Fabulous Free Pattern Friday

While looking for some webbing at my local chain fabric store today, I just happened to notice this free pattern tutorial. This was meant as a promotional to sell the faux fur strip that was used to make the collar. I thought it was rather cute and something that I could use, so I tore off a sheet.

I made this coat quite a while ago. It's perfect with skirts, pants and even an evening gown, but the problem is that my neck gets very cold. I could wear a scarf with the jacket and I have, but a scarf is just not quite right.

 The back has a lovely swing.

When I arrived home, I immediately began working on the collar and I am so pleased with the outcome. It's just perfect for the jacket.  As I said, the tutorial was created to sell a 4" wide strip of faux fur. I made a few changes to the tutorial,  quite a few actually, so I will walk you through what I did.

Supplies;

54" long strip of 4" wide piece of faux fur

1 yard of 1" wide ribbon

A small amount of fiber fill for the pom poms

Most people will cut their fur with a pair of scissors. You should not cut fur with scissors. It cuts the hair and makes a mess. Use a razor blade to cut the fur. The blade will cut the backing fabric, but not the hair..
Begin by cutting 2, 4"squares from the end of the fur strip. Set the 2 squares aside for now. Cut the remainder of the strip down to 3"wide. Fold in half and cut into 2 pieces. Take 1 piece and hold it up to your neck to check the circumference. If the strip is too long, cut it down at this point.

Lay the 2 pieces together. Push the fur inside and sew along the edge with a zigzag stitch. Fur should not have a seam allowance.

By sewing the seam with a zigzag stitch, and pushing the fur fibers inside the seam, the fur will cover the seam and look lovely from the outside.

On the other side, leave an opening for turning.

Cut the ribbon in half. I used a velvet ribbon for my ties. Thread the ribbon into the collar and pull it out the end. Zigzag the edge. Be sure to go back and sew a straight stitch across the ribbon to help secure it in the seam. Turn the collar to the right side.

For the pompoms, round off the edges of the 4" squares, and create circles.

 With needle and thread, do a running stitch around the edge of the circle.

Pull the stitches up. Prior to closing the circle, stuff the pompom with a little fiber fill.

Insert the end of the ribbon into the pompom and securely stitch the ribbon into the pompom.

Stitch the side opening closed by hand.
Tie a nice bow and wear the collar with pride.

The collar goes together quickly, in less than an hour. It's just 2 rectangles and 2 circles. Girls of all ages would love this collar, so they would make great gifts. I know this girl is going to enjoy wearing hers ;)