Step inside my atelier each week as I share my passion, thought process, and techniques behind bespoke tailoring. These aren’t just tutorials, they’re lessons in how to see like a tailor, think like a designer, and execute like a master.
From selecting cloth to cutting with control, each episode documents the journey of a garment from concept to completion. The current project, the Swing-Baby-Swing Coat, follows the transformation of a Prince of Wales plaid into an iconic fashion piece, crafted with care, style, and purpose.
Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced hand, the atelier is open. I invite you to come on in!
Cutting the cloth is where the swing coat begins to take shape. In this episode, I share my pre-cutting checklist to ensure accuracy, then demonstrate techniques for cutting plain, striped, and plaid fabrics, plus how to match patterns for a flawless finish. Perfect for anyone learning how to cut cloth for bespoke tailoring.
In this lesson, I reveal the beautiful lining I chose for the swing coat. I’ll show you my techniques for cutting the lining with ease.
In this lesson, we’ll cut the canvas for the swing coat. I’ll show you how the canvas is tailored separately to follow the coat’s fluid lines without adding weight or stiffness.
Learn the traditional tailoring method of mark stitching, used to transfer chalk markings from one fabric layer to another with clarity and accuracy.
In this episode, I break down the anatomy of the undercollar, and show how a flat piece of cloth is shaped into a curved, structured form that sits cleanly against the neck.
I will be teaching you how to bring the different layers of the canvas together and how to pad stitch and form the darts that will give the swing coat its foundation and structure.
Learn my method for basting and hand stitching the darts on the front of the swing coat.
In this lesson, I’ll guide you through the precise techniques used to canvas the swing coat to create both structure and ease, and setting the stage for a garment that moves beautifully with the body.
I will be adding the welt pockets to the swing coat, a subtle but elegant detail that complements its fluid silhouette. I’ll walk you through the precise construction process, showing you how to align, cut, and finish the pocket for a clean, tailored result that elevates the entire garment.
I will be basting the bridle and padding the lapels, which are key steps in building structure and support into the jacket front.
After all the meticulous padding stitches from the previous stage, it’s time to refine that work by carefully trimming the lapel and front edges of the jacket—bringing the details into their final, precise form.
In this lesson, you will learn the soft structured tailoring technique of trimming the canvas back along the edge of the lapel and jacket front and basting the bias edge tape in place all along the jacket bottom, front opening, and the lapel.
In less than 5 minutes, you’ll discover exactly where to start along the Online Academy Tailoring Pathway™ — no experience needed.
