Reversible Peter Pan Collar Tutorial

Hey all,

Time for a tutorial! I give you the Reversible Peter Pan Collar Tutorial!

This tutorial post has been in the works for too long. I started this reversible Peter Pan collar project and took all the pics so long ago, with the intention of posting, but I lacked a scanner to provide ya'll with the actual pattern for download. Unfortunately, my scanner is still out of commission. But hopefully, the pictures are detailed enough you can take a gander and work it out.

Let's get started!

You will need:

• A fat quarter of two coordinating fabrics
• Some lightweight fusible interfacing. I like to use Heat n Bond Iron on.
• Coordinating thread
• Two 8 inch lengths of coordinating 1/4" wide ribbon
• Sewing machine
• Pins
• Iron and ironing board.

1. First, we'll cut out our pattern. You can do this any number of ways--measure around an existing collar you have in your closet or just measure around your neck and then draw a pattern with curves and width to your liking. It took me several attempts to get what I wanted here. The most important thing about cutting out your pattern, is that it has to lay right, when curved over your neck and shoulders--that's why the pattern looks a little like a horseshoe. Also, make sure your pattern is absolutely symmetrical! I wish, wish, WISH I could give you a pattern to scan and print for yourself, but I have confidence in your crafty abilities! Good luck!

You're going to want to cut out TWO collar pieces in two coordinating colors. Or, if you don't want a reversible collar, two of the same choice of fabric. You're also going to cut a collar piece out of some lightweight fusible interfacing. I like to use Heat n Bond iron-on. Cut your collar pieces and interfacing about half an inch larger than you actually want it all around, for seam allowance.

I like to cook with wine....apparently, I also like to sew with wine! ;)

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Interfacing on the wrong side of my lighter colored fabric.

Iron on your interfacing, bumpy side down, onto the WRONG side of one of your fabrics. (As you can see in the pictures above, I drew a line all around where my seam allowance would be. This is optional, but helpful. If you do this, you're going to want to make sure that your lines are as even and close to the symmetry of the collar as possible).

 After you'r done ironing on the interfacing to one of the pieces, place that piece and the other piece of fabric RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER. The interfacing will be on the outside. Pin it carefully all around.

You're almost ready to start sewing. But first, we'll need to cut lengths of ribbon for the ties to close your collar.

 Place each ribbon carefully INSIDE the collar, with just a small little tail peaking out, maybe half an inch. Pin it to secure. Do this on each side.

IMPORTANT: Start sewing very slowly and carefully all around the collar, following your seam allowance-- BUT DON'T FORGET to leave a gap somewhere near the outside middle, of about 3 or 4 inches. If you forget this step (which I have!) you will not be able to turn the thing inside out!

 Turn that puppy inside out.

Using a long, pointy object (I'm using a knitting needle, here) go inside your collar and poke out all the curves and corners, and iron them down smooth.

Now, carefully fold in the area that you left un-sewn and pin it. You're going to topstitch all around the collar edges, so this will close up.

Once you're finished topstitching, give your collar another quick iron-down and--you're done! Enjoy your new collar!!

If you're interested in purchasing a collar, rather than making one, this particular collar, as well as a couple others, are available in my Etsy shop!

If you do make a collar, I'd LOVE to see your results! Post a link in the comments and share your flair (or ask a question or three!)