Victorian Corset Online Class

Victorian Corset Class

Now open for year-round enrollment!

Time to make a comfortable, well-fitting corset!

Having trouble completing a corset on your own? Perhaps you’ve made one or two but feel something is missing – a trick here, a little pointer there.

A corset offers an hourglass figure, great back support and beautiful Victorian shaping plus the confidence in your demeanor and spring in your step. Your lovely 19th century gowns need a firm foundation. 

And you want to “do it right” with a corset silhouette but you may not have any clue how to make one. Enroll in a complete class giving you all the tips & tricks to sewing a well-fitted corset and move you from sloppy, cobbled-together undergarments to a true Victorian silhouette.

This online class is only for those truly serious about learning how to sew a corset suitable for under your Victorian costumes. Are you ready?

Through 4 detailed lessons I’ll cover all the bases needed for a complete Victorian corset with you to create a strong silhouette foundation. Lessons include from 3 to 5 video tutorials along with an accompanying PDF handout with homework assignments.

Stop wasting time & get your corset DONE! Conquer your fear that corset sewing is difficult! We’ll tackle it together.

 

Dawn Burke – “Great class, Jennifer! You broke everything down into very manageable steps. Even though the thought of making a corset was a bit intimidating, nothing was very difficult. Thanks!”

Lise Boyd – “I could not have done my Victorian corset without [this] class! It was a game changer! Yay!”

This is an intermediate level sewing class. You should understand basic sewing techniques & be comfortable with your machine. But don’t worry! I’ll teach you how to set in the busk and grommets if they are new to you. Advanced processes such as fitting tips and methods will be covered. But for the most part we’ll stick to the pattern for sewing construction.

Understanding how to make a corset, including fitting tips, so you end up with a quality undergarment you can be proud of (and a finished pattern so you can make another one in a different color) is the focus of the class.

Saturate your corset making knowledge and improve your skills! Together we’ll explore the various parts of corset construction including fabric selections, setting in a busk, where & how to put in boning, binding and setting in grommets.

Victorian Corset Class image

Bring your questions to class as you make your corset! 

FYI: Reenactors, museum docents, and serious historical costumers will benefit most from taking this class. It is designed for those wanting to create a Victorian silhouette for under historically styled clothing and costumes. 

 

Becca Hill – “The Victorian corset class I took from them was AWESOME! …The class is amazing!”

Ellen Collins – “Thank you. Class was fun and informative.”

Diana Kocunik – “I’m so glad I participated!!! I want to say that this class was fabulous- nice job Jennifer Rosbrugh! It was a challenge and a great learning experience- and I will definitely be making more corsets in the future.”

Iris Riley – “Thank you Jennifer, I have learned so much!”

Exciting Lesson Plans Prepared for You:

Lesson 1: Discussing fabrics & special tools, taking measurements, and sewing the mockup

Lesson 2: Fitting the mockup and pattern alterations 

Lesson 3: Main corset construction including busk and boning channels

Lesson 4: Finishing with binding, setting in grommets and lacing the corset

 

Nowadays you’ll find a variety of corset patterns on the market. Some are better than others and all have their flaws. However, for this project, we’ll be using the popular Truly Victorian 1880s corset pattern, TV#110 (sold separately). Don’t be turned off by the “1880s” label though. It is a basic shape that will support most of your Victorian dresses from the 1850s through to 1900 (and even outside of these years).

As with all our classes, you may choose to use another pattern but know that the specific steps of each lesson will cover the Truly Victorian pattern.

You also get the know-how of making a corset from plain coutil or covering with a fancy fashion fabric. Fabric selections good for corset making will be covered.

