Tailoring
A tailor makes or alters clothing, particularly men's clothing. The Oxford English Dictionary dates the word to the 13th century.
What it is
Structured garments built with interfacing and hand work.
Who it suits
Experienced dressmakers.
What you need
Hair canvas, wax, needles and a ham.
A first project
Pad stitching a sample lapel.
The tailoring guides
Beginner's guide
What you need
Techniques and stitches
First project
Mistakes and fixes
Next steps
Related Learn guides
- Using a clapper and point presser (Pressing)
- Full bust adjustment (FBA) basics (Fitting and alterations)
- How to make a toile (muslin) (Fitting and alterations)
- Pressing as you sew: the basic routine (Pressing)
- Pressing, not ironing: the step that makes sewing look professional (Pressing)
- Pressing quilt seams: open or to the side (Pressing)
- How to shorten trousers (Fitting and alterations)
- Swayback adjustment (Fitting and alterations)
- How to use a tailor's ham (Pressing)
- Taking in a dress at the side seams (Fitting and alterations)
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.
