The Burrito Method: A Clean Finish for Necklines and Armholes

Updated at: 22/03/2025

Frustrated with uneven necklines and messy armholes that ruin an otherwise perfect garment? Sewing these delicate areas can be a real challenge, often leaving us with puckers, stretching, and an overall unfinished look. But what if there was a simple, yet incredibly effective method to achieve a professional, clean finish every time? Enter the "Burrito Method," a clever technique that transforms the daunting task of finishing necklines and armholes into a surprisingly straightforward process. This ingenious method allows for a beautiful, even finish without the need for complicated techniques or specialized tools.

Forget wrestling with bias tape or struggling with tricky blind hems. The Burrito Method offers a neat, secure finish that enhances the overall quality of your garment. Ready to learn this game-changing technique and elevate your sewing skills? Let's dive into the step-by-step process, complete with clear instructions and helpful illustrations, to achieve that flawless neckline and armhole you've always dreamed of.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • sewing machine
  • fabric
  • lining
  • scissors
  • iron
  • pins
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp, clean scissors. Dull scissors can cause fabric to fray or pull, ruining the finished look and potentially injuring yourself.
  • Avoid stretching the fabric excessively while trimming or finishing the neckline/armhole. This can distort the garment's shape and lead to an uneven finish.
  • Test your chosen finishing method (e.g., serger, zigzag stitch) on a scrap of the same fabric first to ensure the settings are correct and you achieve the desired result before working on the garment itself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Bodice

    • Sew the shoulders together of both your main fabric and lining pieces. Press seam allowances open.
    • Match the main fabric and lining fabric together at the neckline with right sides together. Make sure your shoulder seams are aligned. Stitch around the neckline with a straight stitch. Trim and grade your seam allowances. Clip the curved areas (or snip into the center point for a V-neck).
    Match the main fabric and lining fabric together at the neckline with right sides together. Make sure your shoulder seams are aligned. Stitch around the neckline with a straight stitch. Trim and grade your seam allowances. Clip the curved areas (or snip into the center point for a V-neck).Match the main fabric and lining fabric together at the neckline with right sides together. Make sure your shoulder seams are aligned. Stitch around the neckline with a straight stitch. Trim and grade your seam allowances. Clip the curved areas (or snip into the center point for a V-neck).
    Prepare Bodice

  2. Understitch and Turn

    • Understitch the seam allowances of the main fabric bodice to the lining bodice about 1/8 inch away from the stitching line.
    • Turn the bodice right side out and press.
    Turn the bodice right side out and press.Turn the bodice right side out and press.
    Understitch and Turn

  3. Burrito Roll

    • Lay your bodice flat with the main fabric facing upwards. Starting at one armhole, roll the entire bodice (main fabric and lining) towards the other armhole. Flip the lining under the rolled bodice to meet the main fabric bodice. Align the lining and main fabric armholes with right sides together.
    Lay your bodice flat with the main fabric facing upwards. Starting at one armhole, roll the entire bodice (main fabric and lining) towards the other armhole. Flip the lining under the rolled bodice to meet the main fabric bodice. Align the lining and main fabric armholes with right sides together.
    Burrito Roll

  4. Sew and Finish Armholes

    • Stitch the armhole. Trim and grade the seam allowances, and clip around the armhole. Pull the bodice through the shoulder area to pull it right side out.
    • Press the armholes.
    Press the armholes.Press the armholes.
    Sew and Finish Armholes

  5. Sew Side Seams

    • Sew the side seams with right sides together. Pin the side seam of the lining and the main fabric bodice. Stitch in one go from the lining through to the main fabric bodice. Press seam allowances open and repeat for the other side.
    Sew the side seams with right sides together. Pin the side seam of the lining and the main fabric bodice. Stitch in one go from the lining through to the main fabric bodice. Press seam allowances open and repeat for the other side.
    Sew Side Seams

Read more: Raglan Sleeve Sewing Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Pressing seam allowances open is crucial for a clean finish.
  • Clipping curved areas helps to prevent puckering.
  • Understitching helps to keep the lining in place.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Pulling the Fabric Too Tight

Reason: Over-stretching the fabric during the burrito method can lead to puckering and an uneven finish.
Solution: Ease the fabric gently and consistently, ensuring even tension throughout the process.

2. Improper Pinning or Clipping

Reason: Using too few pins or placing them incorrectly can cause the layers to shift, resulting in a messy seam allowance.
Solution: Securely pin or clip the fabric at regular intervals, ensuring all layers are aligned and neatly tucked in.

3. Ignoring Seam Allowance

Reason: Not accounting for seam allowance before starting the burrito method leaves insufficient fabric for a clean finish.
Solution: Ensure adequate seam allowance is included to allow for neat folding and turning.

FAQs

Can I use the Burrito Method with all fabrics?
While it works beautifully with many fabrics, the Burrito Method is best suited for medium-weight to heavier fabrics. Very lightweight or stretchy fabrics might be difficult to manage and could result in an uneven finish.
What if my neckline or armhole is curved? Does the Burrito Method still work?
Yes! The Burrito Method is adaptable to curved necklines and armholes. You'll simply need to carefully ease the curves as you wrap and stitch, ensuring a smooth, even finish throughout.