Victorian Bustle Day Dress Class
Now available as an On-Demand Class!!
Work on your own schedule to create a beautiful dress from the 1870s or 1880s!
LOVE the Bustle Era but don’t know where to begin to make a dress? Confused on how you build a bustle costume? Need a push to get that new 1880s project finished?
My friends, then welcome to this class designed specifically for you! It is only for those truly serious about learning how to sew an 1870s or 1880s day dress.
Class starts today!
Through 6 lessons we’ll cover all the bases needed for a complete bustle dress. Each lesson has a minimum of 3 videos (and many lessons have 4 or more) along with a packed accompanying PDF handout! You get over 4.5 hours of video tutorials!
This is an intermediate level sewing class. You should understand basic sewing techniques including how to set in a sleeve, buttonholes, and basic hand stitches. Advanced processes such as fitting tips and methods will be touched on, but for the most part we’ll stick to the patterns.
The priority is for you to understand how a bustle dress goes together and what goes into making these beautiful gowns. Understand the basics then you’ll be able to explore more advanced designs.
This class will focus on the specific topic of making a bustle dress project so we can saturate the knowledge and improve our skills. We’ll explore the various parts of a bustle gown including the foundation skirt, overskirt and bodice.
“Jennifer, I agree with my classmates as well. This class and your great instruction has helped me so much. The pattern I purchased for the class has opened up a whole world of possibilities for future bustle dress that I want to create. Thank you and I look forward to more classes with you.” ~Tina Holt
“Jennifer, this was a great experience! I learned a lot about period correct methods that simply can’t be found in contemporary sewing instruction. And I learned the methods make the look! Thanks again for your concise lessons!” ~Donna Knower
Exciting Lesson Plans Prepared for You:
Lesson 1: Discuss design ideas, fabric selections and taking measurements
Lesson 2: Sewing the foundation/underskirt
Lesson 3: Sewing the overskirt
Lesson 4: Bodice mockup & fitting
Lesson 5: Bodice pattern alterations & construction
Lesson 6: Finishing the bodice
NOTE: We will be making, in order, the foundation skirt, overskirt and bodice in this class. Undergarments, including corset and bustle support, are NOT covered. Please visit the Victorian Undergarments Online Class for those items.
“I never would have done it without you, Jen!! Your videos were so helpful, as were the handouts. We had enough time to finish the project, (but not too much to forget about it!) I love my dress I am so proud of myself for finishing it!.” ~Jeri Bills
“Thanks so much for an awesome class… and also for making it continuously INSPIRING. I loved it. I am so pleased with how much I learnt, and I know I will always have these skills now.” ~Karen Lorraine
Although an 1870s or 80s bustle dress can be quite complicated, it really starts with basic shapes that are then tortured (ha!) & trimmed into the design you want. For this project, we’ll be using the ever popular Truly Victorian patterns. (Specific patterns will be listed to those who register for the class.)
You get to choose which bustle era you want to make: Early Bustle 1870s, Natural Form Era, or Late Bustle 1880s. It’s your choice!
As with all of our classes, you may choose to use other patterns but be aware that the specific steps of each lesson will cover the class-specific Truly Victorian patterns.
Valuable Skills & Techniques You’ll Learn:
- Fabrics to use in bustle dresses including underlinings
- When & how to flatline
- Setting in a skirt placket
- Pleating the skirts to a waistband
- Hem finishing techniques
- Attaching ties to skirts to give them proper bustle pouf
- Bodice fitting tips
- Constructing a bodice in the correct order
- Pattern sizing and adjustments
- Finishing a bodice with period techniques
- Trimming the skirts and bodice for a cohesive look
“I have basically participated in all of Jennifer Rosbrugh’s online classes. I just love how clear and concise and easy to follow her instructions are. No matter what, I always learn something new.” ~Susanne Hughes
“Jennifer, thank you so much for running this class. I learned a lot about fitting and really enjoyed the class. I know I will be referring to the lessons again.” ~Cathy Leeson
“Thank you so much! I’ve learned a lot and am much more confident in my skills now. It’s a wonderful class especially for international students.” ~Tanya Itkin
Please Note:
During class lessons you’ll hear mention of a private Facebook group. As this is now an on-demand class there is NO FACEBOOK GROUP for this online class.
