Techniques & Skills For Costuming

Here you'll find some highlights of my skill set, with both new ideas and the old reliable techniques.

Running Repairs

Working in Costume Revivals has taught me a vast range of techniques for the care and overall maintenance of costumes before, during and after a show run. Skills such as darning, patching and mending are vital to ensuring the longevity of a costume.

Industrial Sewing Machinery

I have been fully trained in the use of most industrial sewing-based machinery that is utilised within the production and care of costumes.

My current training consists of: Industrial/Domestic Sewing Machines, Overlockers, Industrial/Domestic Irons, covered button presses and handheld steamers.

Wardrobe Skills

From general maintenance to ensuring that all costume elements are accounted for and worn correctly according to design; Making sure that a costume is in the right place, at the right time, and with the right person is integral to a smooth show run.

Fittings & Alterations

Ensuring that your costume fits just right on a wide range of body types is what makes the job worth while. My experience of fittings allows me to offer the designer their vision and give the wearer exactly what they need in order to perform.

I always do my best to undertake any fittings with, time, care for the performer, and a sharp eye for detail.

Additional Skills

Pattern Drafting

Any construction needs a place to start, and drafting your patterns is always the first port of call.

I am able to interpret various pattern books and styles of drafting to produce my own functional patterns at the beginning of my personal projects.

Conceptual Design

Before the pattern drafting phase can begin, creating a concept is vital for any costume to come to life

Paired with a strong sense for aesthetics, this phase of costume creation can lead to some exciting design choices!