Convert Any Shirt into a Clergy Preacher Shirt with this Easy DIY Sewing Tutorial

Gather Your Materials

To start, you'll need to gather some basic sewing materials. This includes:

• A shirt you want to convert into a preacher shirt. Pick a button-down dress shirt that fits well. Light colors like white or light blue work best.
• White fabric to use for the clerical collar. Medium to heavyweight cotton works well. You'll need about 1/2 yard.
• Matching thread in white or a color that matches your shirt
• Paper and fabric scissors
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Sewing machine

Take Measurements

Once you have your supplies, put on the dress shirt you'll be converting. Have a friend measure the circumference around your neck. Add 2 inches to this measurement - this will be used to create the clerical band.

Measure straight down from the middle of the back of your neck to determine how long you want the clerical collar pieces. A typical length is around 16 to 20 inches. Write down these measurements.

Cut Out Collar Pieces

Using the measurements, cut two rectangular pieces of white cotton fabric. These will be the front and back collar pieces. Add 1/2 inch for seam allowances.

For example, if your band measurement was 18 inches and you want your collar to be 18 inches long, you'll cut two 19 x 18.5 inch fabric rectangles.

Sew the Collar Pieces

Pin the two white collar pieces together, with right sides facing in. Sew up both of the long edges, leaving the short ends open. Trim seam allowances to 1/4 inch.

Turn the fabric tube inside out, so wrong sides are now facing out. Press with an iron so collar has crisp edges.

Attach Collar Band

Pin the open ends of the fabric tube to the neck of the dress shirt, aligning the edges. Make sure not to twist the band.

Sew the band to the neck of the shirt. Remove any pins. Press seam open with an iron for a crisp finish.

Topstitch Around Band

Change your machine to a longer stitch length. Sew a second line of stitching around the neckband, about 1/4 inch from the seam. This topstitching will help the clerical collar keep its shape.

Sew the Tab

Cut a 3 x 3 inch square of fabric from your remaining white cotton. Fold in half diagonally to make a triangle. Sew the long angled edges together.

Trim seam allowance to 1/8 inch. Turn tab right side out and press so it's flat. Topstitch around all three edges for a clean look.

Attach Tab

Pin the tab to the center back of the clerical collar. The pointed end should face down between the collar pieces. Make sure tab overlaps both pieces.

Sew in place, reinforcing the corners several times for strength.

Wear and Enjoy!

Give your preacher shirt collar a final press with steam from the iron. This will help it maintain its shape. Carefully put on the shirt and admire your custom clerical vestment in the mirror!

Your homemade preacher shirt is now ready to wear while conducting religious services, leading bible studies, attending seminary classes, or participating in other church events.

Adjust the Fit

If needed, you can easily adjust the neck fit. Simply remove a few stitches to slightly loosen or tighten the band as desired. Then re-sew in place.

With some basic sewing skills and inexpensive fabric, you can convert ordinary dress shirts into custom clerical wear. Follow these tips for an easy #DIY way to make quality preacher shirts on a budget.

FAQs

What type of fabric should I use?

Use a medium to heavyweight cotton in white or another light color like light blue or ecru. Avoid fabrics with a lot of stretch.

Can I convert a shirt with a soft collar?

A stiff dress shirt with a button-down collar works best to hold the clerical collar shape. Skip shirts with soft, floppy collars.

How do I make the collar stand up properly?

Be sure to double topstitch the neckband to help it maintain its structure. Proper pressing techniques while sewing also helps.

What stitch length should I use?

Use a longer stitch length of 3-4 mm for the topstitching rather than regular length. This allows the stitching to relax so the collar rolls properly.