Vintage Embroidered Cut Work Collar

This design takes inspiration from 1920s France to give a real vintage look – perfect for a special occasion or a wedding. The classic style of this embroidered cut work collar is ideal for livening up an otherwise reserved outfit, such as a plain shift. And as it is detachable, the possibilities are endless!

Essentials

Fabric: plain, white or cream, 50cm square
Bias binding, white or cream
Button, shell, one
Scissors
Hoop, embroidery
Thread, coordinating
Pen, dissolvable

Make a collar

Locate and download the template and using a dissolvable pen, trace the pattern and the collar shape onto the fabric. Place part of your pattern inside an embroidery hoop, and starting anywhere on the inside of the collar, work a running stitch around the outline of the patterns. Once complete, make a small hole in the middle of each motif and snip a tiny cross, making sure not to cut the stitches.
Fold the little flaps of fabric underneath and satin stitch around the design, sealing the raw edges. Repeat for all of the detail inside the collar, including the flowers and petals, moving the hoop accordingly. To complete the design, use a chain stitch to embroider the vine shapes, connecting the petals.
To stitch the edge of the collar, place the appropriate section of fabric in the hoop. There should be an outline for the collar, and an extra outline for the frills. Work around the collar outline with running stitch, followed by a button hole stitch along the edge of the curve, filling the area. Continue around the entire collar.
Before cutting out the centre of your project, sew a running stitch around the circular part of the pattern. This stops the fabric from fraying and spoiling the work. Cut around the template lines, creating a space big enough to fit over someone’s head.
Take a length of bias binding, open the flaps and lay one of them along the edge of the curve, so the top is up against the fabric. Pin and sew, either by hand or machine, along the entire edge inside the binding. Repeat on the reverse of the collar, securing the binding with neat slip stitches. Leave 2cm at either end of the binding; fold this excess inside on itself and sew the ends to seal.
To make the buttonhole, sew a running stitch along the outside of the opening. Repeat the cut work technique, as before, then work a button stitch around the hole. On the corresponding piece, carefully stitch your desired button into place, ensuring it lines up with the hole. To finish, slowly and very carefully cut around the edges, working close to the stitches but without damaging any of the threads, and press.