Continuous Roll Collar

Keep in mind that you're doing pattern modification here.  Before you start your collar, make sure that your basic bodice pattern fits. 

My best suggestion would be to get your bodice pattern, even before you do a toile, (muslin) and trace it onto some Vilene (not the fusible kind, tracing Vilene is cheap, soft and flexible, you can see through it, and unlike fabric, it doesn't fray...)  and get someone to help you pin it together on you or a dummy.  If you can't get a hold of that... you can work with anything from muslin to old sheets.

TIP:  cut really generous seam allowances, two or three inches, not right on the lines, or you won't be able to alter it..  .This will help you find glitches in the design.  Note - don't muck around with collars yet...this is just for stuff like position of shoulder seams, correct shoulder width, and gaping at back  neck or arms.  Once you are sure that the basic bodice itself is ok, add on the collar extension, also in the Vilene, (You can recut the whole front, or just pin on an extra bit, or if you're really good, leave enough extra Vilene in your 'seam allowance' that you can cut it out later...)   Repin and check for fit.

The main difficulty with putting pattern alterations on the site is that it's just a guide... every bought pattern is going to vary in the curve of the collar, the neckline and the depth of the neckline also, dependant on the original collar/neckline/style/size.  This is why we have added the recommendation that it's for more experienced sewers.  Individual outfits' collar patterns are simply shape recommendations, but to make it fit each persons pattern will require some tweaking.  However, the method remains the same for all, and that's the key point of having it.

Neckline shape:

It may be necessary to alter the back neckline to allow the collar to sit flat.  It may be dipping too low, in which case you can add a little height to the CB and try that. Try 1/4" at a time, hard to say without seeing the pattern...  The puckering could be caused by a number of things... if it's extra width in the collar or the neckline, you need to measure the curve very carefully before stitching your CB seam on the collar (like matching armholes to sleeves... can be tricky).  If it's due to the dip in the neckline pulling everything out of whack, raise the back neck as I mentioned above so its less curved.

Once you have your pattern worked out in Vilene, you then transfer the markings from the bought pattern where applicable and you have a new pattern for future use.  (Doesn't tear like paper, long-lasting and easy to use!)

Step Two - using your new, modified pattern pieces, do the whole thing, including sleeves and skirt, in the muslin and instead of just pinning, stitch it up and move around in it.  Obviously without interfacing the collar won't stay up properly but you should get the general look.  This will tell you where any more problem areas are...
 

1.       How to draft a Continuous Roll Collar on any basic bodice:

a) Extend C.F. of bodice pattern for the buttonstand (overlap).  Width may vary.

On Bodice Front draw shape of collar as desired. (See individual outfits for designs..)

 Mark 3/4" out from the shoulder at the neck. 

Draw a breakline* through this point to the desired depth of the collar. Fold your paper back along the breakline and trace the shape of your collar. 

b)  Extend the breakline upwards from the shoulder, by 1/2 back neck measurement +1/4" for seam allowances.

Measure 1/2" back from the breakline at C.B. and rule a line from that point to the termination point (where the collar ends). 

Draw a line at right angles to this new breakline, about 1" to the back and 2" to the front.  *This width can be adjusted for a wider or narrower collar, but only towards the front of the collar.  

c)  Widen the outside edge by extending the C.B. line 1/4".  Reshape the line and connect with the traced part of the collar.

*A breakline is the point where your collar folds back upon itself

2.      How to cut Collar Facing and Interfacing for a Continuous Roll Collar:

      If you want the lining to be recessed from the front edge there are two alternatives.    either cut the facing as a full-length strip, incorporating the collar and extending to the hem

(2 b)).  Or: you can self-face the front below the collar termination point, cut collar facing separately, and overstitch. 

3.      How to assemble:

a)  Machine stitch C.B. of collar, R.S. tog., press seams open.  Repeat for collar facing and interfacing*. 

Clip curves, finish edges if necessary and trim.  Turn to inside.  Slip stitch collar facing into place along neckline seam and shoulder seams**.