Bespoke Tailoring Apprenticeship: Different Ways

The Importance of Setting Clear Criteria in Tailoring

• The conversation among tailors about everyone having their own way can be frustrating for beginners who want to know if they are doing things correctly.
• Tailoring involves both the subjective element of aesthetics and the objective element of technique, which are often viewed as one.
• Changing technique can result in a change of aesthetics, and vice versa, as design dictates technique and technique dictates design.
• Tailors often have different criteria in their minds, which makes it difficult to agree on the best way to do things.
• The success of a tailor's work is heavily dependent on their criteria, which can be taught or set for oneself.
• A common understanding of the underlying facts is important for team discussions in order to find the best possible way to meet the criteria as a team.
• Right and wrong in tailoring should be viewed objectively and relatively, based on the physics of materials and techniques validated through empirical measures, and a desired result articulated through a specific set of criteria.
• Examples of objectively and relatively defined right and wrong include the use of heavyweight interlining for a rigid and structured garment versus lightness of weight for a lightweight garment, the use of a double dart for a rounded pocket area versus a flat pocket area, and the use of bias tape for reinforcing a stretchy fabric versus preventing an area from stretching.
• The success of a tailor's craft is heavily dependent on their criteria, which should be clear and specific.
• Confusions and conversations about everyone having their own way can be poison for both new entrants and experienced tailors.
• Eliminating as many confusions as possible is crucial for progressing the tailoring industry.
• A combination of aesthetics and technique makes tailoring difficult, but a clear and specific set of criteria can help tailors achieve success in their craft.