“I learned so much in this class and was really pleased with the experience. It was, honestly, better than I expected and I have made some of the best looking garments of my sewing career. I thought that any little issues, all of which were incredibly minor, started to work themselves out over the course of the class.” ~Anonymous from exit survey
Intermediate Level Class
If you have sewing experience but are new to historical garments, you will feel comfortable here. We’ll be following the patterns closely so you should be able to keep up with the class just fine.
If you are new to sewing, this may not be the best class for you at this time. You do need to know how to set in a sleeve. Perhaps starting with a basic chemise and drawers class would be better so you don’t become frustrated with techniques that are beyond your current skills.
If you are advanced in your sewing skills, you are welcome! Maybe you simply need the class as accountability for your time so your dress gets done. Use the homework assignments to push you forward. 🙂
Class begins when you’re ready. All six lessons are available to you upon successful registration and do not expire.
Be sure to download & print the handouts too for future projects!
On-Demand class includes 6 full sewing lessons with 4.5 hours of video instruction and complete PDF handouts with homework assignments, and a super fun sewing project!
Thank you for the opportunity to sew with you!!
P.S. The class lessons 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.
Attention EU students: our classes & workshops fall under the new 1/1/2015 digital VAT regulations. All online classes and workshops will have your EU country’s VAT tax rate added at checkout. Class prices shown do not include VAT.
For more info on our online classes, please read this page. Please see our full terms of service here.
Jennifer Rosbrugh and Old Petticoat Shop, LLC are affiliates of Amazon.com and Truly Victorian.
Hi Jennifer,
I would love to take your class and would like to know if this period style of dress would be appropriate to the 1849 time period, or, if not, could the pattern be easily modified. I need to make a dress to wear at the Death Valley 49ers encampment this November where we will be hosting an 1849 costume charity poker tournament.
Hi Kimberly,
This class focuses specifically on fashion of the 1870s & 1880s. Some of the techniques such as fitting the bodice and waistband and even finishing techniques like bodice edges and hem facings can be adapted/used on 1840s garments. However, the style and silhouette is quite different. If you need to focus on 1840s then this class isn’t the best for you – especially since you need the dress in a couple months. But you are still welcome to join to have forever access to the lessons. I’m sure you’ll learn a few methods. But I will leave that up to you whether or not to participate. 🙂
Jennifer
At this time my budget will not stretch this far, however, I anxiously await circumstances which will allow. You do such lovely work it will be a privilege to learn from you. Thank you for being a welcome oasis in a desert of mundane stitchers. Adrian b.
I would love to get into the Bustle dress class, but want to ask if I wanted to make the bustle you have from the self paced online course, if that would work with one of the dresses you are covering in this class?
Thx!
Hi Julie,
Yes, the lobster tail bustle will work beautifully under 1870s or 1880s bustle dresses. For the online dress class you will need to have your undergarments, corset, and bustle or pad already finished as we do not cover those items in class, just the dress pieces themselves. The lobster tail bustle subscription class will help you get there.
…As a side note, our new Victorian Undergarments class staring in February will cover chemise, drawers, and petticoat as well as the lobster tail bustle so you can get the project done in one of our “live” classes with other sewers. 🙂
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
Okay, I am going to give it a try! I just registered and I am very excited! Thanks so much for responding so quickly. I did browse a bit on the Truly Victorian site and it is amazing! Looking forward to our first class “meeting”!
