[agh98]

Despite never having touched a sewing machine in my life, I am appreciative of fine clothing and am very interested in learning how to fashion my own neckties and shirts (as a hobby, not to supply my entire wardrobe obviously). I realize that this is not a casual undertaking but has anyone else had such an interest and followed up on it?

If so, I'd appreciate any tips, resources, etc. Living close to NYC, I imagine there must be some good resources for education and supplies nearby. It just seems like a very inaccessible project for one not conversant in the field.

Thanks anyone. I"ve been lurking here for months and thought this would be a good note to chime in on.

 

[lawbrat]

I am doing the same...I have extra time in law school and want to learn how to make shirts and do my own tailoring. Later today, I'll post a list of the books I just bought.


annesplans (4002Feedback is 1,000 to 4,999) | Add to Favorite Sellers
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How to Make Men's Clothes : Jane Rhinehart (Hardcover, 1975)
ISBN : 0385018509
Condition: Very Good*text clean, in excellent condition. dust jacket shows wear on edges.
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Jan-16

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Tailoring : Creative Publishing International (Paperback, 2005)
ISBN : 1589232305
Condition: Brand New* Choose from over 400 000 titles at unbeatable prices specializing in...
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Shirtmaking : David Page Coffin (Hardcover, 1993)
ISBN : 1561580155
Condition: Very Good*May have a small remainder mark on the edge.
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Classic Tailoring Techniques : Patricia Flaherty Meyers, Roberto Cabrera (Paperback, 1983)
ISBN : 0870054317
Condition: Acceptable* Hardback. Former library book with library markings. Edges of cover are.

 

[16412]

How to Make Men's Clothes is a book I recommend. First chapter is a good read. The chapter about using a sewing machine is what I was taught as a preschooler, long before the book was written. The chapter about cutting with shears is very well written, some of that too I learned as a preschooler. The beginning of coat makeing has a little bit about adjusting store bought patterns before you cut it out. And there is a shirt chapter toward the back. My Granddad was a sure believer that the apprentice begins before the age of six (I never really got started as a child, but learned somethings).

Store bought patterns can have serious errors and the directions can be completely wrong, too. But I think most of them are ok (never used one, yet).

Some people use a muslim for trial, while others use something that has been marked down for about same price and maybe end up with a nice garment.

Shoulder seam is the most important, I think. There are many different shoulders, from flat to double diamond ski run steep, to forward or back, to stooped or over erect, one lower, big shoulder blades or promimate chest. What ever, yours is, can probably be pinned together until you get it right. When you do it will be comfortable and the front opening of the shirt will hang parallel. After that, the collar is very important. And sometimes the collar might effect the shoulder seams, so be a wear of that. The sleeve part that gets sewn into the armhole needs to be bigger, because you need the ease for movement. Shirts should be a little bit loose and slopy, so they never interfer with the fit of the coat, because the coat is the king of the clothing world (for suit coats).

 

[MrRogers]

My first post here was asking a similar question....

Take a look at some old posts to see the responses I have received.....

I am currently reading and trying to understand David Coffins book on shirtmaking. It is very complicated but I hope to have the time to finish it and begin a small project.

Take a look on amazon for this book as there is very little literature out there in regards to shirtmaking

MrR

"Give me the luxuries in life and I'll gladly go without the necessities"

 

[Shirtmaven]

AGH98

Feel free to stop by my shop when you are in NYC. I will gladly give you some cheap fabric to practice with. I will give you a bit of interling and some buttons as well.

Carl

www.cego.com

 

[a tailor]

the most important thing you need is patience. there will be lots of mistakes lots of redos.but thats how you will learn. alexander kabbaz gave us a great lesson a few months ago on constructing a collar you might print out and keep. good luck.

Alex Di Pietropaolo

 

[agh98]

Thanks for the response. Where are you in law school? I graduated from Rutgers two years ago. I'm guessing your a 2 or 3L if you have the time to do this!
Have you had any luck so far with making anything or are you still reading? (as I'm sure I'll be doing for some time).

Adam

quote:Originally posted by lawbrat

I am doing the same...I have extra time in law school and want to learn how to make shirts and do my own tailoring. Later today, I'll post a list of the books I just bought.

 

[agh98]

Carl,

Thank you so much for the offer. I would be glad to take you up on that!
I feel fortunate to be only 20 minutes from the City. I can't wait to stop by your shop and to see your work.
Thanks again!

Adam

quote:Originally posted by Shirtmaven

AGH98

Feel free to stop by my shop when you are in NYC. I will gladly give you some cheap fabric to practice with. I will give you a bit of interling and some buttons as well.

Carl

www.cego.com

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

quote:Feel free to stop by my shop when you are in NYC. I will gladly give you some cheap fabric to practice with. I will give you a bit of interling and some buttons as well.

Hey! Can I get some of that stuff, too? Manton needs more shirts. [}]

https://www.CustomShirt1.com

Kabbaz-Kelly & Sons Fine Custom Clothiers
* Bespoke Shirts & Furnishings * Zimmerli Swiss Underwear **
* Alex Begg Cashmere * Pantherella Socks *​

 

[Sam Hober]

quote:Originally posted by a tailor

the most important thing you need is patience. there will be lots of mistakes lots of redos.but thats how you will learn. alexander kabbaz gave us a great lesson a few months ago on constructing a collar you might print out and keep. good luck. Alex Di Pietropaolo

Alex has said it all. You really need lots of patience to get the basics and then a little creativity. When you stop by to visit Carl see if you can talk him into letting you watch him work.

I have written a number of posts on tiemaking, silks and interlinings which will be helpful if you can find them in the archives....

Good luck,

David Hober

Custom Made/Bespoke Neckties, Pocket Squares & Scarves

 

[lawbrat]

I'm at George Washington in DC. And I'm a 1L. And, no, I don't actually have a whole lot of time! But between fly tying, fly fishing, schoolwork and working out, I still have a few hours a week that I need to use on something other than playing video games.

I'm just beginning. Plan to buy some tools and fabric in the near future.

What's a good first project? A linen tie?

How about good sources for material? Ebay?

quote:Originally posted by agh98

Thanks for the response. Where are you in law school? I graduated from Rutgers two years ago. I'm guessing your a 2 or 3L if you have the time to do this!
Have you had any luck so far with making anything or are you still reading? (as I'm sure I'll be doing for some time).

Adam

quote:Originally posted by lawbrat

I am doing the same...I have extra time in law school and want to learn how to make shirts and do my own tailoring. Later today, I'll post a list of the books I just bought.

 

[Alexander Kabbaz]

quote:But between fly tying, fly fishing, schoolwork and working out, I still have a few hours a week that I need to use on something other than playing video games.
I'm just beginning. Plan to buy some tools and fabric in the near future.
What's a good first project?

I have found that fitting women's shirts is a good deal harder (no pun intended) than men's because of the more extreme differences among chest, waist, and hip measurements. Therefore, it is a better genre in which to study. After careful review of your list (fishing, school, and exercise), in my opinion there is something lacking. For your first project then, you should study the intricacies of the making of women's shirts - especially the inside seams. I believe that you should already have all the tool you need. If you still have time left, you haven't studied hard enough.

https://www.CustomShirt1.com

Kabbaz-Kelly & Sons Fine Custom Clothiers
* Bespoke Shirts & Furnishings * Zimmerli Swiss Underwear **
* Alex Begg Cashmere * Pantherella Socks *​