Essential Guide to Tailoring: Construction
Alison Smith
Class Preview
1:20
- In-depth Instruction; over 152 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Sleeve Insertion
21:53
Meet Britain's top sewing instructor, Alison Smith, who will guide you through essential tailoring techniques, beginning with jacket sleeve insertions using both traditional and speed tailoring methods. You'll learn how to add structure with a sleeve head and insert shoulder pads for even weight distribution.
Classic Collars
25:18
Mandarin and Peter Pan collars must be absolutely symmetrical to look good. Learn Allison's techniques for accurately marking and sewing such collars, adding a jacket facing and reducing seam bulk, then pressing for perfection. You'll also see how to get a perfect roll line on a simple shawl collar.
Notched Collars
26:37
Learn the secrets to making a traditional notched collar lie smoothly on the back of the neck. Alison explains turn of the cloth and how to adjust for it, as well as how to make a tailor's blister that will hold a tiny amount of fabric in reserve and help your collar points stay flat.
Melton Undercollars
26:36
A lightweight melton undercollar is a classic option for jackets and coats made of heavier fabric. Alison walks you through the steps of preparing your undercollar, attaching it to your garment and then adding the upper collar, finishing with flat-fell and herringbone stitches.
Curved Jetted Pockets
22:30
Achieve the sophisticated, vintage look of a curved, jetted pocket with Alison's guidance. You'll see how to draft the pocket and cut out its components, shaping the bias pieces into curves. Learn tricks for tacking, sewing, slashing and turning before adding the pocket bag.
Welt Pockets on Trousers
14:10
Your hardest-working pocket might be the back welt pocket on trousers. Learn how to make a pocket that is sturdy enough to hold your wallet or phone and not stretch out of shape when you sit down. Alison guides you through!
Trouser Waistbands
13:59
Learn to add a center back seam to a trouser waistband that will help eliminate annoying gaps. Alison shows how a wider seam allowance at that seam adds padding for a smooth fit, while a cotton lining keeps the waistband cool and comfortable.
Expand your knowledge of clothing construction as you learn Old World and modern speed tailoring techniques from School of Sewing founder Alison Smith. Since sleeve insertions can be tricky, Alison starts class with a lesson on inserting flawless sleeves, sleeve heads and shoulder pads. Then, take your tailoring to the top with secrets for sewing gorgeous mandarin, Peter Pan, shawl and notched collars. You’ll even discover how to upgrade the elegance of jackets and coats with a melton undercollar. Ready to pocket some top-notch tips? Follow along as Alison simplifies the steps for sewing curved, jetted pockets and back welt pockets for tailored trousers. Plus, find out how to make your trousers fit and feel better by eliminating waistband gaps and adding a cotton waistband lining.
Alison Smith
Alison Smith is the United Kingdom's premier teacher of dressmaking, tailoring and corsetry. She is the first person to receive the award of Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to sewing and corsetry! Alison runs the School of Sewing and is the author of the best-seller "The Sewing Book," with more than 300,000 copies sold worldwide, as well as "Dressmaking Step by Step." Alison participates in many sewing shows and writes regularly for sewing magazines.
Bonus materials available after purchase