Crew Neck Tallinn Sweater Hack

Hard to believe that January is on its way out already, isn’t it? Well, if you haven’t finished up your Sew My Style Activewear for the month, here’s a quick tutorial for hacking the Tallinn Sweater with a crew neck that you could whip up before the month is over!

The Tallinn Sweater by Hey June has a crossover bodice and the option for a turtleneck or cowl neck but since those aren’t my style preferences, I decided to adjust the pattern with a regular sweatshirt crew neck. To make the same adjustment, all you’ll need is the Tallinn Sweater pattern, fabric, and a favorite crew neck sweater or sweatshirt pattern (you could also draft this on your own but using an existing pattern was the simplest and most reliable for me).

First, begin by cutting out one of the bodice fronts (the Tallinn has separate right and left pattern pieces) along all lines except for the neck.

Next you’ll want to match center fronts and shoulder seams between the Tallinn pattern piece and your crew neck pattern piece. For mine, I used the Jarrah Sweater (view A) by Megan Nielsen.

After you’ve lined up the new front on the existing pattern piece, anchor both pattern pieces and fold the Tallinn bodice down and out of the way.

Now lay the crew neck pattern piece back down, making sure that the center front and shoulders are still lined up. Cut out your new neckline.

Repeat for the other Tallinn front bodice piece and then the back bodice. Finally, cut out the neckband from the crew neck pattern. Sew the Tallinn Sweater as instructed, attaching the crew neck band instead of the turtleneck or cowl.

And done!

I love how the crew neck turned out, especially by using the wrong side of this dusty rose french terry for the neckband, cuffs, and bands. Its a technique I like to use often and I always love how it adds some subtle but unique visual interest.

Check back tomorrow for the rest of my Sew My Style Activewear set, plus three different versions of the wardrobe workhorse, the Avery Leggings!