Eighteenth Century Tailoring

It is said that the first proper analysis on the art of tailoring was called L'Art du Tailleur, written by M. de Garsault. The author describes the whole process of making a coat, from taking the measurements to a detailed account of the making - the stitches used , method of pressing, instruments required etc. It is accompanied by diagrams of patterns illustrating the garments mentioned in the text and show how to place them on material. Apparently several other encyclopaedias were published in France during the second half of the eighteenth century, with the tailoring section always being based on these diagrams and texts from M. de Garsault. The following methods from this text illustrate eighteenth century method of tailoring.

A - Iron

B -Button hole block

C - Seam block

D - Scissors

E - Ironing Cloth

Whats interesting to look at is the different parts of a jacket; the shape of the centre front curved out chest, the armholes are positioned further back for posture, and the sleeves elbow is evidently bent in to a more distinctive shape than what I have been before.