Lobster Tail Bustle Class
Want to sew a 1870s or 1880s dress but need the bustle undergarment first? Confused of where to start making a bustle? Then this is the class for you!
Through a short 2-lesson class we’ll walk through each step to create a lobster tail style bustle support. Each lesson has 5 videos along with an accompanying PDF handout and homework assignments.
This is a beginner to intermediate level class. You should be familiar with basic sewing techniques including sewing darts, topstitching, grading seams, hemming, and a hand whipstitch.
“While I am not new to sewing or costuming, I learned a lot of tricks from your videos and had several ‘why didn’t I think of that?’ moments.” ~anonymous from exit survey
Here Are Your Lesson Plans:
Lesson 1: Discuss appropriate fabrics, cut & mark the pieces, sew hems & darts, and add wire channels
Lesson 2: Add a ruffle, sew side seams, and finish with the waistband and hoop wire
Many undergarments are the last thing we costumers think of, right? Why not start now and get yours done before you need it? The lobster tail bustle goes together quickly and does the job of keeping your skirts properly supported in the bustle silhouette.
Valuable Skills & Techniques You’ll Learn:
- What fabrics to use for a bustle undergarment
- How to mark fabric for sewing & casing placement
- Tips on sewing with the grain
- How to apply bias tape within a curved area
- How to pleat a ruffle
- Tips to setting on a waistband
- How to cut and tip hoop wire
If you have sewing experience but are new to historical garments, 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, this may be a good starting point to build your skills and develop strong techniques.
“Thank you very much for offering the bustle lobster tail class. Your videos were very helpful to me. I felt like I was sewing right along with you!” ~Susie-Marie Woods
Pattern for the Lobster Tail Bustle (purchased separately):
Although a number of patterns are available for a lobster tail bustle undergarment, because I love Truly Victorian patterns and know Heather McNaughton personally, we’ll be using her pattern for the class – TV163 1887 Imperial Tournure. It is a sturdy shape and the sizing is well-drafted. You can choose to make the regular size or the larger Imperial size. Both are included in the pattern!
Class begins when you’re ready. Access to the class never expires.
Be sure to download & print the handouts for future projects!
Class Fee: $25
Includes 2 full lessons with handouts, 10 video tutorials, and a fun sewing project!
NOTE: This project is also included with the Victorian Undergarments class.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you!
Happy Sewing!
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Jennifer Rosbrugh, DBA HistoricalSewing.com, is an affiliate of Amazon.com.
What is used for the hoops and is it expensive or hard to obtain?
The old version of hoop wire (two thin strips of spring steel covered with buckram or plastic that is shown in the class) is no longer manufactured. There are now new flat spring steel wires, plastic/synthetic whalebone, and zip/cable ties that are good materials obtainable for making bustles.
By any chance are you planning on making a class on drafting various underpinnings from scratch?
Not at this time. What specific undergarments are you looking for?
I’m looking particularly on drafting bustles and crinolines from scratch either by draping or pattern-making.
Is the pattern included in the class or do I need to purchase.
The specific lobster tail pattern used for the class is for purchase separately through the Truly Victorian website.
This probably sounds like a stupid question, but since this is a self paced class, does this mean that I can join it at anytime or do I have to join within a certain timeframe before it closes?
Not a stupid question! Yes, you can sign-up any time. This class is on-going and will be open indefinitely. Sign up when you’re ready to start sewing! Thanks for the question Kelly.
Thank you very much for answering!
I wasn’t going to take this class since I already have one TV’s bustles, but the skills you re teaching are invaluable and the class is so enjoyable, I’ve signed up. Will you please send me access to the class page?
Is there going to be a Facebook page for the bustle too? If so, I’ll send a friend request.
You’ll find access to the lesson pages by logging into your Content Shelf (link in your confirmation email). You’ll find the class listed under Subscriptions with a PDF of all the info to get you started.
This particular class, being a quick project, will not be “live” nor have a Facebook discussion group. It is entirely self-paced, accessing the lessons on your own at any time. You are welcome to email me with any questions. Thanks!
Jennifer