Collar Tutorial

Some of you have requested a tutorial on how to make collars, so here it is :) 

I've done my best to make it as easy to understand as possible. I haven't actually done a tutorial before, so let me know if there are bits you don't understand...

Step 1: Print out the above image as A4 sized (21cm x 29.70 cm). Cut out the two shapes and place on the fold of your paper pattern. Add to or decrease the length of the collar within the red arrow area. Cut out your pattern and open the fold to reveal the full shape. 

Step 2: Fold your chosen fabric(s) so that you have two layers with the right side facing each other. Pin your patterns to the fabric(s) and cut out. You should have two pieces in each shape, as above. If you haven't altered the length of the collar, it should be about 48cms along its straight side.

Step 3: Sew the two pieces of the collar together on the three straight sides, right side facing inwards. Cut the corners of the collar and turn the collar inside out so that the right side of the fabric is facing outwards.

Step 4: Iron the seam flat. This will make it easier to do the next step of ironing the outside of the collar down flat.

Step 5: Cut out a strip of fusible web. Position it inside the collar and iron according to the fusible web instructions. This will give the collar a stiffness. At this point you can also choose to sew a seam along the collar or leave it, as you please.

Step 6: Place the layers for the pieces of neck fabric on either side of your collar piece, facing right side inwards.

[click on image to enlarge]

Step 7: Sew the neck pieces to the collar. Use pinking shears to cut the curved edge of the neck piece and collar that you have sewn together. Sew the ends of the neck piece together. Turn inside out and iron the neck fabric down flat.


At this point I usually iron a hem on the length of each neck piece. Then I position inside a strip of fusible web, iron the fabric together and sew along the edge. This is quite fiddly and difficult, so I've provided an alternative below which is much easier...

Step 8: Iron a hem on your neck fabric, insert a strip of fusible web and iron. At this point you can either  turn your hem and sew it, or cut out a strip of fabric and sew to exposed edge and turn and sew down on the reverse side in much the same way as you'd attach some bias binding.

Step 9: Iron along the join of the neck piece to the collar so that it will sit correctly... And, there's your collar!

Step 10 is, of course, devising a way to attach the neck piece at the front. I've been playing with buttonholes, clips, brooches and ribbon (not always successfully). If you come up with a great idea, I'd love to see it :) Have fun collar making!

GIVEAWAY!
If you'd like to win this collar then let me know in the comments section. I'll be leaving it without any clip or attachment (so you can have all the fun with that one!) I'll do a random number selection for the winner  next Sunday 6th February.