Maureen
I just now found your website by accident while browsing youtube. I love the idea of taking this class for a daydress, but I don’t see a link for purchasing the pattern. Can you tell me where to buy it, or is there a place where we would choose from a variety of patterns?
I have a fair amount of sewing experience, but mostly on crafts and projects. I can do buttonholes, set in sleeves, darts, etc. I would love to complete a project like this.
Thank you –
Maureen Larsen
Hi Maureen,
From what you say you would do just fine in the class. After registration students receive all sorts of goodie information including links to the class pattern options an usually a discount for them too. We use Truly Victorian patterns in this class.
So glad you found us! Welcome to our Joyful Community here! 🙂
Jennifer
Just registered! I am leaving 9/6 for a week in Yellowstone and then returning on 9/14–hubby will be staying a week longer up there for serious hiking so I am free to get in that mess of a sewing room I have and work on this. Yay! I really enjoyed your CoCo class on sleeves, and am looking forward to this.
So I am fairly bad at following a pattern and do much better at making my own. Everything made from patterns turns out awfully and is terribly frustrating and I tend to like my self made pattern projects a lot. I have a chemise and lobster tail bustle and corset done and ready I just need the dress (mostly the jacket I am worried about).
I am mainly looking for technique and suggestions on the little things which I think this class would be good for. In part because I am self taught so who knows if there is an easier way and I have not seen any bustle dresses in person so close up details on its construction would be very nice. Would it matter that I have no intention of using the pattern mentioned? The comment of “We’ll be following the patterns closely” is my concern. Otherwise I think I am going to take the class if there is still space
Hi Ane,
Registration is not yet open so all spaces will be available come mid-August. I mention following the patterns closely as we don’t get into tweaking designs or creating new seams and design lines from the basic patterns. We use the shapes as they come, adjust for overskirt length if desired, and add trims to make our personal projects unique. You’ll find many patterns for bustle dress parts out there (including your own such as a foundation skirt, overskirt and bodice). The techniques presented in the class will translate well to most late Victorian outfits. Many students take the class only for the fitting part, same as your biggest concern. You are more than welcome to join us for whatever techniques & skills you want to learn or improve on.
Jennifer
Hello Jennifer:
I want to thank you for the invitation to those classes. It’s my next project, after a civil war dress! But I have a little problem. I do not understand English very well spoken and I wonder if the match pdf tutorials which explain in the videos.
I look forward to classes. Thank you very much again.
The lesson handouts cover most of what is presented in the videos, although not a complete transcript. The videos do have more information. You can definitely understand what is going on by watching the videos as I demonstrate the sewing techniques.
Thanks for your interest in the class!
Cool, this will give me incentive to brush up on my skills. Sixty dollars is such a reasonable price, especially for a visual person like me. Undecisive whether I can join right now. When do you offer the class again .
Class will be offered again but not until later in 2013, perhaps fall. We are over half way filled for the April 2013 class so if you want to join register soon!
Do you have a calendar of classes coming up? I think visitors and life in general may get in my way for this class. I really would like to take it just for fitting a bodice (that I would use for a 1900-1908 period). Thank you so much for doing the classes though there is a need for it for those of us that are docents at historical buildings let alone all the rest of us enjoying periods in time.
I have a list of general classes coming up and the approximate times they will be held on the main Classes page. We will definitely be rotating classes so expect to see them at other times of the year. Thanks for your interest!
Hello, I am very interested in this course as I have been struggling to learn on my own on how to complete a period piece. My question is how many students are allowed in this class as I don’t know if I will be able to purchase the admission fee until later in the month. I don’t want to miss this opportunity as it seems that this is a once a year class and I have been wanting to do this since last year.
Hi Shon,
Thank you so much for your interest in this class. Yes, it is a popular one! We had over 30 students in the Fall 2012 class, so we’ll have at least that many for the April 2013 class. But we’ll have to cap it not too far beyond that as I personally can’t serve everyone if the class is too big. (I don’t want to leave anyone behind with no help!). As this has proved to be a popular class, we will definitely host it again, possibly in late summer or fall.