Straight seam corset ad | Victorian Corset Class
Straight seam corset ad

Valuable Skills & Techniques You’ll Learn in Class:

  • Most reliable foundation and fashion fabrics for corsets
  • Fitting tips for molding the corset to your curves -be sure to ask about your project specifically
  • Flatlining your corset with a fashion fabric
  • Measuring for the busk and boning sizes that fit your specific size – tips given to students
  • Setting in a front opening metal busk 
  • Applying secure grommets – we can discuss pros & cons of using awl and/or cutter tools
  • Binding sewing tips 

  

Jeanette M. – “Thank you, Jennifer, for the fantastic videos, handouts, and support to get me through my first corset. I’ve never been concerned about tackling any costume project thinking that at worst it would go in the trash. But the corset was a big bad monster that I couldn’t face…. Thank you!!!”

Tonya Clevenger – “Well, Here it is [photo], nothing fancy but I am proud of it…never thought I could make a corset!! Thank you Jennifer…”

Binding pinned in place | Victorian Corset Class
Binding pinned in place

 

Intermediate Level Class

If you have sewing experience but are new to corset making, you will feel comfortable here. We’ll be following the pattern closely so you should be able to keep up with the class just fine.

If you are new to sewing in general, this may not be the best class for you at this time. Perhaps a basic chemise and drawers class would be better so you don’t become frustrated with techniques that are beyond your current skills. But if you have no fear – jump in!

If you are advanced in your sewing skills or have made corsets before, you are welcome! Maybe you simply need the class as accountability and a guideline so you’ll finally get that new corset finished. Advanced techniques beyond general fitting and pattern drafting are not covered so those advanced corsetieres may feel the class is too basic.

No matter your level, we all have methods we can share with each other. Bring yours along to the workshop for full participation.

Corset in progress

Karen Helle – “Thank you so much Jennifer for all the time and effort you put into the presentation of your lessons. I think the best part is how accessible you are to us for questions and the encouragement and support we get from the facebook group is great. Plus I love being able to see everyone’s projects, it’s the next best thing to being all together!”

Kate Grace – “I took the Victorian corset class twice. Worth every penny.”

Approximate Costs for Class Corset Supplies (not inclusive list)

Pattern – $13 (discount given to registered students)

Mockup Fabric, denim recommended, ¾ yard, up to $10 if you have to purchase

Coutil (60″), 1 yard to 1 ½ yards – $20 to $35/yard

Fashion fabric (optional), 1 yard – Price varies according to what you want to cover your corset with

Busk – $10 to $26 depending on length you need

Boning – sizes and quantities vary, need at least 12, price runs $.50 to $.95 per piece

Grommets, 2 to 3 dozen – $1 to $3/dozen, can buy in gross

Grommet Setting Kit, size 00 – $22 to $30 for basic recommended kit

Lacing, cotton woven, 8 yard with finished tips, 6 yard length if smaller size – Pre-cut can run $.50/yard up to $6/cut length

Extra wide double fold bias tape for binding, if not making your own – $2-5 package

Remember to allow for tax and shipping in your project budget.

Login to the class lessons any time. You do not need to be online at any specific time as you’ll work through your corset project at your own pace.

Online Class: 

Includes the full unlimited-access class (no expiration) with 4 lessons, video tutorials & training, and access to instructor for personalized help.

Thank you for the opportunity to sew a corset with you! Enroll now and get the help you need to make your very own Victorian undergarment. I’ll see you soon!

Jennifer Rosbrugh, instructor
Cheers! Jennifer Rosbrugh

 

P.S. The class lessons portion are entirely online and self-paced with no specific day or time required to be online. You work at your own speed and schedule. Read the lessons and watch the videos when it’s most convenient for you.

For more info on our online workshops, please read this pageNo refunds will be given for online workshops due to intellectual property and materials presented in class. Please see our full terms of service here.

Jennifer Rosbrugh, DBA HistoricalSewing.com and Old Petticoat Shop, LLC, is an affiliate of Amazon.com.

14 thoughts on “Victorian Corset Online Class

  1. Richard says:

    Dear Jennifer, I have never made a corset before. The corset I would make would be Truly Victorian’s 1903 corset. Would I get stuck using that pattern? Would the class be of any help if I am doing a corset from a different era?

