Custom tailoring brand identity represented by the JSA logo in blue lettering framed within a bold pink border.
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My Books

Waistcoat construction guides and tailoring manuals are shown as open books stacked on a wooden surface.

Waistcoat construction and historical design are central themes in the two industry-standard textbooks.

I have had the fantastic opportunity to write in recent years. These books, which universities around the world now use, have become a essential sewing guides and a mainstay for garment construction professionals and beginners since my first volume was published in 2016.

Waistcoat construction is a key focus of author J. Francois-Campbell’s book, "Simple Tailoring & Alterations," which features a grey herringbone background with icons of dress forms and a comprehensive list of garment construction techniques.

Master the Fundamentals of Alteration

Waistcoat tailoring and other complex repairs are simple to learn with my book, “Simple Tailoring and Alterations”. Specifically, the guide covers everything from shortening a hem to shaping a garment with sewn darts.

Achieving the Perfect Fit for Every Wardrobe

Furthermore, my book shows you how to alter clothing for both men and women to ensure a better fit. It also provides practical details on equipment, fabrics, and measuring individuals.

Professional Stitching and Comprehensive Repairs

Additionally, you will learn professional stitching processes. Consequently, this book covers all essential alterations for skirts, dresses, trousers, jackets, shirts, coats, and waistcoats.

It is the perfect book for all levels of sewing enthusiasts and professionals for tips, advice, and troubleshooting.

Waistcoat stack of "Simple Tailoring & Alterations" books by bespoke tailoring expert J. François-Campbell, displayed on a wooden surface.
Waistcoat expert and author Jay François-Campbell, wearing a gingham shirt and glasses, sits in her professional studio surrounded by tailoring projects and design equipment.

Step-by-Step Drafting and Patterns

My book “The Waistcoat Workbook” contains in-depth, step-by-step instructions to draft a selection of waistcoats onto pattern paper. Specifically, it guides you from start to finish while detailing every required measurement.

Mastering Fabrics and Materials

Furthermore, my book covers the best fabrics to use for these garments. It also advises on how to handle intricate patterns and challenging materials.

Additionally, the text spans various genres including historical, fashion, folk, and national dress. These sections explore the evolution of the garment across different cultures.

Consequently, it serves as a vital resource for utility, Cosplay, and Steampunk projects. The drafting techniques provide the structural foundation needed for high-performance theatrical wear.

Finally, the book offers a brief history of the waistcoat in Europe and around the world.

Waistcoat expert and author Jay François-Campbell, wearing a gingham shirt and glasses, sits in her professional studio surrounded by tailoring projects and design equipment.
PMZ
Amazon
In depth book, excellent.
Snowgran
Amazon
Brilliant. Very easy to follow. Great illustrations. would definitely recommend. Suitable for a beginner or first time fixer. First effort turned out very well. Will feel confident about fixing again. Have a go you novices.
TchadElliott
Amazon
Probably the best all-around alterations book I've found! I never start off new sewists with alterations because it doesn't make as much sense. Having written that: When anyone asks me about alterations regardless of their skillset, I direct them to this book.
T.Atwell
T.Atwell
Amazon
Good value for money. i have used this book several times already very helpful and a good price
JanWAmazon
A very good book. I really like this book, it gives clear, concise, instructions on how to make garment alterations. I like the no fuss pictures and layout of the book. A great buy
Liz
Liz
Amazon
This is a really helpful book, I look forward to putting the tips into action
James
James
Goodreads
Just what it says, make basic repairs, hem and change the size of your clothes. Something I have to do more often since they no longer sell pants in my leg length along with the plus or minus 2" waist size variations that seems acceptable these days.
Jay
Goodreads
Nice clear directions and illustrations. I do wish that there was more detailed fit information included (eg 'be aware that trousers should break here on the shoe when you are hemming') but I suppose that's for another book and would've made this one very lengthy.
R.Feathers
R.Feathers
Goodreads
Well written. Clear, concise instructions for fundamental alterations. Illustrations are plentiful and extremely helpful. A valuable addition to any sewist's library.
Arty9
Arty9Hobbycraft
Learn to restyle your wardrobe.Having watched “Great British Sewing Bee” I’ve always marvelled at some of the alteration challenges … this book shows you, how to achieve a new wardrobe by altering garments you may already have (or can purchase cheaply from a charity shop). The language used is easy to understand as every step is explained step by step.
Virginia
VirginiaBarnes & Noble
This would be a very good book for beginner sewers as well as more experience.. It gives instruction for different types seams, sewing on buttons, replacing zippers, making waistband shorter or longer, altering a neckline, alterations on cuffs and collar necklines, repairing holes in linings, repairing ties and bow ties, widening or narrowing trouser legs and shortening tailored sleeves. It is a very good reference book for sewers...
Amanda
Amanda
Indigo. Canada
Good practical book. I bought this book for the practical purpose of trying to figure out how to fix common garments that have already been made. It is good. He is true to his word and only has one technique for each type of fix, but I agree with him, that you can learn more if you want to in other books. This is a great way to get you started. Even just going through it an not using any techniques yet, I learnt much about garment construction and why you may or may not use a particular technique for one thing or the other. It's a good book.

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