The Boatneck

The boatneck (or bateau neckline) is simple and elegant - or it can be easy-breezy and casual. This is a shape that is flattering on virtually everyone!

The front of the neckline is a bit high; it's actually higher than the jewel neckline of your bodice block.  But the neckline is wider at the sides of the neck, making an almost straight line across the front of the neckline. 

If you are uncomfortable wearing a neckline that is high (as I am), you can adjust that as you draft the neckline. 

sketch of model wearing green top with boatneck


The wide sweep of the bateau neck can be very elegant.  It was Megan Markel's choice for her wedding gown, and I've often seen bridal styles with a bateau neckline.

Or, in a navy and white horizontal stripe, it's a classic French sailor's jersey! But in any color, it's a basic that's worn year-round.

Put it on a dress and add jewelry - it's the perfect backdrop for a long necklace. Or put it on a cotton knit top, and it makes your favorite jeans a little bit more classy.

How to Draft a Bateau Neckline


This is a very simple variation on the close-fitting neckline of the blouse block. It is a relatively straight, wide, and high neckline.


To make the bateau neckline, raise the center front neckline approximately 1/2”. 

Mark a point at the center of the shoulder seam for the width of the neckline.


pattern draft for front boatneck top

Join the 2 points with a VERY gentle curve. When worn, the neckline should appear almost straight across the neck.

If you are not comfortable with a neckline this high, you can adjust the depth as you choose.  Even if you keep the depth of the neck the same as your bodice block at center front, the width of the bateau will give you the look you want. 

Just be sure to make the line very smooth from one side to the next - the goal is to give the illusion of an almost straight line across the front of the neck. 

pattern draft for back of boatneck top

On the back bodice, lower the center back neck  about 1/2”. The back neck is actually scooped out a bit.

Again, mark a point at the center of the shoulder seam and join the points with a gentle curve.


The back neck may seem lower than the front at this point, but it is not. Since the front neck is much lower than the back in the original draft, raising the front and lowering the back a bit does not change the overall balance at the neckline.

This neckline pulls over the head fairly easily, and should work even in a woven fabric.  If needed, you can add a simple vent or keyhole opening at the center back neck, closed with a single button and loop. 

The neckline could be finished with knit binding, bias tape, a facing, or a simple turn-and-stitch hem.

More Collars and Necklines

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