Lesson 1Measurement set required from the actor with movement allowances and quick-change considerationsDetermine the actor’s measurement set for a long, dramatic coat, adding movement and quick-change allowances. Translate tape measurements and body observations into block checks, pattern notes, and fitting priorities for rehearsals.
Core girth, length, and shoulder measuresMeasuring over base costume layersAdding reach, stride, and twist allowancesQuick-change ease and underdressing needsRecording asymmetries and posture notesLesson 2Fastening and dressing strategies: placement of hidden closures, snap systems, and emergency release pointsDesign fastening and dressing strategies that support hidden closures, snap systems, and emergency release points, ensuring the sorcerer coat looks seamless while allowing fast changes and safe removal on stage.
Choosing visible versus hidden closuresPlacing snaps, hooks, and magnetsDesigning emergency release openingsRouting closures around mic cablesLabeling fronts for dressers and crewLesson 3Creating front pattern changes: lapel shape, chest fullness, and decorative seam placementsRedesign the front pattern to support a noble sorcerer look, shaping lapels, managing chest fullness, and placing decorative seams that guide the eye, support embroidery, and integrate with skirt and collar design lines.
Drafting new lapel and break lineControlling chest fullness and roll lineDesigning princess and panel seamsAligning seams with embroidery zonesBalancing fronts with skirt flareLesson 4Skirt and tail shaping: godets, gores, and flared skirts that maintain movement and do not entangleDesign skirts and tails that flare impressively without tangling the actor. Use gores, godets, and shaped panels to control fullness, hem sweep, and weight distribution for safe, repeatable stage movement.
Choosing skirt length and sweepPlacing gores and godets for flareControlling fullness at side seamsBalancing weight for turns and spinsShaping hem for stairs and platformsLesson 5Collar and neckline transformations: high-collar options, stand/roll structure, and reinforcement for dramatic shapesRebuild the collar and neckline to support high, dramatic shapes. Explore stand and roll structures, hidden supports, and reinforcements that keep the sorcerer collar stable under lights, sweat, and repeated quick changes.
Raising neckline and front break pointDrafting stand and fall collar optionsAdding undercollar and canvas supportPlacing stays, wire, or rigileneManaging bulk at shoulder and neckLesson 6Final pattern validation: movement tests, light and costume-change simulationsValidate the final pattern through targeted movement tests, light checks, and costume-change simulations. Confirm that the coat reads as noble sorcerer from all angles and withstands rehearsal-level stress.
Movement tests for combat and danceSeated, kneeling, and stair trialsQuick-change and dresser rehearsalsChecking silhouette under stage lightFinalizing notes for build and repairsLesson 7Incorporating fantasy features into pattern: panel insets for embroidery, trim channels, and concealed wiring for shape retentionIntegrate fantasy features directly into the pattern, such as panel insets for embroidery, trim channels, and concealed wiring or rigging that preserves dramatic shapes while remaining comfortable and maintainable.
Planning embroidery and applique panelsDrafting trim and piping channelsHiding wiring and boning in seamsAllowing access for electronics repairMaintaining comfort under reinforcementsLesson 8Establishing the target silhouette: long skirted coat proportions, waist suppression, and shoulder linesDefine the visual goals of the sorcerer coat by analyzing period references, fantasy concepts, and actor needs, then translate them into proportion, balance, and style lines that can be drafted onto the base jacket block.
Analyzing 18th-century and fantasy referencesDetermining coat length and skirt proportionsPlanning waist suppression and flare balanceDesigning shoulder width and shoulder slopeMapping key style lines on the blockLesson 9Grading and repeatability: simple grading rules for multiple actor sizes and workshop handoffCreate simple, production-friendly grading rules so the sorcerer coat can be built for multiple actors. Document size sets, alteration zones, and workshop notes that preserve silhouette and fantasy details.
Selecting base size and grade incrementsGrading length versus girth separatelyProtecting style lines during gradingDefining standard alteration zonesPreparing cutter-friendly spec sheetsLesson 10Ease and mobility adjustments: stride allowance in skirt, lateral ease at armhole, and hem clearancesPlan ease and mobility throughout the coat, focusing on stride allowance in the skirt, lateral ease at the armhole, and hem clearances. Test pattern changes against choreography, combat, and seated positions.
Calculating stride and kick allowancesAdding lateral ease at armhole and sideChecking reach, lift, and twist rangesAdjusting hem for boots and platformsBalancing ease with noble silhouetteLesson 11Mockup and toile workflow: sequence of fittings, marking alterations, and transferring changes to final patternDevelop a clear mockup and toile workflow, from first fitting to final pattern. Learn how to mark alterations, record movement notes, and transfer all changes accurately back to paper or digital pattern files.
Building the first toile from the blockPrioritizing fit and movement checksMarking balance, drag lines, and easeTransferring changes to paper patternsVersion control for pattern updatesLesson 12Selecting the starting block: reasons to choose a fitted men’s jacket block for 18th-century inspired coatIdentify why a fitted men’s jacket block is an efficient starting point for an 18th-century inspired sorcerer coat, evaluating fit, balance, and structural features that support dramatic skirts, collars, and layered stage fabrics.
Assessing block fit, balance, and postureChecking armhole depth and sleeve positionEvaluating front edge and overlap potentialConfirming ease for layered stage garmentsMarking reference lines for later changesLesson 13Back pattern modifications: center back lengthening, box pleats, vent/tail constructionTransform the back pattern to create length, drama, and controlled fullness. Plan centre back extensions, vents, and tails, plus pleats that move well on stage while remaining compatible with harnesses or microphones.
Extending center back and waist seamDrafting single and double ventsDesigning box and inverted pleatsShaping tails for stage movementAccommodating harness and mic packsLesson 14Sleeve adaptations: 18th-century sleeve shapes, added fullness for turns, and wrist opening solutionsAdapt the sleeve from a fitted jacket to an 18th-century inspired sorcerer sleeve, adding turn-back cuffs, extra rotation fullness, and wrist openings that allow props, spell gestures, and quick dressing backstage.
Rebalancing sleeve cap for mobilityAdding elbow and forearm fullnessDesigning cuffs and turn-back shapesPlanning wrist vents and placketsIntegrating lining and facing shapes
