I used to make things all the time but I haven't been that inspired in a while. However, I've found some really good blogs recently and found myself itching to get crafting again yesterday. I decided on something that was on-trend but that would also be open to your interpretation if you decided to make it yourself. You don't need to be a master seamstress and I've tried to make it as simple as possible because DIY's meant to be fun right? Most of the materials that I've used are bits and bobs I've had for ages but I think you'll be able to find most of them in Hobby Craft or your local habidashary/craft shop for not that much money. So here's what you need:
- x2 pieces of different coloured felt
- scrap paper
- an old necklace chain (that you don't mind cutting up)
- fabric scissors (normal scissors will be OK)
- black cotton and a thin needle
- embriodary thread and a thick needle
- one bead
- a pen and/or dressmakers chalk (normal chalk will do)
- jewellery multi-tool
- one bead
- some dressmakers pins
Step 1:
Draw the template for your collar using your fave dress or t-shirt; I've used my grey t-shirt dress from Primark. I did this by placing the paper inside the top and drawing round it. Then I removed the paper and sketched out the shape of the collar which I then cut out to use as a template.
Step 2:
Draw around the template onto the felt (the colour choice is upto you) using either a pen or dressmakers chalk depending on the colour of the felt obviously one will show up better than the other. I'd recommend using fabric scissors as they're sharper but normal scissors will do; these scissors might look funny because I'm left handed so they're effectively back-to-front.
Step 3:
After you've cut out your collar, draw a rough template about 1cm wider than the collar to make a contrasting frilly edge with. To make the frilly edge, simply cut the edge with a wiggly line or, if you're real sophisticated then use pinking sheers to do all the hard work for you.
Step 4:
Sew to frilly edged felt to the underside of the collar- it's easier if you use pins to hold it into place. I wanted my stitches to show up so used a contrasting colour but if you're not that confident with your sewing then you could use normal black cotton. Use a simple running stitch (that's in out, in out) to secure into place. Don't forget you'll need to do steps 2-4 twice to create both sides of the collar.
Step 5:
Sew the two halves of the collar together using the same thread- I then added a pearl bead that I got from a broken bracelet to add that little extra detail.
Step 6:
Take an old, unwanted necklace and using a jewellery multi-tool (or scissors but I wouldn't recommend this) cut off the end with the fastening- make sure you roughly measure this first! Then using regular cotton, sew each end onto the ends of the collar so that you can take it on and off with ease.
Step 7:
So there you have your new collar! I can't wait to wear it with my plain t-shirt dresses and tops- it's definitely going to encourage me to wear old clothes rather than buying one from the shops with a collar on. I hope you liked this DIY and I'm planning on doing some more in the future as I really enjoyed this. Please comment me any links to your DIY's or let me know if you give making this collar a go!!
