Mastering Construction: Collars & Closures
Sara Alm
Class Preview
1:35
- In-depth Instruction; over 203 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction & Camp Collars
28:44
Meet Sara Alm: patternmaker, author, teacher, designer and your guide to constructing collars and closures. Sara begins with an overview of collar design and construction. Then follow along as she prepares, sews and assembles a traditional camp collar.
Flat Collars
28:55
The flat collar, or collar without a stand, is a key element in many styles. In this lesson, Sara constructs a Peter Pan collar elegantly attached to the neckline with self-made bias tape. She'll show you how to pick the right fabric for your bias trim, join the upper and undercollar, and complete the collar.
Collars With a Band
28:37
A band provides support and structure to a collar along with an added bit of style. Sara starts by showing an alternative way of providing support by stitching a channel for a collar stay. Then she shows how to construct the banded collar, topstitch your way to perfect points and interface appropriately.
Banded Collar Variations
29:11
The basic banded collar sets the stage for a range of style options. Sara starts by demonstrating the "burrito technique" that ensures a clean finish. Then she moves on to stand-alone bands with no collar attached, including her most dramatic variation yet: the fashionable, vintage-style secretary bow.
Notched Collars
29:21
The notched collar offers classic flair as well as added construction challenges. Sara begins with the anatomy of the collar and how it creates its signature step effect. You'll learn to construct the collar with a perfectly stitched gorge point and a stabilized roll line to create a natural fold before setting and sewing the collar.
Plackets
27:54
Sara begins with the front-band placket, including pattern adaptation and construction methods for a fold-over, contrasting or precisely stitched partial placket. Finally, you'll learn to easily create a covered button placket with an additional fabric extension and folds.
Facings, Buttonholes & Closures
29:42
Sara helps you decide when to use a facing instead of a placket, such as with an outer garment or large buttons, and how to adapt your pattern for a facing. In addition, you'll learn guidelines for optimal buttonhole placement, when to use vertical or horizontal buttonholes, and how to fit a buttonhole to the buttons you choose.
Learn how to sew collars, closures and more with complete confidence alongside Apparel Arts instructor Sara Alm. Start with how to sew basic camp collars with a facing and a clean finish. Next, Sara will teach you how to create sophisticated flat collars featuring a clean custom bias finish. Take your skills a step further as you sew bulk-free banded collars reinforced with interfacing and a stay. Then, discover how to adjust pattern pieces to create collarless bands and even a secretary-style bow neckline. Ready to find out how to sew a collar for a truly sophisticated neckline? Learn to create notched collars that lay perfectly and look professional. Plus, build confidence sewing the perfect plackets, facings, buttonholes and buttons for your garments.
Sara Alm
Sara Alm started sewing dresses at age 6, and she's never looked back. After graduating from the Apparel Arts patternmaking program in 2005, Sara work has worked as a patternmaker, designer and sewing instructor at Apparel Arts. She also shares her passion for garment-making by teaching sewing and fashion to at-risk teenage girls. Sara recently launched a line of women's activewear and is the author of "Designing Clothes With the Flat Pattern Method" and co-author of "Famous Frocks."
Bonus materials available after purchase