29TH & 30TH - JANUARY 2026
Step into the world of the Tudor period and explore the artistry and craftsmanship of 16th-century men’s fashion.
This two-day masterclass offers a deep dive into traditional tailoring techniques and historical garment construction, translated for the 21st-century body and maker.
This masterclass expands your knowledge and skills through a thorough understanding of historical techniques in context.
With a strong emphasis on handwork, a small group of no more than 8 participants will experience the rhythm and precision of 16th-century craftsmanship.
Topics Covered
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A Slice of History: An introduction to men’s fashion of the Tudor era
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Pattern Drafting: Constructing the 16th-century doublet for the modern body
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Techniques & Finishing: Comparing traditional craftsmanship to contemporary methods
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Canvassing the Body: Understanding structure and support within the garment
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The Ruff Collar: Construction and detailing
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Material Choices: Selecting and applying historically appropriate finishes
Masterclass Details
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Duration: Two days, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
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Fee: €750.00 per day (excl. VAT)
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Group: Maximum of 8 seats
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Includes: All materials and a generous lunch on both days
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Location: Studio Martinus Johannes
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Parking: Paid parking available in the immediate area
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Public transport: The studio is within walking distance of the nearest stops
Good to know
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Please bring your own personal tools such as scissors, needles, sewing rings, and thimbles.
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Provided materials include fabrics, interlinings, threads, pattern paper, and trimmings used during the workshop.
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A sewing machine is not required, this workshop focuses entirely on handcraft.
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Language: Dutch / English
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Level: Intermediate / Advanced
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The studio is close to the city centre
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Once you submit the fully completed registration form, you will receive an invoice for the full amount. Your spot is secured upon payment. Payments are refundable up to five weeks before the masterclass date.
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After the masterclass you will receive a digital document containing all information covered during our collaboration.
About the Masterclass
As you know, creating a historical costume is a time-intensive process. This masterclass is designed to focus on the variety of techniques used in crafting authentic 16th-century garments.
By working with prepared materials, we can dedicate more time to exploring detailed methods and professional workflows. Each participant will work on half of a full-scale garment, providing a comprehensive understanding of historical construction techniques while ensuring an achievable project within the two-day format.
Day One
Every successful collaboration begins with introductions. After getting to know one another, we’ll dive straight into the work.
We start the day with an in-depth exploration of men’s costume history in the 16th century, examining the defining characteristics and construction details of garments from that era.
This historical foundation sets the stage for our next step: pattern construction. I will guide you through the process of drafting a well-constructed pattern that captures the essence of a 16th-century doublet, adapted to fit the contemporary body.
After lunch, we move on to building the doublet. To make the most of our time, I will provide pre-cut panels, allowing us to focus on the in-depth aspects of canvassing and structure. Throughout the afternoon, we’ll discuss different techniques and workflows while constructing the doublet together.
The day concludes around 17:00–17:30.
Day Two
We begin the second day by constructing the collar and sleeves. As on the first day, I’ll start with a short masterclass on pattern construction for these components, followed by a demonstration on assembling and finishing the doublet.
In the afternoon, we’ll shift focus to the creation of a sculptural ruff collar. As with the doublet, the necessary materials will be pre-prepared, allowing us to concentrate on mastering a range of hand-sewing techniques essential for shaping and constructing the ruff.
The day concludes around 17:00–17:30.
29TH & 30TH JANUARY 2026
TOTAL €1500,- (excl. VAT)
Once you submit the fully completed registration form, you will receive an invoice for the full amount. Your spot is secured upon payment. Payments are refundable up to five weeks before the masterclass date.
For more information email info@martinusjohannes.com
