Last Updated: May 5, 2026
Key GRAPHICS & PATTERN LAYERS
Overview
In this lesson, you will learn how to build and apply collar stripes using the symbol-based collar system, including both 2‑bar and 3‑stripe options, and carry that setup across multiple artboards.
You will see how to change the base and middle stripe colors inside the collar symbol, so updates propagate consistently, then correct overlay and alignment by straightening the sew line, using snapping and centering tools, and copying panels into the correct layers. You will also learn how to adjust adult versus youth collar sizes by verifying collar heights and extending the bottom of the collar only when needed, so the fold line stays centered and the collar reads correctly in both sizes.
STEP-by-STep guide
1. Understand the collar stripe system and variant dropdown 0:15
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The next layer being built is collar stripes.
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Collar stripes can be either:
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2-bar / half-and-half
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3-stripe
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A new dropdown was created to control collar stripe variants across multiple artboards.
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The dropdown lets you switch between 1, 2, or 3 player stripes and update the collar type across sizes/artboards.
2. Change stripe colors through the symbol controls 1:24
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Use the color controls inside the collar stripe layer to change the base color.
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Changing the color in one linked layer updates the corresponding collar stripe layers.
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This is part of the symbol-based workflow, so edits can propagate across variants.
3. Enter the symbol to fix overlap and alignment issues 3:55
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After changing colors, there may be overlap or hanging geometry that needs cleanup.
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To fix it, double-click into the symbol.
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Inside the symbol, you can edit nested collar components directly.
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The collar is built from nested pieces such as:
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stripe
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middle
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front
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4. Work inside the Adult Large symbol first 6:23
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Start with the Adult Large version.
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Double-click into the Adult Large symbol and verify the collar shape.
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Check whether the top stripe is positioned at 0,0.
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If needed, reset the placement so the collar aligns correctly.
5. Straighten the stripe geometry before continuing 7:05
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The stripe geometry was not straight, so it had to be corrected first.
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The fix involved:
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hiding the current stripe
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copying the correct straight version
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pasting it back into place
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This ensures the collar folds cleanly and the stripe edges line up.
6. Re-center the collar pieces around the fold line 36:01
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Once the lines are straight, center everything around the fold.
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The collar needs to be built so that when it folds, the visible result is correct.
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The middle and top sections should align symmetrically around the center point.
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This is a workaround, but it produces the correct folded collar shape.
7. Build the folded collar structure with hidden sew lines 43:22
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Think of the collar as a folded object:
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one side becomes the visible front
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the other side is the hidden folded portion
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The sew line is used to define where the fold happens.
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After the fold structure is set, the sew line can be hidden.
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The goal is to make the two collar stripe pieces the same size and interchangeable.
8. Copy the collar setup into the stripe panels and base layers 47:40
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Copy the finished collar setup into the correct stripe layers.
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Move the copied pieces into the proper layer structure.
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Make sure the base layers are updated as well.
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Once the base and stripe pieces are in place, the symbol system can update the rest consistently.
9. Break links, extract paths, and recolor the stripe panels 01:00:40
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Select the copied collar pieces and break the link.
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This converts the symbol-linked objects into editable paths.
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Recolor the paths as needed, such as making them green for the stripe layer.
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Adjust the collar panel size if needed so it matches the correct stripe dimensions.
10. Create clipping masks for the stripe panels 01:15:22
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After extracting the stripe panel symbols, create a clipping mask.
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Put the stripe panel symbol inside the clipping mask.
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This lets the stripe appear only where it should be visible.
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Repeat the process until the collar stripe sections are properly closed up.
11. Handle the adult collar as a separate case if needed 01:21:49
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The adult collar may not match the youth collar exactly.
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In this project, the collar was a unique pattern, so the adult version needed special handling.
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Check the adult large model and verify whether the collar shape is already correct.
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If the collar is slightly crooked or offset, adjust it before finalizing.
12. Extend the collar ends so the fold meets cleanly 01:29:02
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If the collar is too short, you may see a small gap or blue indicator.
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Extend the collar ends slightly upward and downward.
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Do this without disturbing the center.
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The goal is for the folded collar to meet perfectly every time.
13. Rebuild the 2D collar stripe version 01:30:38
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Switch to the 2D collar stripe version.
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Copy the collar and enter the stripe symbol.
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Replace the old collar shape with the new one.
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Set the new collar to 0,0 and rebuild the clipping mask.
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This recreates the 2D stripe setup using the same logic as the 3D version.
14. Duplicate the stripe pieces and divide them into top/middle/bottom 01:41:19
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Duplicate the stripe artwork so you can separate the pieces.
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Create outlines/expand the artwork.
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Use Divide to split the stripe into distinct parts.
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Rename the resulting pieces by position, such as:
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bottom
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middle
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top
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Keep the collar shape in the file as a reference for the final form.
15. Replace the middle symbol with the top symbol using the same structure 01:48:17
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The symbol workflow lets you reuse the same setup.
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Duplicate the symbol and rename it from middle to top.
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Open the symbol and replace the middle artwork with the top artwork.
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Because the structure is already built, you do not need to redo all the alignment work.
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Verify that the top and middle versions both display correctly.
16. Confirm the final result and save 01:54:31
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Test the collar stripe setup to make sure both top and middle versions work.
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Confirm that the collar stripes display correctly across the intended variants.
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The setup is complex, but it adds a lot of flexibility for clients.
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Save the file when finished.