The Couture Jacket - Starts Monday 20th October 2025 DEPOSIT

Couture sewing takes time and patience.  Much of the construction is done by hand often because the fabrics are tricky and there could be complicated design details. Since spending time with Claire Shaeffer, who is an internationally respected author, lecturer and columnist and has a collection of over 2000 couture garments many of which are Chanel,  I have been inspired to do more couture sewing and share some of these skills.

On this workshop, you will learn some of the secrets of couture many of which are used in the classic cardigan jacket.  From cutting out, tacking and hand stitching.  Choosing which fabrics to use for linings, buttonholes as well as what needles and threads to use. We will also look at how to make trims similar to those used on couture jackets.

Choose your pattern and make a toile to bring along to the first workshop with your chosen fabric.  If you would like any advice on the pattern or fabric do contact me in advance.

There will be 6 days in the Sewing Room, as a lot of Couture Sewing is done by hand there will be lots of work to be done at home in between the workshop days.

What You Need To Bring: The Sewing Room is fully equipped with Janome Sewing Machines and Overlockers as well as all the tools you need to complete your project. You are very welcome to bring your own machine and sewing box if you wish.

Materials Needed : 

Pattern – For the classic Chanel Style Jacket I use Vogue 8804 (the red jacket pictured left)– a classic French Style Jacket but the techniques could be used for other patterns too.

Outer Fabric – Linton Tweed from Bloomsbury Square Fabrics or Linton Tweeds or a similar tweed with a wool content

In Couture Sewing we use slightly more fabric than the amount mentioned on the pattern to allow for wider seam & hem allowances, decide how long you would like your jacket, measure from the shoulder to the hem, add 6” (15cm) – you will need twice this length plus 1 sleeve length, measure from the shoulder to the wrist, add 6” (15cm) Pockets should fit in between pieces but you could add a bit more for these – I usually buy 2 ½ yards or 2.25m

Lining Fabric – Silk Crepe De Chine or similar the same amount as your outer fabric

Other Materials which can be purchased from The Sewing Room

Silk Organza, Stay Tape – silk organza selvedge or cotton stay tape, Wigan – 2.5m, Tacking Cotton – 2/3 reels in colour that will show up on your main fabric, 

Couture Chain – 1.5m, Beeswax

You will also need: 2 Threads to match the outer Fabric, 2 Threads to Match the Lining, Trim (optional)

Buttons (optional)

For Hand Stitched Buttonholes (optional)

     Gimp Cord, Silk Buttonhole Thread

     

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Venue: The Midhurst Sewing Room

Date: 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd & 24th October 2025

Workshop Start/End time: 10am - 5pm

Workshop Duration: 5 days

Workshop Tutor: Claire Tyler