I am Jay Francois-Campbell. Professional theatrical tailor, author and pattern cutter.

Tailor services allow me to visualize and create bespoke garments for men and women in the realm of performance.

Hi there.

So many of us are looking to make the most of what we have and learn key sewing skills. 'Simple Tailoring and Alterations' ticks all those boxes. Most of all, thank you Jay, for giving us this book.

Natalie in Stitches, blogger. London.

Bespoke tailoring, costume and fashion combined.

Performance tailoring defines the cut and construction of garments for singers, dancers, or any other individual performing onstage, on film, or on television. This means the performance or theatrical tailor must adapt the garment’s structure to maintain the aesthetic of a standard Savile Row suit while granting the artiste total freedom of movement—whether they need to perform the splits, a back flip, or a choreographed fight scene. Even with these functional demands, the tailor must still master the craft of couture fashion and costume design.

Beginning to sound interesting, huh?

Specialties

Over the years, I have expanded my knowledge by completing a number of additional courses such as freehand machine embroidery, working with lycra, body padding and dye shop practices.

Tailor training represents the pinnacle of advanced sewing. This craft requires strict adherence to many rules to create a perfect garment and build foundation canvassing. Achieving such precision takes at least seven years, or 10,000 hours, of practice. Apprentices typically master these skills under the rigorous guidance of a master tailor. I had the privilege of apprenticing under my father, a master tailor, alongside three other experts who shared their vast knowledge with me.

Advanced sewing training represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship. This craft requires strict rules to create perfect garments and foundational canvassing. Mastered precision takes at least seven years, or 10,000 hours, of practice. Apprentices typically learn these skills under the rigorous guidance of a master. I apprenticed under my father. Three other experts also shared their vast knowledge with me.

Recently, my lecturing moved to online sites like Zoom and Teams. I am currently creating online tutorials for students. These videos support those who cannot travel to a physical facility. My work focuses on students who want to become intermediate or advanced sewists.

Working Rules; DAME

1 Decipher

Whether designing your own outfit, or receiving a design which you need to construct, the first thing to do is DECIPHER every line of the image, and check what components the garment comprises of.

2 Analyse

ANALYSE the garment so that you are able to make notes on what is required to complete the item. This includes what what fabrics and trimmings are needed as well as any unusual features.

3 Measure

MEASURE how many metres of fabrics and trimmings are required and also quantities of haberdashery. If you have been given the fabrics, check there its a sufficient amount.

4 Execute

Once the pattern is ready, if one is required, EXECUTE the construction of the garment by cutting the fabric, constructing and finishing the garment.