Couture Techniques
I use these couture techniques to create expertly shaped, beautifully finished garments.
Starting with the cut, I use the grain of the fabric to create the best hang for the garment.
Then I choose the best supporting fabrics to provide shape and structure to the garment. A single garment may have many different supporting fabrics, each for a different purpose. These are hand-sewn to the garment pieces for invisible shape and structure. In garments such as wedding dresses and ballgowns, boning, underwiring, and waist-stays are also used for this purpose.
During construction, I use both hand-stitching to ensure pin-point control over the shape and hang of the garment, and pressing techniques, using steam to shape the garment. These techniques are particularly heavily used in traditionally tailored suits.
Distinctive details such as bound buttonholes, welt pockets, rouleaux loops and buttons, piping and binding add distinction and quality to the finished garment. These are all hand-stitched. I can also add embellishments with embroidery, silk painting and other techniques.
Finally, all hems and linings are hand-stitched in place.
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