How to Edgestitch and Topstitch a Collar Lapel

Fine sewing details vanish from the viewer when they are sewn correctly, but when sewn wrong, it screams 'loving hands at home'. Edgestitching around a collar and neckline is a perfect example. I'll show you the way to sew it for perfect results.

Edge and topstitch the collar before it is attached to the garment. It is easier to work fine details on smaller section of the garment.

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LOUISE CUTTING, contributor
Posted on Jan 7th, 2013 in sewing, how-to, tips & tricks, fundamentals, collar, topstitching, edgetitching

Comments (10)

user-1141523 writes: I like being able to see high end examples of the usage. My goal is to make clothes that look like I purchased them from high end sources even though I can't afford to do so.
Posted: 3:49 pm on January 13th

user-879958 writes: Many Thanks stsimon , your advice to adjust the needle position was just right plus I really should slow down. I have always found top stitching difficult, especially if the fabric is slippy. thanks Pam
Posted: 4:17 am on January 10th

Mariesainte writes: This topstitching method looks very pleasing, but I agree with other posters: showing photos of the correct and preferred methods is a better teaching strategy. I would also be interested in the reasons why pattern directions often instruct one to do topstitching the "wrong" way.
Posted: 1:12 pm on January 9th

stsimon writes: For Pam - it is indeed hard to stitch accurately along the very edge (many the stitches I've pulled out to correct this) but if you slow down, it's easier. Not to mention practice, practice, practice.

Another hint is that if your machine allows you to adjust the needle position to right or left, start with the presser foot down, aligned with the right edge of the fabric, and then move the needle to the right until you reach the point you want to edgestitch. Thus the presser foot will help control the fabric as you sew and the stitches are less likely to fall off the edge.

Was the article fixed to respond to user-1140986? It is a bit confusing, because logically you would think that the topstitching on the lapel should turn in alignment with the collar topstitching. But following a different logic, if you leave out the edgestitching, the established place to pivot is when you reach the collar edge. Then you sew a few stitches up to the gorge line (where the collar meets the lapel), pivot again to sew 1/4" inch in the ditch, then pivot again to topstitch 1/4" from the collar edge
Posted: 12:03 pm on January 9th

user-879958 writes: I find these 'How to'guides very good but being a novice I still struggle to follow accurately. I can sew 1/4 inch from the edge OK, but how do I neatly hold the very edge under the needle to sew without the needle missing the edge in places?
Is there a special machine foot I should be using?
Many Thanks Pam
Posted: 3:27 am on January 9th

patsijean writes: Oh! I've learned quite a bit from this. Thank you.
Posted: 11:52 pm on January 8th

Katys_Mom writes: I agree with user-1140986.
Posted: 5:28 pm on January 8th

LuvThreadsMagazine writes: (sigh) So many things scream "loving hands at home"!!!

Such a cordial critique.

Great tutorial, as always.
Posted: 5:19 pm on January 8th

user-1140986 writes: It would be prudent to have both examples be consistent. The front page of the Threads website shows one version of the edgestitching of a collar (the one I feel is most "right"), while the instructions show another version in the final result, i.e., the conclusion of the second line of stitching on the garment (as opposed to the collar)aligns with the 2nd (inside) line of stitching on the collar. To me, the cover page shows a close-up of the more "correct" version where the 2nd line of stitching on the garment pivots up to the edge of the collar where it joins the return of the lapel. Perhaps the picture on the instructions was to show the "incorrect" way -- but it was not followed by a picture of the correct way, so it is confusing.
Posted: 5:00 pm on January 8th

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