Could I refashion collar on this dress

[MsDastardley]

I bought this a couple of years ago https://www.broraonline.com/uk/cashmere-collared-jumper-dress-damson-wpd9143km9124?awc=17043_1704130479_b44fed7463cd407390398b4adc315896 but have never really liked the large collar. I’m wondering if I might be able to get the collar refashioned/made smaller. Any suggestions welcome 😀

could you try just tucking it Initially? Trinny does this a lot...

tucking it in that should say

You could. Would need something to bind it, to stop the knitted bit unravelling. Bias binding or similar.

With it being knit fabric I think this would be difficult to do in a neat way. I’d also say bias binding, probably a knit fabric one, but it wouldn’t look great I don’t think. Might be worth a try if the alternative is never wearing it, but might be better to sell it and buy something you like better with the money

Have you got a local alterations place? You could have a contrast collar and matching belt if you can’t find a match. Probably best to get a professional to do it if you’re not experienced in sewing.

I'd take it to a seamstress and see what could be done if you don't mind throwing a bit of money at it. It shouldn't cost too much though.

I don’t see what right now. Once the knitting is cut, you need to finish it and that means bias binding or machine zig zag sewing. Neither would look good, especially with the latter as it will stretch the fabric out of place.

Sell it on ebay or vinted.
I'd be reluctant to cut it.

Turn it inwards and stitch in a few places so it doesn’t move

Thanks everyone. I don’t thinking tucking would work. Maybe it might be better to sell. I get a lot of positive comments when I wear the dress, and like it other than collar.

Would it be possible to fold it under itself half way? It would then be double thickness but half the width, if that makes sense. You could then hand stitch it near the edges using well spaced tiny stitches with yarn the same colour which will hold it flat.

That's a lovely dress and looks warm.
You could hide the bias binding with contrast lace or sequins or beads, but you'd very much change the look of the dress.

I know it's not want you want to hear. But the collar is fabulous! Just wear it as it is - it sounds like you've already had lots of compliments so it must look good 👍

I don't understand why flipping it under won't work? Have you tried it? Or as a PP said half the collar. I wouldn't cut it. Not at that price and that material. (And I am very used to altering clothes)

Do you have a knitting group locally that could adjust it? I am sure the cast off edge could be unpicked some rows removed and it then finished off?

I think the problem with rolling in under, folding etc, it’s due to the width and depth of collar. I’ve had a go and it doesn’t look right.

It is a lovely dress, and very warm and cosy. I would like to wear it more

I’ve seen a couple of videos on YouTube where people have altered a turtle neck by cutting and then using a crochet hook to refinish. I wouldn’t feel confident about doing that on this dress. I am pretty good at sewing, but haven’t knitted for many years. Might have a go on an old jumper.

Thanks for all the suggestions

I would also suggest a crochet hook - depends on the pattern. Someone must beable to alter it for you.

Alexandra Brinck.

You can see her work on her Instagram page, where there's also a link to register her waiting list.

There are increases at the edge of the collar (and I should imagine around it) for shaping so no neat way of reducing the depth of it.

Ok how about a snood over the top to turn it into a polo of sorts? E.g. this in black (it has black cuffs so might work…?) or perhaps you can find something from Brora in the identical colour?

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-plain-cashmere-snood/p5685618

Thanks very much for that link. Her work is lovely. I'm going to have a go with her simple repair techniques on a couple of old cashmere cardigans.

If I decide to proceed with alteration, I will contact her to see what she thinks.

Thanks to everyone else, there are some interesting ideas :)

Hi OP I have an old sweater with a Johnny collar like this, it is very cosy and versatile. When I want to ring the changes I gather the neckline closed with a vintage brooch, which has the effect of shortening the collar points. I suppose you could achieve the same effect by sewing it closed to the neck with some darning wool? Your dress is lovely, I imagine it looks lovely with a polo neck too.

Fold the collar under the flap, so not into the neck and pin it in the corners, to reduce the size of the collar. It can be cut and overlocked /bound, but not something you'd want to risk if someone did not know how to sew knits.

I have never heard of this collar style before! I call it the Windy Miller collar. Showing my age...

I am going to have a play around with it before I make any decisions. I am hopeless at accessorising and tweaking things.

You could get someone reliable to take the collar off (as PP have said, needs to be someone experienced with knits) and add a lace collar which can be bought quite easily.