Custom Clothing

Custom clothing is a collaborative, time-intensive process. It is not fast, cheap, or perfectly predictable — and that’s exactly what allows it to be truly custom!

Custom clothing tends to work best for people who value fit and craftsmanship, trust the process, communicate clearly, remain flexible, and understand that refinement takes time. If that sounds like you, read on!

Timeline & Fittings

Custom garments typically take 6–16 weeks to complete.

• Most projects require 3–5 fittings

• The total timeline depends on:

  • garment complexity

  • fabric choice

  • number of adjustments or design changes

  • your stated budget limit

More refinement means more fittings, which means more time. There is no shortcut to a well-fitting custom garment.

Three Ways to Create a Custom Garment

1. Drafting a Pattern From an Existing Garment (Non-Destructive)

Best for: simple shapes, unlined garments, or delicate/irreplaceable pieces

How it works:

• You provide an inspiration garment

• I take detailed measurements and draft a new pattern using math and geometry

• I create a test garment (toile) from scrap fabric

• We fit and refine the toile

• The final garment is made in your chosen fabric

• Adjustments continue until the garment meets your goals or your budget limit

This method preserves your original garment but produces an interpretation, not an identical copy.

2. Taking Apart an Existing Garment (Destructive)

Best for: complex garments, linings, or highly specific construction

How it works:

• The inspiration garment is carefully taken apart

• A pattern is created directly from the original pieces

• The garment is either reassembled or sacrificed

• A new garment is made in your chosen fabric

• We refine fit and details until completion or budget limit

This method yields the closest match to the original, but requires more time and budget due to the disassembly and reconstruction process.

3. Using a Pattern You Provide

Best for: clients who already love a specific pattern design

How it works:

• You supply a commercial or custom pattern

• I take your measurements

• A toile is created to test fit and proportions

• Adjustments are made to the pattern

• The final garment is made in your chosen fabric

Pattern quality and fabric choice strongly affect the final result.

Fabric & Materials

Final garment fabric and notions are not included. I provide fabric for toile (the rough draft) only, while you are responsible for sourcing your final fabric. You may shop independently, order fabric online, or schedule a fabric shopping appointment with me locally. If you are ordering your fabric online, I strongly recommend ordering a variety of samples you are interested in so we can discuss the pros and cons of each fabric together. Fabric choice affects fit, drape, comfort, durability, and appearance. Choosing the right fabric is part of the process!

Remote Custom Garments (No In-Person Fittings)

Custom garments can be made remotely with important limitations.

• One toile is created and shipped to you

• We meet virtually to review fit and make notes. Once the toile is approved, no further adjustments are made - the final garment is completed exactly to the approved fit

Without in-person fittings, risk increases and results may be less precise.

Pricing, Budget & Reality

• All custom work is billed hourly at $45/hour. Custom work is a collaboration, not a fixed-price product.

• Custom clothing is inherently unpredictable. Every change — fit, fabric, or design — adds time

• I will continue working until your stated budget limit is reached. While I strive for excellent results, satisfaction cannot be guaranteed, especially when changing fabrics, altering proportions, and reinterpreting inspiration garments.