Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Drafting a Peter Pan Collar, Part Three!



{Click here to watch the video on YouTube.}

You didn't think I forgot about this, did you? Here it is, the third and final part in this video series on how to draft your own Peter Pan collar for a blouse. (I used the Sencha blouse, but this can work for anything - dresses included!) Make sure you start with part one and part two if you're just tuning in. And read on here for construction tips!

After you finish this process, you'll be ready to cut out your fabric! If you need visual help on constructing your collar (and couldn't we all use a little extra assistance?), consult a good sewing reference. My favorite, a 70s edition of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, has fantastic instructions for sewing this type of collar.

But the gist of the construction is this:
  1. Sew the under collar to the upper collar sections (right sides together).
  2. Notch, grade, and trim the seam allowances.
  3. Turn right side out and press. Make sure the seam of the collar falls on the underside, so it's not visible from the top.
  4. Baste the collar pieces to the right side of your blouse at the neckline.
  5. Construct your facing unit and baste, right sides together, to the neckline (on top of the collar).
  6. Stitch around the neckline, through all thicknesses.
  7. Notch, grade, and trim the neckline seam allowances.
  8. Turn the facing unit to the inside of the blouse.
  9. Understitch the facing unit.
  10. Tack the facings at the seams.
And, as always, leave any questions in the comments!

P.S. Have any requests for the topic of my next video series? Please let me know here!

9 comments:

  1. Thanks for this series Gertie! I can't wait to try it out! Hmm, I'd love to see how to make a middy/sailor collar!

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  2. That's such a cute Peter Pan collar on that blouse. My pick for the next video series? Bound buttonholes!

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  3. I've made many collars before but always with both pieces (top and bottom) exactly the same size. I then spend ages pressing them carefully so that it all sits properly and the underside doesn't show. Must try with a slightly smaller underside like you suggest here!

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  4. You've a great job explaining the Peter Pan collar. Gave me the inspiration to change the collar on a blouse I've started. This is my favorite vintage sewing blog! Thanks for all the good info!

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  5. Thanks for the tutorial : it helped me a lot ! My fabric was reluctant (wool jersey) but i'm pleased with the results. Thanks !

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  6. Hi Gertie,

    I watched all of your videos on the peter pan collar, but I'm worried because I need to make one for a cape. I can't overlap the shoulder seams because there are none. How can I make sure the collar lays flat against the cape?
    I would really appreciate any help. Thanks!

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  7. Hello Gertie. I just wanted to thank you for making such a great video. I was looking online for patterns for a Peter Pan collar, but I can across your tutorial. Thank you again. Love your blog.

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  8. Thank you so much for this! I've been altering patterns "by feel" for such a long time and it's nice to know there's an actual procedure. My daughter's Charlie Brown cast thanks you because their costumes are gonna rock!

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  9. Thank you for the comprehensive instructions for drafting a pattern for a Peter Pan collar. (I'm making a 60s style dress for a friend's 60th (60s-style dress-up)party and your collar is very good.) I like your inclusion of photos in case the viewer cannot see what you're doing so well. I look forward to seeing more of the sewing that you are happy to share. Good on you and thanks again!

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Thanks for your comments; I read each and every one! xo Gertie

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