Jane Malcolm-DaviesThe Tudor Tailor: Reconstructing Sixteenth-Century Dress

I'm sure that if you are already a competent sempstress then this book will be your perfect guide to creating the Tudor look, as long as you refer to primary sources for the particular year you wish to create, which really, you ought to do anyway.If you are more of a novice then you will still get a lot out of this book but you may need a little more hand holding for creating the perfect pattern from her grids and making the garment from the pattern. The Medieval Tailors Assistant would be a really good companion at that point. Scanning the grids and enlarging them with a printer is a good trick too (although not one that a proper tailor would sink to..... but I'm not a tailor and I'm not proud)If you just want something that tells you what people wore in a given year and exactly how to make that then save up, buy the author's individual patterns and leave the book for people who love to read around a subject and play with pattern paper.

I have something of a book addiction and The Tudor Tailor certainly scratched that itch. Beautifully detailed illustrations and fantastic explanations of not only the construction but the history of many of the garments of the time really make this a great book to own. I was actually surprised by the range of items here - mainly as in my head I had forgotten how long the Tudor period truly lasted.I can't speak to the quality of the patterns as of yet - I've not had time to do much more than a simple shirt - but just as a thing to own I am extremely pleased with The Tudor Tailor.

Making a set of costumes for the school so that they have them for the now and for future children participating in their annual Shakespeare productions. Although the costume details are probably more detailed for our purposes than is necessary they are still a brilliant starting point. Thank you these dedicated authors for choosing to put together a great easy to follow reference book.

Very well produced, lovely book even if you are not a tailor or seamstress. Very interesting, lovely diagrams and photos - just perfect and a good accompaniment to the TV series, A Stitch in Time on C4

I would recommend this book simply for the introductory chapters on the practicalities and economics of Tudor clothing - the many well-research patterns that follow are a great bonus. However, like Janet Arnold's books, you need some dressmaking experience to fully understand how to construct the garments. The book is however, lavishly illustrated when it comes to the details of getting bias-cut hose to fit, and snugging up a bodice, so that you really can see how to get that perfect Tudor-syle finish. Highly recommended for everyone with creative dressmaking aspirations or an interest in historical costume.

Great book. Even if you are a novice , it gives you tips and history, everything! I have wanted this book for ages, and it is well worth the wait. The seller said it was in good condition, but actually looks like new. Basic clothes patterns-like a chemise, kirtle etc and lots more

A lovely book. As a dressmaker I found the book very interesting and well researched. There is a great deal of information into fashion of the day, fabrics and construction of dress and accessories.

This was recommended to me as being THE book for constructing accurate and wearable Tudor clothes. I would have liked more information on what common people were wearing and the different styles as coming from the early middle ages it is bewildering to suddenly be faced with a multitude of different garments. More information on cloth and linen too. I think an idiot guide may have been better for me but this doesn't exist! Pattern layouts appear clear and sewing techniques good, but the proof is in the making....