Workshop: The Workwear Jacket

Join us for a hands-on workshop led by Timothy O’Sullivan. Whether you are a beginner interested in the art of garment design or looking to enhance your existing skills, this class will introduce the basics of pattern cutting and guide you through the process of creating your own jacket pattern from scratch. The acquired skills can later be adapted to other sewing projects.

The workwear jacket has become a contemporary wardrobe staple, seamlessly blending style with functionality. Originally crafted in 19th-century France for labourers, engineers, and farmers, it continues to endure as a symbol of durable workwear. With its clean, boxy silhouette, oversized pockets and practical design, it serves as the foundation for learning the essentials of pattern cutting. 

Learning outcomes

• Measurement-taking from body and reference garments. You may wish to bring along a favourite garment for inspiration

• Professional pattern drafting techniques to create the body and sleeve templates

• Adding details: button stand, collar, pockets

• Tracing off and adding seam allowances

• Fitting and manufacturing information

• All tools and materials will be provided for the duration of the workshop

Please note:

• All equipment and materials will be provided

• Capacity is limited, we recommend booking early to avoid disappointment

• This workshop is suitable for adults 18+

• This workshop is for participants aged 18 and over, and the content has been designed with adult learners in mind. 

• If there’s anything we can do to help you take part, whether it’s around mobility, sensory access, mental health, communication preferences, or anything else, you’re welcome to share this with us at ticket checkout. This is entirely optional, and you can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. 

• This event is wheelchair accessible, with step-free access throughout the museum.

• You're also welcome to bring a companion if you'd benefit from 1:1 support during the workshop. Companion places are free; please email DMAcademy@designmuseum.org with your booking information so we can reserve your spot. 

• This session is led by up to 2 facilitators and has a capacity of 16 participants. 

• If you have any questions, or would prefer to chat to someone directly, get in touch with us at DMAcademy@designmuseum.org.

From past pattern cutting courses:

“I learned a lot about the fundamentals of tailoring and it has inspired me to carry it forwards.”

“Extremely knowledgeable and fun tutor, with clear instructions and demos.”

“The course was really informative and it helped me look at pattern cutting in a different way.”

“Fantastic course. I really appreciated the facilitators sharing their knowledge so generously and trying to address everyone's different interests. Would happily attend other courses with them.”

“This course was worth travelling down from the North for!”

Please note that we have a new booking system. All Members must now log in to the ticketing platform to book tickets for upcoming events. How to book:

Click 'Book now’, and this will take you to our new booking platform

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Select the desired tickets, dates and sessions and add them to the cart

Follow the instructions for checkout and payment

You will automatically receive an order confirmation email with the details of your booking, along with a PDF with your ticket

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If you have any issues, please contact the team at membership@designmuseum.org

For non-members ticketing enquiries, please contact bookings@designmuseum.org

Background and workwear jacket images: © Timothy O’Sullivan