Tudor tailor

Written by Caroline Johnson; edited by Jane Malcolm-Davies and Ninya Mikhaila • 52 full-colour pages • Patterns for shirts, doublet, hose, coat, jacket and bonnets with variations and comprehensive step-by-step making instructions • Over 20 historical illustrations • Detailed line drawings and illustrations by Michael Perry • Photographs showing finished reconstructed garments worn by real people • Paperback • 8in x 10in (20.5cm x 25.5cm) The King's Servants offers detailed insight into…

1500s Reproduction Madder Tudor Kirtle Cartridge Pleating Skirt to Bodice

An enthusiast handcrafts a Tudor Kirtle based on Margo Anderson's instructions from "The Tudor Lady's Wardrobe," adapting the pattern to fit her unique measurements. Using commercial linen, she examines historical accuracy—such as fabric choice and construction techniques—detailed in both Anderson's guide and "The Tudor Tailor" by Mikhaila & Malcolm-Davies. Customizing the pattern, hand sewing, and experimenting with new techniques like piping, she creates a layered garment with boned…

Tudor outfit by the Couture Courtesan

Now that we've covered the basics of the kirtle, I'm going to talk about the layers and accessories that complete the English look....

*** Well, it's been a hot minute but I finally have an update for this (very neglected) blog! It's been a year (or three) of starts and stops. Despite the radio silence I've actually been working on quite a few slow-burn projects, including two that didn't quite go to plan. First, I was in an early-period mood after re-watching the excellent "Tudor Monastery Farm" and managed to source some absolutely lovely wool for a Brueghel inspired outfit... But shortly after I started patterning…

I’m using a combination of The Tudor Tailor for construction instructions, and Period Patterns no. 46 for the pattern. The pattern shape is solid, and reminiscent of the gridded kirtle patter…

The Tudor Tailor team provides research, resources and inspiration for people who enjoy learning about 16th century dress.

Seriously...I AM. I actually traced some pattern pieces this weekend. Next stop - muslin! I've just completed another move, and after being without my sewing stuff for a year, I decided NO MORE. I brought all of my sewing stuff up to my in-laws, and they graciously let me set up a sewing space in their basement. I spent Saturday arranging things, and then Sunday I actually decided to dive right in and start on a project. I'm working from the Tudor Tailor Pattern that my in-laws gave me for…