Registration for the April class will be open until Monday 3/25 or until full. Hope to see you in class!
Cheers,
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer,
My friend and I, we just figured out about this website from a friend of us. We’re desperately try to find a classes for making bustle dress. But since we live in Switzerland, they don’t have that much to offer for such activities, therefore we’re happy to found out about your online classes.
I am not quite sure how to register since I hardly find any link on this page. But, both of us are very enthusiast to join your classes.
Thank you for your attention, and looking forward to hear from you.
Hi Novita,
Welcome to our joyful community! You are not lost about registration for this next class – it hasn’t opened yet so that’s why you can’t find any link. But don’t worry, registration is opening VERY SOON! Be sure to sign up on our newsletter list so you’ll be the first to know when registration opens. You’ll find the sign up form here: https://historicalsewing.com/free-article-request See you in class!
Cheers,
Jennifer
I want to take this class and wonder where the “basic chemise and drawers class” would be so that I can take it before this class. Is it a tutorial or video class that has been done so that I can take it self study? My apologies for my “I want it now”, type of attitude but these classes have been wanted badly for most of my life and you are the first one to utilize modern technology and make it possible. I know you are just one wonderful person but I can’t wait to take your classes! Do you need a housemaid, apprentice, nanny? I will work for training! Tired of modern clothes ready to be period and feminine with class not trash. What are your recommendations for someone like me?
I could use a maid… 🙂 Seriously, I’m so excited to share, teach and help you learn. The plan is to create lots of classes where anyone can start from the skin out – undergarments, supports (hoops & bustles), dress, hat/bonnet, and accessories. Hang in there with us as it takes a good deal of time to produce each class. The Chemise & Drawers class will most likely be a subscription class (self-paced) when released. Thanks for your enthusiasm. See you in class!
Jennifer
Barring any unanticipated RL issues I’ll be there. I LOVE the corset class you’re giving now and this will be the perfect dress to put over it.
Drat. I waited too long. 🙁 I guess there’s always April…
We had so many signups in the last few hours that registration had to close a bit early. Sorry. Yours truly will burn out if I have too many students at once. 🙂
Hope to see you in the April class!
Hi Jennifer,
I need to learn how to make dresses from 1891 — our village will be celebrating its quasquicentennial (125 years) and I’d like to get a head start and maybe be a help to others planning their costumes for all the events.
In your November and early 2013 underpinnings classes, will the corset, chemise and drawers be applicable to 1891? I know they didn’t wear bustles then.
Thank you,
Dee
Dee,
That’s awesome you are willing to help others get into the spirit of your village’s celebration! Best of luck in the planning.
Yes to your questions. The Victorian corset class will be using the Truly Victorian 1880s corset which not only works for late Victorian costumes but for most of the 19th century. We’ll be making up the Truly Victorian chemise & drawers pattern in the Victorian Undergarments class. The shapes are basic and can be worn for many time periods of the 1800s. So yes! These upcoming classes are quite applicable to your era.
Thank you for the questions.
Jennifer
Hi am I able to do this even tho I am in Australia?
Yes, Janelle! The class is online so wherever you are you can participate. Each weekly lesson is available around the clock so you can watch the videos anytime you need to and sew on your own time schedule. The class discussions are held in a private Facebook group which you can pop in anytime to post comments, view the lesson links, ask questions, post photos no matter your time zone. Although, I do live on the West Coast of the US so your questions to me will be delayed a bit. 😉
One reason registration closes more than a week before the class starts is so international students like yourself will have time to get any patterns shipped to you. Time is of the essence here. You can fabric shop online or locally, wherever suits you best. Note: I teach using standard American measurements like inches and yards. So you should be comfortable with translating these into the English metric system.
Thanks for your interest!
