Absolute Easiest Way to Sew Collars
What if I told you: Collars are so easy to sew that even a first time stitcher will have success. Bold. I know, and that kind of assertive statement is out of character for me, but it’s true. You’ll be successful sewing collars in the absolute easiest way.
The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew Collars
In my Sewing With Nancy series and companion book, I share my favorite absolute easiest way to sew techniques. The collar being my signature speedy sewing tip. Here goes!
- Interface the collars. Cut out two collar shapes from lightweight fusible interfacing and fuse one to the wrong side of each collar. One of my favorite fusible interfacings is Pellon’s Sof Shape.
- Meet collars right sides together. Stitch the outer collar seam.
- Grade the seam, trimming the under collar seam allowance narrower than the upper collar.
- Press the seam flat; then press toward the under collar.
- Understitch, stitching the seam allowance to the under collar. I like to use a multizigzag stitch. Or, you could use a straight stitch.
- Fold the collar along the first stitching line, right sides together. Meet the collar front edges. Notice the outer collar seam allowance is already graded (trimmed) and completely understitched. This wrapped-corner sewing technique is what makes it the absolute easiest way to sew collars!
- Stitch both collar front seams.
- Grade the seam allowances, and angle cut the corners.
- Turn the collar right side out and press. That’s it!
All my favorite sewing tips in one book.
The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew chapters include:
- Sewing Notions
- Sewing Machine Confidence
- Serger Spotlight
- Patterns
- Fabric Facts
- Sewing Basics
- Beyond the Basics
Watch The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew (Part One, Part Two, and Part Three) on Sewing With Nancy online.
Bye for now,
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Bonnye
I would love the book especially since I am teaching my 10 year old granddaughter to sew. I really like the collar with the wrapped seams. The wrapped seams technique can be used for other projects.
Susan Spiers
Love the idea without a pivot-makes the corner crisp and sturdy! I need lots of idea for sewing in a zipper-to me the biggest sewing challenge I have!
Marti Morgan
Nancy – I love to watch you sew. My mother made all of my clothes as a youngster. I did not inherit her ability or her “bust”. I use to sew a pattern size 8 and it always fit, but now I have become over endowed – 40 DD. A 34 B to a 40 DD wearing a size 12. i cannot, for the life of me. sew an acceptable fitting dart. I have your book – I tried, I failed. Now I am sewing quilts.
Karen
I love your easy sewing tips. I would like more tips on sewing with knit layers. I have had a hard time sewing some patterns and getting them to line up when having several layers to stitch. help!
Brenda Ackerman
One issue that I have faced in sewing shirts for my husband is facing the cuffs in the right fashion and adding embellishments to collars, pockets and the chokes ( I hope that is the right term, I can not seem to find any of my patterns to check…LOL ). It can be a lot of fun creating his shirts for him because he does like different styles of shirts and a variety of embellishments; only I can not seem to keep pieces in the correct direction or have multiple problems with puckering or fabrics fraying is another problem. I would love to own this book as well as every book you have published; you are a great teacher! Thank you for this opportunity!
Cassy L.
I am still having a hard time choosing a pattern size. I don’t have a sewing buddy to help with measuring my body. Is there a way to get accurate measurements myself? Like duct taping the measuring tape to myself?
Starla
I’d like to try making a shirt for my husband, so the collar tip will probably be very helpful — all your tips are helpful!
Tina
Blind hems always confuse me. Is there a foolproof method? Thanks!
Jo Dunlap
Nancy, I am an absolute newbie to the sewing world. After a 33 year career in the nursing profession, I was stricken with an incurable disease resulting in being basically homebound now. My mother was a beautiful seamstress and tried so hard to teach me her talents, but was not able to do it. My sister inherited the sewing grab and she and mom made over 100 quilts before mom left us. With time on my hands and the need to occupy my head I decided to teach myself to sew. You have been instrumental in the process, but I have a LONG way to go. Your videos are easy to follow and your method of presentation makes even a newbie hopeful. Keep up for all of us who benefit from your talent to teach those of us who have a hard time thinking it through. I can’t be the only 60 year old who is just learning this fun and not so easy skill.
ROBIN, TX
Nancy, I’m still waiting for that Texas bag pattern!!
Thanks for all the videos and tips. Always helpful.
Manuela
I learn so much with you ! Thank you very much. The three parts are wonderful and so helpful !
Grâce à vous, je me sent plus en confiance pour commencer un travail … merci mille fois !
Marty
Would like to sew lingerie but don’t know where to begin (my mother did in the 70s, and the items were wonderful).
Marty
Would like to sew lingerie but don’t know where to begin (my mother did in the 1970s, and the items were wonderful).
Tammy
I love edge stitching. This makes an item look so neat and finished.
Sandi Dickenson
Nancy, I was in tears before finding your show in a small montana town. I was medically retired from military nursing and homebound with my condition. I learned to sew on mom’s singer 301 in the 50’s but my military career was so demanding I hadnt sewn in 20 years. It was a nightmare of new fabrics, threads and machines. You caught me up. I recorded every show for 4 years and studied them in detail. I learned how to use my newly purchased machine to sew, I learned how to serge and even how to embroider! I called and spoke to your wonderful ladies at Nancy Notions and their excellent advice on what to order built my stash- not many buying options in rural Montana!! I have since moved to Florida and found an ASG chapter which continued to build my skills as I sew for others. Sewing has lifted my spirit. Thank you for mentoring me and giving me back a purpose to live again. I enjoy watching your guests on Sewing With Nancy and supporting many of the charities with my sewing.
Nancy Zieman
Dear Sandi
You made my day with this kind note. May you continue to enjoy the give to others with your gift of sewing. Nancy
connie
hello nancy, do you know i have a book of yours” The busywoman sewing book with robbie fanning”…that was given to me by my friend who lived in New York..it was very useful to me…but that was only basic. I want to know more like how to attach a lapel to a collar or to sew a wedding dress!
Pamela Smith
I love your “easiest way to sew elastic”. I tried it, it was easy and it worked perfectly. Thank you so much for all you do for the very large sewing community.
Donna Fecteau
not sure it is in the book, but I love your tip on replacing zippers. I used it recently on my husband’s favorite winter parka. He has a new one but he always goes to his “old favorite” when its time to shovel. Says the new one is “too good” to wear to shovel in.
Angel Messer
I have just begun to sew again. I think I have the basics down, but I would really like some help with a jacket front. The collar, the lapel, the interfacing for the areas and the buttonholes/buttons. I have your book “The easiest way to sew” and keep it by my machine. Thank you for all your help.
Angel
Von Ormy, Texas