We are going to make a rather bold statement: Collars are so easy to sew that even a first time stitcher will have success. That kind of statement is out of character for us, but it’s true. Let us show you . . .
The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew Collars
In the second episode of this Sewing With Nancy series and companion book, Nancy Zieman shared her favorite absolute easiest way to sew techniques. The collar being Nancy’s 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 our 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. We like to use a multizigzag. 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 of Nancy’s easiest sewing tips are in one book.
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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.
For your chance to win a copy of The Absolute Easiest Way to Sew from Nancy’s Notions, leave a comment sharing your most common sewing challenge.
Happy Sewing!
Team Nancy Zieman
Nancy Zieman Productions. LLC.
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Turning precise corners on collars ~ getting both points exacting the same at least. I’m going to definitely try Nancy’s method on my next collar. Never too old to learn new tricks, lol.
My biggest sewing challenge is setting in sleeves. I love the entire process of sewing from deciding what to make, picking out fabric, and embellishments to the finished project.
Taking Nancy’s advice to sew 15 minutes a day has been a challenge, but I’m working towards meeting it! At the machine, it’s getting darts even and aligned with each other.
finding time to sew is 1 challenge, the other is doing a fly front zipper. They intimidate me and so I have never tried one
Pattern alteration for proper fit is my greatest sewing challenge. I love Nancy’s books because they always provide simple and easy to follow directions for improving sewing skills.
Zippers are probably the one I tend to hesitate with.
I probably need more practice!!
Without a doubt- buttonholes. Any garment I make is destined to have one or more buttonholes that are a sloppy mess. I’ll be going along fine until one gets jammed in the bobbin and creates a thread nest.
Buttonholes are a challenge, now that my new machine doesn’t have a buttonhole foot. They give you instructions for manualing doing them, but mine are crooked and not even.
My biggest challenge is finding time to sew. This week I cared for a neighbor’s dog (her son had an emergency health problem), my ailing husband, and my son’s cats and chickens. I just need more time to sew.
Collar stands give me problems.
This book would be great for my 12 year-old granddaughter. I am trying to teach her how to sew by starting with simple projects.
Collar stands give me problems
Zipper & buttonholes are tough for me.
Sewing with knits is on thing I need to learn how to do.
Fly fronts are difficult for me, regular zippers are easier now that I have seen an earlier video on zippers from Nancy. In the tip she explains of leaving the zipper pull beyond the seam line until sewing the zipper to avoid that little bump when the pull gets in the way. I always enjoy the shows, and learn something new each time!
I can not fit a pattern ever. It is so frustrating!! I keep trying though. I have thrown so many items in the trash. Maybe someday.
Nancy always had the best information on sewing. I still dvr her shows on PBS.
My two daughters and I spent years wearing things that I made…some were successes and enjoyed, but some not. I always avoided zippers! Sometimes I would even mail projects to my out of state mother for her to put in the zippers and then she would mail them back!!! Sad! I would love to refresh my sewing skill and learn new things with Nancy’s book. It is never to learn!
Lee;
Sewing buttonholes has always been a challenge for me. Even though the machine is supposed to do all the work, I still struggle with it.
My most challenging sewing issue is with jacket collars and lapels. I would love to learn how to get crisp points and perfect seams.
I would enjoy having the book. Always time saving ideas.
I would love to win this book. i can use all the help i can get. like a lot of people. I am challenged by zippers and knits.
Zippers and sewing on knit fabrics are a problem for me.
My most common problem sewing is dealing with knits.
Getting better at sewing knits. Wondered why my stitches always popped.
I really liked the hints in this email about doing a collar!
I need any help I can get in sewing clothes. My skills so far have been limited to making American Doll clothes.
I avoid zippers, and only sew knits when possible. Something to help with zippers would be a great benefit to me.
My biggest sewing challenge is getting a zipper casing to be perfectly straight. I seem to get a widening of the casing when I am near the top of the zipper. A guide book certainly would be helpful.
My biggest challenge is fitting patterns! I really need a lesson/method to do that. I’m short, have an ample bosom, and I am not a small person. Any tips in this area would be wonderfu!