    • Jennifer Rosbrugh says:

      This class would be of help; however, the main difference is the gussets in the Edwardian 1903 corset and the bit different shape it produces. The fitting techniques and even most of the sewing instructions including grommet setting and bust insertion would be the same. I don’t go over gussets at all in this Victorian corset class. The boning method in the Edwardian corset of two bones in one casing is also different than this class.

      For reference, I will be hosting a late Edwardian corset class starting in January 2016 using the Truly Victorian TVE13. It will actually be closer in construction to the 1903 pattern than this Victorian class. I have plans to host a class with the 1903 TV corset pattern – perhaps later in 2016.

      • Richard says:

        For the classes you will be doing later, will they be online classes or a workshop? Also I am a little confused about workshops. If I would buy a workshop and wouldn’t have time to work on it till after the class is over, would I still have access to everything?

        • Jennifer Rosbrugh says:

          “Workshops” are those classes that are hosted “live” by me in a Facebook group. All classes you can sign up for immediately, at any time of the year, do not have the private Facebook group. When I run the class with a Facebook group I call it a workshop. All classes offer unlimited access to each lesson with video tutorials and handouts. The only thing missing from the regular class and the workshop is the FB group where you’d have access to me as the instructor to ask questions as you go along and also communicate and get feedback from other students working on the project at the same time.

          The workshop (hosted classes) are similar to a sew-along where you can get personalized help as students work through the project together. Students who register for a workshop class with the group or simply sign up for any of our classes offered, access to all the lessons is yours when you need to work through each step of the particular project.

          Hope this answers your questions, Richard. Please let me know if you have others.
          Jennifer

  2. Mary reid says:

    What a wonderful website and service you offer here. I have ordered the corset pattern and will sign up for the online class as soon as it arrives. Since I make the Paraments for our church I have some lovely brocades and bombazine I can use as the fashion fabric. I see corset kits available online, are those a good way to purchase the needed items, or is buying them separately better? Eager to get started!

    • Jennifer Rosbrugh says:

      Hi Mary,
      No need to wait for the pattern as the online class has no expiration and you can get started now with researching supplies & tools you need. I don’t recommend the kits with boning as most everyone needs to change a size or two from what’s given in the kit. It’s like a one-size-fits-most thing with the kits which in corset making just isn’t. But if a kit has fabric, grommets and other miscellaneous items then you’re fine. Just know that with boning and the busk you may be different size than a pre-packaged kit. Good luck with your sewing!
      Jennifer

  3. Melissa says:

    Hi Jennifer, I have been wanting to make a corset for some time. My costuming styles lean more towards a remix or whimsical nature, while I truly appreciate the accurate reproductions. I am working on a victorian dress that will have more of a late 1830’s maybe 1840’s silhouette. I know I will want a corset with this dress, but the years are slightly outside this pattern/style you will be using for this course. I love the pattern for the course and would love to sign up and use this corset, unless it is just too far outside the era. Let me know what you think. I have been sewing costumes since I was 10, but have never made a corset and would really love to know how. At this point I cannot afford to make two, perhaps in time I may.
    Thank you,
    Melissa

    • Jennifer Rosbrugh says:

      Hi Melissa,

      The pattern used for this class is drafted to an 1880s cut; but you don’t have to use the specific class pattern. With your limited corset making experience, there are other patterns out there that would be more suited to the very early Victorian years (Past Patterns is one line). You could tweak the class pattern for 1850s and it would work for 1840s in general too; however, a gusseted corset would be better suited. Just know that the techniques learned in this class will translate very well for other general Victorian corset patterns. They are not strictly for the Truly Victorian corset pattern.

      That said, I’m currently working on a Regency corset online class (for 2015) where that shape with bust & hip gussets will take you nicely into early 1840s proper silhouette. The first class session there will be in late Winter or early Spring 2015 if you care to wait for that. Let me know if you have other questions.

      Cheers,
      Jennifer

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