How to Sew a Shirt Collar

Sewing a shirt collar is a cinch.

Sewing collars and attaching them to shirts can be a daunting task. In reality, sewing the professional-looking collar is straightforward. Whether you are sewing a collar that is large or small, wide or narrow, round or pointed, the process is the same. There is no secret to sewing a perfect collar for your garment. The key is to take the proper steps before taking it to the sewing machine.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Fusible inner facing
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Thread
• Shirt pattern

Instructions

1. Cut the fabric and inner facing pattern pieces as directed in the pattern instructions.

2. Fuse the inner facing to the upper collar and front neck facing pattern pieces.

3. Assemble the shirt--front, back and sleeves--according to pattern directions.

4. Sew the right sides of the collar together on the three outer edges, using 5/8-inch seams.

5. Sew each seam of pointed collars separately, all the way to the edge.

6. Sew rounded-edge collars using one long seam.

7. Trim the seams to ¼-inch on all three sides.

8. Clip the points of your collar diagonally close to the stitches.

9. Prevent fraying by using a zig-zag stitch to sew all three edges.

10. Turn the collar right sides out.

11. Use a point turner to shape the collar points.

12. Press the collar.

13. Baste the open lower edge of the collar using a zig-zag stitch along the edge.

14. Fold the collar in half-lengthwise.

15. Cut a 1/8-inch notch on the fold in the center of the lower edge of the collar.

16. Cut a 1/8-inch notch in neckline at the center fold of the shirt, blouse or jacket back.

17. Pin the notches together with the collar on the right side of the shirt.

18. Attach the collar to the body of the garment.

References

• New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences