The Classic Tailored Shirt
Pam W. Howard
Class Preview
0:53
- In-depth Instruction; over 375 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Introduction
12:00
A bespoke shirt is a luxury you'll be able to afford once you learn the skills to sew your own! Meet Pam Howard, your guide on this sewing adventure.
The Anatomy of a Shirt
19:59
Learn the features of a tailored shirt and consider your fabrics. Pam discusses how to choose and adjust a pattern, and discusses the right interfacing and notions for the job.
Lay Out, Cut Out
40:24
Learn how the pros match stripes, prints and plaids and deal with fabric with a texture or obvious diagonal pattern. Lay out and cut your pattern pieces and mark with tailor's tacks.
Shirt Front Option
10:30
If you want to add front and side darts for a more fitted shirt, Pam shows you how to mark, sew and press them.
Shirt Fronts
25:31
Sew your front button bands for a crisp and precise look, then attach a pocket.
Shirt Back & Shoulders
25:56
Pam shares her "yoke trick" for a neat and properly fitted shirt. Add a double yoke to the back and attach it at the shoulders to the front pieces.
Collar & Band
1:05:34
A well-made collar looks spiffy but takes skill to assemble and attach to the shirt. Pam shows how to hand-stitch and press, fixing a common mistake along the way.
Sleeve Plackets & Cuffs
19:20
Well-made cuffs are important for both appearance and comfort. In this lesson, you'll sew the sleeve placket and prepare the cuff pieces.
Setting In the Sleeves
58:28
Shoulders are tricky but you can do it! Learn about marking, fitting and pressing shoulders, and both finger-felled and flat-felled seams.
Pleats & Cuffs
22:00
Sewing and turning the cuffs is a combination of origami and alchemy. It's like magic!
Buttons, Hems & Finishing
57:53
Your hems will be neat and you'll never lose a button. Pam shares tailoring secrets for even buttonholes, accurate top- and edge-stitching and the all-important final press.
Variations on a Theme
16:42
Once you know these techniques, your shirt options are limitless! Pam shows some of the many variations on the classic tailored shirt that she has sewn.
If you know your way around a sewing machine and are ready to tackle truly tailored garments, Pam Howard is the teacher for you. With patient and thorough lessons, she leads you through the creation of the classic dress shirt, from layout and cutout to topstitching and flat-felling (no special sewing machine foot required). With its crisp collar, even buttonholes and perfectly turned cuffs, your shirt will look as professional as the skills you’ve acquired. While this class is intended for intermediate sewers, even beginners will come away with a better understanding of the craft and a project to work toward. Sew a flawlessly finished wardrobe staple and add finesse to your skills!
Pam W. Howard
Pam Howard, owner of Pamela's Closet, Inc., teaches intermediate to advanced clothing construction, specializing in precision sewing, tailoring and couture techniques. Pam has been sewing since she was 14 years old, originally taught by two neighbors in her hometown in Virginia. She is a member of the American Sewing Guild (Atlanta Chapter), and has taught at five national ASG conventions and at the Original Sewing and Quilt Expos in Atlanta, Kansas City, Chicago, Minneapolis and the Washington, D.C., area. In 2005, Pam launched her own sewing retreats, Tailoring Boot Camp, held at a bed-and-breakfast in Georgia. In addition to teaching, she tests patterns for the Threads magazine Pattern Review column and was a guest on DIY's Sew Much More, hosted by Susan Khalje.
Bonus materials available after purchase