Making a Frock Coat - my progress
- Thread starter Sulla
- Start date
Re: Serging question
Frock coat, nice choice! I personally like to finish all of my edges to prevent any chance of fraying however small. It doesn't take too much time and it definitely gives a professionalism to the piece that you're building. Proessional costume builders will often serge their seams with extra allowance in case of having to alter the costume in future.However, the zig-zag stitch is fairly reliable, and as I assume you're working with natural materials like cotton, wool, linen, etc., there's not much chance that the threads will pull through.
I think it all depends if you want to take the extra 2 minutes at the end of a seam to serge each side (which adds up all together), but I personally would finish it with serging or even pinking.
Good luck!
Frock coat, nice choice! I personally like to finish all of my edges to prevent any chance of fraying however small. It doesn't take too much time and it definitely gives a professionalism to the piece that you're building. Proessional costume builders will often serge their seams with extra allowance in case of having to alter the costume in future.However, the zig-zag stitch is fairly reliable, and as I assume you're working with natural materials like cotton, wool, linen, etc., there's not much chance that the threads will pull through.
I think it all depends if you want to take the extra 2 minutes at the end of a seam to serge each side (which adds up all together), but I personally would finish it with serging or even pinking.
Good luck!
Period Hat Lady
New Member
Re: Serging question
As a custom bespoke tailor, I would highly recommend that you do not use a serger.
While I appreciate what the others are saying, serging the edges creates a greater thickness on the edge. Then when you press the coat, those edges can create an unwanted edge on the other side. So say if you press from the top, there will be a slight ledge at the seam allowance.
I have made many, many frock coats for reenactors and have never serged a seam inside.
Also, since no one will see them, and they don't come in contact with anything, they should be fine.
I do run a straight stitch around the edges of all pieces just so that they hold there shape and don't stretch while you are working with them. I find that the more precision in the pieces, the better/faster it goes together.
Good Luck!
As a custom bespoke tailor, I would highly recommend that you do not use a serger.
While I appreciate what the others are saying, serging the edges creates a greater thickness on the edge. Then when you press the coat, those edges can create an unwanted edge on the other side. So say if you press from the top, there will be a slight ledge at the seam allowance.
I have made many, many frock coats for reenactors and have never serged a seam inside.
Also, since no one will see them, and they don't come in contact with anything, they should be fine.
I do run a straight stitch around the edges of all pieces just so that they hold there shape and don't stretch while you are working with them. I find that the more precision in the pieces, the better/faster it goes together.
Good Luck!
Siyoum3434
Active Member
Re: Serging question
slightly off topic but good to see you back Sulla, Light_Knight says hello!
slightly off topic but good to see you back Sulla, Light_Knight says hello!
Re: Serging question
Thanks all. I actually got the same advice from some tailors on a few other forums. Some suggested a simple hand finishing stitch, a zigzag stitch or no serging/stitching at all (that got the most votes) except for the necessary stay stitching at the arms and neck.
Thanks for the advice everyone! Sewing begins today. I have all the shell, lining, and interfacing pieces cut and tacked.
And my thanks to you Light_Knight. Happy do something other than lurk.
Thanks all. I actually got the same advice from some tailors on a few other forums. Some suggested a simple hand finishing stitch, a zigzag stitch or no serging/stitching at all (that got the most votes) except for the necessary stay stitching at the arms and neck.
Thanks for the advice everyone! Sewing begins today. I have all the shell, lining, and interfacing pieces cut and tacked.
And my thanks to you Light_Knight. Happy do something other than lurk.
Re: Serging question
Started my frock coat yesterday. Got the main body shell done. The collar and sleeves are next, then on to the lining.
I still need to press some of those seams (Especially in the back), but I am pleased so far. Sorry about the picture quality. I snapped a few shots this morning with my phone before I left for work. I'll take better shots with my Nikon next time.
Started my frock coat yesterday. Got the main body shell done. The collar and sleeves are next, then on to the lining.
I still need to press some of those seams (Especially in the back), but I am pleased so far. Sorry about the picture quality. I snapped a few shots this morning with my phone before I left for work. I'll take better shots with my Nikon next time.
Thank you, single breasted. I am using the Simplicity pattern # 2895. I also have the Laughing Moon frock coat pattern but thought I'd start with the Simplicity coat first.
Mens Frock Coat, Shirt Costume Sewing Pattern 2895 Simplicity
and
Laughing Moon Mercantile - Purveyors of Sewing Pattterns, Clothing and Accessories
Mens Frock Coat, Shirt Costume Sewing Pattern 2895 Simplicity
and
Laughing Moon Mercantile - Purveyors of Sewing Pattterns, Clothing and Accessories
That is a male sewing form. It is this male writing a reply. I made it using brown packing tape. It's not flattering at all, but it sure is useful. you can make your own too so long as you have a buddy to help using this great Threadbangers tutorial.
My wife wrapped me up while my two-year-old had a blast watching daddy get turned into a giant pinata.
I made it using brown packing tape. It's not flattering at all, but it sure is useful. you can make your own too so long as you have a buddy to help using this great Threadbangers tutorial. My wife wrapped me up while my two-year-old had a blast watching daddy get turned into a giant pinata.
Got the under collar, sleeves, sleeve heading, and shoulder pads done. In other words the outer shell is done. I have started work on the lining. The pics make it look a little too wrinkly for my taste which is just a draping issue on my dress form, and there are a few imperfections, but I am pleased for my first home-made frock coat.
Interceptor6
Sr Member
Looks great~! Nice lines all around!
My wife and I do quite a bit of Rev War era reenacting, and she's made most of our costumes!
My wife and I do quite a bit of Rev War era reenacting, and she's made most of our costumes!
joannataylor
New Member
I found this tutorial quite helpful, although I wish there were more progress photos
- - - Updated - - -
p.s. I am having a little trouble with the collar...
- - - Updated - - -
p.s. I am having a little trouble with the collar...
What kind of trouble?
I found this tutorial quite helpful, although I wish there were more progress photos
- - - Updated - - -
p.s. I am having a little trouble with the collar...
joannataylor
New Member
I don't think the directions in the pattern were clear on how align and attach the collar.
