Were the photos and explanation of how to adjust the neckline helpful? Let me know if you have any questions or would like clarification on anything. Happy raglan sewing!
Yes !!! I have been having the same problem with the neckline !!!! Thank you so much for posting the fix !!!
I am SO happy that this is helpful Haili!! I was so excited to finally make the pattern and have the neckline turned out perfect! I hope yours does too!!
I think I must have the old version! 🙂 I love the Lane Raglan. I need to make some more. Yours look so cute and comfy!
Where ever you bought the pattern from (if it was PFD) should let you download the new version for free! 🙂 Adrianna prefers the new, because it’s apparently more flattering than the original (I never made the original). And thank you, Skyler! They are the most comfortable shirts!
Have you tried Grainline Studio’s Linden sweatshirt? Just wondering how these two compare.
I haven’t make the Linden Sweatshirt before, but I have seen it on a lot of people who have made it. I think the main difference is that the Lane Raglan has more shape and is a little more flattering, and the Linden is a little more boxy, from what I can tell. The neckline on the Lane is wider (out towards the shoulders) than the Linden, but since I fix it on my pattern, it’s very similar to the Linden. I hope that helps!
I was wondering the same. I’ve made 2 Lindens, but I lengthen and do a split tail instead of band. Not boxy at al. But I also REALLY love these so may have to try this pattern!
Thanks Melissa! That’s so good to know! I bought the Linden a few months ago and I’m just waiting for it to cool off and then I’ll make one. They are similar styles, but I feel like it’s useful to have them both, depending on the look you’re going for.
Beautiful! You look great in them.
Thanks Jamie! <3
You look like a model!! These are so great on you!!!
Thank you, Emily!! They are the most comfortable long sleeve shirts! I have worn them both again since posting this!
You’re Lanes are gorgeous! I’ve made 3 now and love them. I’m thinking of adjusting the neckline just to see if I prefer a smaller one but I need a clarification. In the instructions (and I’m paraphrasing), in order to re-figure the size of your new neckband, it says to measure the new neckline and divide by 85% and add in seam allowances. My question is…do you add in both SA of neckline AND neckband so it would be 1/4 + 1/4 = ½ ? Or do you just add in 1/4 SA? Thank you 😊
I’ve made three now, too! They are seriously the best. 🙂 You just add 1/4 inch from both sides (short ends of the neckband) because you’re going to end up sewing them together before you attach it (so the SA won’t be stretched). So yes, you would add 1/2 inch total *after* you’ve figured out 85% of your neckline. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve made four Lane Raglans and love everything about them except the neckline width at my shoulder. I’m going to alter my pattern tonight!
You are so welcome! I’m glad that this tutorial was helpful for you! I hope you had good luck fixing it. 🙂