Buckram, Buttons, & Buttonholes: Getting Started With 18th Century Menswear

Sunday, November 16th, 9am-5pm
Registration opens Wednesday, August 20th at 12:30 pm 

Are you new to 18th men's clothing and want to learn some basic techniques used to make structured men’s garments, such as internal reinforcements, buttons, and buttonholes?  Or maybe you just need a refresher? Then join us for a day of skill-building.

Buckram is necessary to give the proper shape to a fitted men's garment, and where and how it is used can greatly affect the overall appearance and integrity of a coat or waistcoat.  Buttonholes and buttons are one of the defining visual features of 18th century tailoring.  They are also one of the most challenging things for a novice to get right, though with a little guidance and practice even a beginning tailor will quickly notice improvement in their finished products.  A hidden aspect of coat and waistcoat fronts is the buttonstand, specialized reinforcement that vastly improves the durability of the finished garment. 

This  1 day  workshop, led by Nick Blevins, will include demonstration and instruction in:

  • Preparing and using buckram to add structure to coat and waistcoat fronts.

  • Setting in a button stand for a coat or waistcoat.

  • Making cloth covered buttons.

  • Attaching cloth covered and metal shank buttons.

  • Laying out the locations for buttonholes

  • Constructing buttonholes and finishing techniques.

While no complete garment will be created during this weekend, participants will gain an understanding of these techniques and be able to move on to other aspects of coat and waistcoat construction with confidence. Participants have the option of creating a skills sampler, working on waistcoat fronts they have already cut out, or cutting basic waistcoat fronts from patterns provided. A full supplies list will be sent after registration.

This workshop is an ADVANCED BEGINNER LEVEL 1. Participants are expected to have basic hand sewing skills and some experience in creating an article of 18th or early 19th century clothing by hand. Please read more about our current Workshop Levels here.

Workshop cost of $145 includes: 1 day workshop 

Class size will be limited to 12 Participants

Registration opens HERE on Wednesday, August 20th at 12:30 pm

*CANCELLATION POLICY

Because of the nature and enrollment limitation of our workshops, we regret that we are unable to give a full refund for a cancellation.  If you cancel 30 or more days prior to the workshop, we will refund your fee less a $50 cancellation fee. If you cancel less than 30 days prior to the workshop, we will have to charge the full amount of the workshop unless we are able to fill your slot, in that event you will be charged only the $50 cancellation fee.  In the event of the workshop being cancelled we are not responsible for any costs by the attendee for cancelled reservations.