When taking measurements for a pair of trousers, it's very important that you are taking each measurement from the same height. In the 1860s, trousers …
Drafting a Gentleman’s Night Cap
For a slight change of pace, we will learn how to draft a gentleman's nightcap today. I was in need of one a few months ago, and whipped the whole …
Cutting a Silk Waistcoat
Today I worked on cutting out a silk waistcoat, drafted from Devere, 1866. I obtained the silk brocade from Needle and Thread in Pennsylvania a few …
Natural Dyeing with Madder Root
The Madder Root Prior to the creation of man made, synthetic dyes in the late 19th century, all dyeing was done with natural products. One such dye …
Another Frock Coat
It seems these Enlisted Frock Coats have become my specialty. My latest is number twenty five. Here are some photos with brief descriptions for your …
Federal Enlisted Frock Coat Construction – Part 1
Today begins a series of tutorials on constructing a Federal Enlisted Frock Coat, as was used during the American Civil War. I've made about a dozen …
Staying the Fork
Most of you have experienced a pair of trousers developing holes and tears in the crotch, probably at the least convenient time. Tailors have …
Coat Measurements
Before the first stitch is made, and before the drafting pencil ever touches the paper, measurements must be taken. When measuring, the goal is to …
Ladies’ Skirt Cutting
Learning to draft clothing patterns can be very intimidating at first. There are pages and pages of instructions to read, such as with Devere's …
The Modern Tailor, Clothier and Outfitter
Tailoring knowledge has traditionally passed down from master to apprentice, with little written down. Tailors had their own secret methods of …