Summer 2026: Traditional Waistcoat Making

Course Outline

Day 1

• Pocket samples: welt, double jet, pocket flaps

Day 2

• Cut waistcoat in fabric, canvas, and lining
• Mount canvas
• Baste waistcoat together
• Fit on self or another class member

Day 3

• Mark up waistcoat
• Refit if needed
• Insert pockets

Day 4

• Bag out waistcoat fronts
• Make collar

Day 5

• Construct waistcoat back and join to fronts
• Add adjustment features: jiggers, waistcoat belt with buckle
• Introduce hand-stitched keyhole buttonholes

 

Meet the Tutor

Roxane Cressy is a highly experienced historical costume maker and has taught menswear on the Costume for Performance course at London College of Fashion, guiding students through historical garment construction from 18th-century shirts and suits to diverse final-year projects and has alsotaught at Wimbledon School of Art, leading  first- and second-year tailoring classes focused on waistcoats and jacket construction.

 

Timings

This workshop will start at 10am and finish at approximately 4:30pm.

 

Transferable Skills and Future Careers

TCDT workshops give a chance to develop a range of transferable skills and valuable insight to possible career paths. Some of the career choices our alumni have pursued include; Architecture, Engineering, Fine Art, Jewellery Making, Art Conservation, Glass Working, Theatre Design, Fashion Design, Costume Design – the list is growing!

 

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible to apply you will need to be 16 – 19 years old during the dates of the workshop.

You should be creative and have an interest in the careers listed above, or similar areas. You should also have good hand-eye coordination.

In your application you should demonstrate a passion for working with your hands.

You must be able to attend every day of the workshop.

Please be sure that you have read our Eligibility Criteria and Applications section at the bottom of the Workshop page before applying.

 

Course Funding

Our workshops are fully-funded by generous sponsors.  Places are limited, therefore, we recommend you submit your application as early as possible.

 

If the workshop becomes oversubscribed, we will close the application process early.