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MN2102 Banksia / Sewalongs

Banksia Sewalong: Version 2 neckline facing

Let’s discuss Version 2 of the Banksia.  Version 2 has a placket, but no collar. The neckline finishing is pretty much exactly the same as discussed here for Version 3 with a neckline facing, but we will review it here anyway. If you’re looking to do a placket-less version (Version 1), see here.

I love doing a collarless version – it’s honestly so easy, and results in a very different-looking top.

Let’s chat about how to do it…

The basic idea is the same as when we have the collar there – just pretend it isn’t!

how to make the Collarless Version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary Note: A pattern piece for a bias-facing strip is provided, but you could also use store-bought bias tape if you would like. 

Prepare your bias facing.

With wrong sides together, fold your bias strip in half lengthwise and press flat.

attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary Pin your bias facing around the neckline. You will be lining up the raw edges of the folded facing with the raw edge of the neckline.

It’s important that the ends of the bias facing extend past the collar edge and basting stitches by 1/2”. Trim off any excess.

Sew 1/4” from the raw edge.

Please take note: we are doing all of this on the right side of the fabric.

attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design DiaryTrim back the seam allowance. You can use pinking shears to both trim and notch at the same time!

attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary Press the scant seam allowance towards the facing, and understitch.

Understitching just means stitching the seam allowance to a facing, close to the seam, to prevent the facing from rolling to the outside. 

attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design Diary Now fold the bias facing towards the inside of the top (wrong side of the fabric) enclosing the raw edges. Iron it down, and pin in place.

We are not using the bias strip as a binding, we are using it as a facing, so we want it to lay flat on the inside of the top and not be visible from the outside.

Sew in place close to the edge of the facing.

attaching facing to the collarless version of the Banksia Blouse // tutorial on Megan Nielsen Design DiaryThats it! There will be visible topstitching from the outside. So if that’s not your thing, you could hand slipstitch the facing down.

LOOKING FOR MORE BANKSIA POSTS?

Some other tutorials you might like to check out:

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About Author

Holly writes part time for the Megan Nielsen blog– sewing like crazy, creating tutorials and sewalongs. She has been sewing since she was a little girl, and has her degree in apparel design. Now she’s a stay at home mama, and spends all her free nap times at her sewing machine.

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Kim
Kim
10 years ago

Another version to add to my list! :P I like how different it looks, but still super cute! :D

Vanessa@DesignsBySessa
10 years ago

I really really really want this Banksia pattern! I’m saving up for it! It’s so cool, collarless or with, although I think I prefer “with”! Can’t wait to get it!!!

Katie
Katie
10 years ago

If I make this version out of a knit, do I still use regular woven bias tape or can I use self fabric (knit) as bias tape?

Juli
10 years ago

This is a little off topic, but… Megan, that butterfly fabric in the first photo is so pretty and sweet! It suits the top perfectly and I love butterflies! :-)
Did you purchase it somewhere recently or is it a shirt from one of your previous collections?