How can I shorten this dress collar in the least messy way possible??

[dudsville]

Hi, I have this dress, and the collar bugs me. I've opened the bottom of it and tucked it up to see how it would look and I like the outcome. However, without dismantling the the collar I won't be able to get the finish. Is there anything I can do or do I have to accept that the stiches will be visible?

I can't see a photo in your post, OP?

Doh, sorry!

Hmmm I'm afraid I'm not sure from the pictures what you are trying to do, but if you hand stitch something you can usually ensure the stitches are invisible (Google invisible stitching).

You essentially just catch the inner parts of the fabric and/or just do tiny stitches through to the outside depending on the thickness of the fabric.

Thanks @Papillon23 , I'll Google that!

Personally I prefer it with the bow collar. The short cost reminds me of my Sainsbury's uniform in 1990!