How to Sew a Band Collar
on Casual Clothing
@liftingpinsandneedles
@RoshniSewingHouse
@OlgaBoyko_atelier
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Learn how to sew a crisp and professional-looking band collar for casual shirts and tops with this step-by-step sewing tutorial for all skill levels.
Materials Needed:
- Shirt or top pattern with a band collar design
- Main fabric (woven fabric like cotton, linen, or chambray works best)
- Fusible interfacing (light to medium weight)
- Thread to match your fabric
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or fabric clips
- Fabric marking tool
- Measuring tape
- Seam gauge (optional)
Tips Before You Begin:
- Use a pattern with a band collar or modify a regular shirt pattern to omit the full collar.
- Press your fabric and interface the band pieces before sewing for a crisp, professional finish.
- Baste the neckline and clip curves to help ease the collar band neatly into place.
- Always mark the center front, center back, and shoulder notches on both the neckline and the collar band.
- A topstitching foot or edge stitch foot can help keep your stitching even and clean.
1. Cut and Interface the Collar Band Pieces
- Cut two collar band pieces: one for the outer band and one for the inner band.
- Cut interfacing to match one collar band (usually the outer one) and fuse it to the wrong side using your iron.
- Mark notches and center points on both collar bands and the shirt neckline.
2. Sew the Collar Band Pieces Together
- Place the two collar band pieces right sides together.
- Sew around the outer curved edge (the top edge), leaving the neckline edge open.
- Trim seam allowances and clip curves to reduce bulk.
- Turn the collar band right side out and press thoroughly, rolling the seam slightly to the underside.
3. Attach the Outer Collar Band to the Shirt Neckline
- Pin the outer collar band (the interfaced one) to the right side of the shirt neckline, matching center front, center back, and notches.
- Stitch the band to the neckline with a â…œ” or ½” seam allowance (depending on your pattern).
- Clip into the neckline curve carefully, especially around the curves, to help it lie flat.
4. Enclose the Seam with the Inner Collar Band
- Fold under the seam allowance of the inner collar band (the non-interfaced side) and press.
- Pin or clip it so it just covers the stitching line from the inside.
- From the outside of the shirt, topstitch along the edge of the collar band to secure the inner side and finish the neckline cleanly.
5. Topstitch and Press for a Polished Finish
- Topstitch around the entire collar band, close to the edge, to reinforce the shape and give a tailored finish.
- Give the entire neckline a final press with steam to set the stitches and shape the collar.
