Guide on Sewing a Continuous Lap Placket

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Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Sewing a continuous lap placket might seem intimidating at first, but with a bit of guidance, it’s a straightforward process that can elevate the professionalism of your garment. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through each step, providing detailed instructions to ensure your continuous lap placket turns out perfectly.

Highlights:

  • Cut the placket fabric at least 2 inches longer than needed, ensuring flexibility during the sewing process.
  • To secure the seam, stitch a needle’s width to the left of the original stitching, especially at the pointed end.
  • Press the seam allowance towards the band and fold the placket neatly for a professional finish.
  • Use fingers instead of pins when covering stitching, ensuring a snug fit on the right side of the garment.
  • If available, leverage the tack feature on your sewing machine for added stability during angled stitching.

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How to Sew a Continuous Lap Placket

To sew a continuous lap placket, cut a piece of fabric at least 2 inches longer than needed. Stitch it on the wrong side of the sleeve, manipulate edges at the point, press seam allowance, cover stitching, stitch at an angle, and fold for a polished finish.

Materials Needed

Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Placket Fabric

Cut and Prepare the Placket Fabric
Cut and Prepare the Placket Fabric

Begin by cutting a piece of fabric for your continuous lap placket. It’s crucial to cut it at least 2 inches longer than the desired finished length. Use a disappearing marker to mark the point on the fabric where the placket will start.

Step 2: Stitch the Placket to the Sleeve

Stitch the Placket to the Sleeve
Stitch the Placket to the Sleeve

Place the placket fabric on the wrong side of the sleeve, aligning the edges as much as possible. Stitch along the marked line, starting a needle’s width to the left of the original stay stitching. Leave a little extra length at the end.

Step 3: Manipulate and Stitch the Edges

Manipulate and Stitch the Edges
Manipulate and Stitch the Edges

Use the needle-down feature on your sewing machine to hold the fabric in place as you manipulate it. At the pointed end, allow the edges to V out if needed. Stitch a needle’s width to the left of the original stitching, ensuring a secure seam. Backstitch at the beginning and end.

Step 4: Press the Seam Allowance

Press the seam allowance towards the band and the band into meeting the raw edge. Ensure a crisp finish by carefully pressing the fabric.

Step 5: Cover the Stitching

Cover the Stitching
Cover the Stitching

Fold the placket over to cover the stitching. Stitch close to the edge, working on the right side of the garment. Use your fingers to guide the fabric, avoiding the use of unnecessary pins. Trim any excess fabric.

Step 6: Stitch at an Angle

Stitch at an Angle
Stitch at an Angle

Fold the placket in half and stitch at an angle from the lower lap to the corner. If your sewing machine has a tack feature, use it for added stability.

Step 7: Finishing Touches

Sewing a Continuous Lap Placket
Continuous Lap Placket

The longer edge of the placket will turn back, especially if it’s the underarm seam. Fold the longer edge to prepare the garment for cuff attachment.

Step 8: Final Pressing

Repress the placket to ensure a neat and polished finish.

Final Thoughts

Remember, mistakes happen, and part of sewing is learning to embrace the occasional need for ripping and restitching. Take your time, follow each step diligently, and soon you’ll find that sewing a continuous lap placket is achievable and rewarding. Give it a try, and you might just discover a newfound love for sewing!