Please enjoy this fun, free tutorial taken from The Tunic Bible: One Pattern, Interchangeable Pieces, Ready-to-Wear Results! by Sarah Gunn and Julie Starr.

This tutorial will help you embellish a ready-made tunic, and the book includes patterns and instructions for mix-and-match collars, neck plackets, and sleeves for an endless variety of professional, store-quality tops.

Applying Mitered Corner Trim to a Tunic Neckline

Sharp mitered corners and crisp angles are a must when applying trim to a tunic. Careful symmetry when using patterned trims makes all the difference between a look that is professionally sewn and one that shouts “homemade.”

Where and When to Apply Trim

Plackets: Attach the placket to the Bodice Front and apply trim prior to sewing bust darts. V-neck: Apply trim after sewing shoulder seams and attaching the V-neck Placket and facing. Collar: Apply trim before sewing two collar sections together. Sleeves: Apply trim before sewing the underarm Sleeve seam. Sleeve Band and Cuff: Apply trim to the interfaced side of a cuff or band before enclosing it in a seam. Lower Edge and Side Slits: Apply trim after hemming the tunic front and back. Lower edges and side slits are double folded and topstitched.

How to Apply Trim

Our single favorite notion for applying trim is fabric adhesive tape. Available in both water-soluble and permanent varieties, these products firmly anchor your embellishments without pins, which often cause shifting and distortion.

Using this time-saving notion allows you to lift and rearrange your trim until you are pleased with its placement.

Always prepare your trim by laundering it in the same manner as the fabric to which it will be applied.

Step 1

Cut length of trim equal to outside edge of placket plus 2˝ (5.1 cm). For hem bands, measure front and back lower edges, including length of side slits plus 4˝ (10.2 cm). Apply adhesive tape to reverse side of trim, following manufacturer’s directions, and lightly finger-press into place. To avoid puckers after laundering, do not stretch trim when applying.

Step 2

For placket, begin at neckline and follow outline of placket’s finished edge. Fold trim at 30° or 45° angle at each corner, depending on placket shape. Add pins to secure. Steam iron to shape curved areas as needed.

Step 3

Stitch close to inside and outside edges of trim, including folded edges of mitered corners.

For lower edge trim, begin at center back and fold 45° angles at side seam slit to go up side of slit; then form folds at 45° angle inside and outside to continue down other side of side seam slit. Continue along Bodice Front lower edge to opposite side seam, repeating 45° angles.

For more great projects like this one, including all the mix-and-match elements to make your own unique tunic in a variety of sizes and styles, check out The Tunic Bible!

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