Dress Up the Neckline I have to wear v-neck or scoop neck t-shirts.
Turtlenecks? No way! I feel choked if I have something too close to my throat.
Wearing necklaces was hard because they all felt like chokers until I got used to them.
Even when I was hugged from behind, I always tugged the arms down away from my neck.
While Dolly may not spend a lot of time focused on how tight her collars are or if the neckline accentuates her beautiful face, you will want to make sure that the collars you create compliment the style of the dress and that the neckline is pleasing to the rest of the outfit.
Too snug or too low and it will gain the wrong kind of attention.
When sewing for dolls it is important to remember that they have short necks.
Since the collar is so close to their face, it will be the main focal point.
This is a wonderful place to add appliques, exquisite hand-embroidery, or other embellishments.
In addition, most collars will look better laid flat and sewn into the bodice rather than having a roll at the top.
Since they are so small and so close to Dolly's neck, it is necessary to have as little bulk there are possible.
Here are a few other things to know when sewing a collar on Dolly's outfits: I prefer front collars because the neckline and shoulder seam lines are the same as the bodice and this ensures that the collar will lay flat.
With a collar in the back, make sure that both sides meet, but do not overlap, even if your closure overlaps.
Collars on Dolly's clothes are very small.
A larger collar looks great on Dolly and is much easier than a Peter Pan type collar.
Before turning smaller collars, make sure you are thorough when you clip and notch.
Clip, or take short snips, from the inside of the curve, into the seam line, but NOT through.
Use caution.
Notch, or make two snips to form a V, from the outside of the curve.
Once again, NOT through the seam, but into.
This ensures the collar will lay flat after it is turned and ironed.
If you use cotton or denim, you do not need interfacing.
This is only necessary for soft or lightweight materials.
When stitching, using typing paper will help to stabilize lightweight or soft material so when you stitch your sewing machine won't draw the fabric into the bobbin area.
Make sure to pull the paper off when you are done stitching.
To save some time, sew any lace to the backside of the finished collar and topstitch it.
Use lace to trim a neckline rather than a collar.
I use 1/4" lace and either sew it into the seam so it stands up or finish the seams in the neck area and then apply so the lace lays flat.
Sometimes I add piping for a clean finished look into the collar's seam.
Other times I prefer the plainer look.
Do you see all the options you have? Have a great time looking at the various patterns and trying out an assortment of techniques to finish off Dolly's dress or blouse.
There is no right or wrong answer.
It is all based on your style preference and the time you choose to invest on the finishing touches.
Experiment with your own creative styles and let me know what you discover!