Learn how to make a bespoke waistcoat with a short course
- Written byCody O'Connor
- Published date 10 June 2026
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Are you curious to learn more about tailoring? Our new Tailored Waistcoat Making Short Course at London College of Fashion teaches students the foundations of creating a handcrafted waistcoat.
Split into five practical sessions that demonstrate the technical processes behind creating a bespoke waistcoat, this course will cover how to lay pattern pieces onto fabric, cut material, create pockets and line a jacket.
We spoke to the course tutor, Sasha Cabey, to find out more about what students will learn throughout the week, hear about her design inspirations and advice to beginners.
What was your introduction to fashion design?
My early adventures into fashion, design and garment production began in my home in Montserrat, a British Dependent Territory in the Caribbean. I fell in love with the trade from watching my mother turn fabric into beautiful and elaborate garments and I wanted to do the same.
How did you begin working in tailoring?
In 2010, I started formally training as a Tailor at Newham College and then I worked on Savile Row, which led to collaborating with designers like Jasper Conran and working at Ralph Lauren on the American Olympic Teams uniform. I have now taught numerous courses in person and online, on topics including bespoke tailoring, pattern cutting and garment construction.
Who has influenced you creatively?
Joe Morgan, the co-founder of Chittleborough and Morgan, a bespoke tailoring house on Savile Row. I like that he is a traditionalist when it comes to bespoke tailoring.
Apart from my mother, one of the most influential persons in my life, was my former tailoring teacher who later became a colleague, Valentine Sydney. I owe him many thanks to the teacher I am today for his guidance on how to manage a classroom when I started teaching.
What do you enjoy the most about teaching?
I love helping students to achieve their goals and to experience those little moments of complete and utter joy when students have created their garments and they've turned out well. Or even to troubleshoot an issue until we've resolved it and completed the garment.
Are you currently working on any projects?
Often, I am practising new techniques or sampling a garment. Pattern cutting and garment marking is evolving every day, and keeping on top of techniques is vital to my knowledge.
Recently, I have created garments for the first-ever Luxemburg Carnival. The production allowed me to flex my sustainability prowess by creating pieces that can be reused by wearers. We created simple bodywear that can be worn in everyday life, with only the chest and arm pieces covered in gems.
Annually, I am commissioned to either design, recreate, update an old design or create new pieces for St Patrick's Celebrations on the Caribbean Island of Montserrat, where I'm from. This year I was given full creative rights to design pieces, and I created designs for clients. These garments were inspired by Sir Howard Fergus, Montserrat’s late Historian, a widely published author who wrote about the identity of the island.
What’s your advice for someone who is feeling stuck in their design practice?
Take time to do something for yourself. Whatever it is that you like doing most, make the time to do this and rejuvenate your creative flow.
What’s your best piece of advice for a beginner?
Always practice the techniques you learn, whether it is making something for yourself or sampling. Your main goal should be to remember the process; perfection comes after and that in the future can be relied upon to reuse.
What are the main benefits of the course?
The course allows you to practice your hand stitching skills, especially with hand buttonholes as the waistcoat front is predominantly made by hand. It is also a chance to improve your design skills.
You will new techniques, skills in hand finishing and have the opportunity to build a portfolio.
Can you share 5 key tips for someone starting out?
- Never hand sew without a thimble. It is there for your protection.
- Practice, practice, practice.
- Focus on learning the technique.
- Know your fabrics.
- Practice good posture whilst hand sewing.
The Tailored Waistcoat Making Short Course is a practical short course that will teach students how to identify different types of waistcoats, add an inlay to a jacket and understand the bag out method and the canvassing method.
It is aimed at anyone looking to improve their handcraft tailoring and create a waistcoat as a personal project, or as a learning experience for working in the bespoke tailoring field.
Sasha will begin running the new Tailored Waistcoat Making Short Course this summer with dates available to book in July and August.
If you are intrigued, read Elisa’s story on starting a tailoring business from a short course.
Find out more about the short courses we offer in tailoring, pattern cutting and sewing.
Have a question? Our customer service team are here to help you find the right course for you. Get in touch via our enquiry form to start planning your learning journey.
