David Page Coffin (1949–2021)

This books provides guidance on how to modify shirts to gain a better fit. The method is based on draping, rather than how to cut patterns for better fit. As such it is very accessible to most sewers. It is a more intuitive approach and one based less on maths to get a result.

The actual process of fitting shirts set out in this books is somewhere between classical pattern drafting and draping. The starting point is an already cut pattern, this could be a commercial pattern, one taken from an existing garment or one you have drafted yourself. The process of how to fit is very well described and with lots of useful pictures. You are taken through four examples of shirt types and how to fit each one (basic shirt, loose shirt, fitted shirt, tight shirt)

The book also includes four sewing projects to extend the techniques taught; a shirt jacket, fitted dress shirt, wrapped shirt dress and a western shirt.

I found the book very well explained, detailed and easy to follow. I shall be looking forward to better fitting shirts in my handmade wardrobe very soon.

Additional information was supposed to be available on a given website however at the time of writing it was not, so I have not been able to review the supporting information in additional to that contained within the book.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.… (more)

Thanks to NetGalley, I was able to read Sewing Shirts With A Perfect Fit by David Page Coffin. The book is split into two main sections, the first section has 5 chapters on fit and draping, the second section covers various projects. Rather unexpectedly, Coffin’s book is all about sewing woven shirts that fit using draping rather than flat patterns, or taking measurements.

Section 1 begins with a chapter on the basics of shirts and how they fit, while chapter 2 delves deep into draping. The remaining chapters of section one are about how to drape shirts for specific shirt styles, loose-fitting, fitted and tight-fitting shirts respectively. It also includes information on cloning bodies using foil, and making body forms from the resulting foil wrap.

Section 2 is dedicated to 4 projects to practice the skills you’ve picked up; a loose, lined shirt jacket, a fitted v-neck dress shirt, a fitted wrapped shirtdress, and a tight denim western shirt.

This is a great book, it is absolutely packed with information and photos. The writing, photos, and explanatory diagrams are clear and easy to understand, and made me want to try. And, not only am I seriously considering trying to sew a shirt using the techniques taught, but definitely going to try making a body form from a foil wrap. I will absolutely be adding this to my collection of sewing books as soon as possible.… (more)