Jennifer
Hey Jen….LOVE this idea, want to do this with you all, but at the moment I’m concentrating on (believe it or not) Regency and Edwardian-20’s…what a combo, right? And so totally _not_ bustle of either period, BUT…._please_ keep me on this list for the future classes, great concept and very reasonably priced, I do want to do this. October and November are the two busiest months of the year for me….next spring, I’ll be free!!! (except for Gaslight Gathering) Looking forward to the next time! Good Luck to all your students!!!
Best,
Sandra D. (San Diego Costumers Guild)
Sandra,
Regency classes and an Edwardian corset class are in the works. So you’ll have a chance to join us in the future. See you then!
Jennifer
Please Explain more about the ” understand the layers of bustle ” and is the pattern included in the class?
Bustle dresses seem complicated. In this class, we’re sewing the various layers – foundation/underskirt, overskirt and bodice – to understand how a bustle dress is put together. But not just that, we’ll discuss fabric selections and fitting techniques so students get the right silhouette. Most of the class focuses on the construction of these pieces.
Specific patterns are suggested with students choosing a particular bustle era set and acquiring them on their own. Patterns and supplies are additional to the class fee.
Thankyou for your uick reply. I was not sure where you were from by just looking through this site. I would sign up right now for your class but I have a couple of concerns. I have a bustle dress pretty much complete. I don’t want to spend much time in the basics construction. Although I am very interested in new patterns. I don’t mind starting a new dress. My brick wall is how to do the grand finish. How to assemble All the layers of the bustle, embellishments, lace, pleats, ruffles, etc. How to make it that big bang WOW finished dress. My concern is this class will get me to where I already am. Does that make sense? By the way I Just love everything you do. Thanks so much.
This particular class starts from scratch and we build a bustle dress (only, not the undergarments) from basic patterns. Trims are touched on but the basis is to understand the layers of bustle and how they work with each other. Sounds like you’ve already done that and need an embellishment class. We’ll definitely take that into consideration when planning new classes.
For a “wow” factor, work on the fit, choose your fabrics wisely, and study original garments for how they trimmed them out. Fitting classes are in the works so keep a look out for those when they are offered.
I SO wish I could do this class, but I’m afraid I don’t have the time or the money. 🙁
Best of Luck with the class, though! And I hope I can join in other classes at a later date. 🙂
Is this only an online class. No real classes with people anywhere anytime? Thanks
Yes, Tereasa. Since we have followers in over 25 countries, we decided online classes are the way to help the most people. However, the online classes include active Facebook group pages so even though students are checking in on their own time schedule, we have real people interacting in real time.
I would LOVE to offer in-person classes and have given much thought to them. Logistics pose a bit of a challenge. Not everyone can travel to me in California. For me to travel to other groups out of state, more planning and a host would need to be decided. We are looking at offering classes around the country in the future. It may be a while, but that is a goal. Thanks for asking.
Jennifer
HI Jennifer,
This would be my first bustle dress and I do not have the bustle structure. Is this something I should first do before making the dress? You stated this would be needed to fit the dress. I have a corset for the civil war era, would that work until I actually make one for the bustle time period?
Connie
Hi Connie,
Your corset would work fine, and unless you want to make a tightly fitted princess line dress from the Natural Form era, it’ll work fine for most bustle dresses you make.
The class gives three options for patterns: 1870s, Natural Form and 1880s. The Natural Form Era only requires a small pad (like a lightly stuffed pillow) and a petticoat. So you could start the dress and even have a few weeks to make the pad before we get to the bodice fitting.
As for the 1870s and 1880s, you are welcome to make the dress in class before you have the bustle structure. The 1870s bodice pattern ends at the waist, so technically you could make the 1870s dress, fit the bodice over your corset, and when you get the bustle done, the dress will most likely fit you fine. Of course you’ll want the bustle before you wear the dress. 🙂
Will this class also include the underpinnings (corsetry, etc)? I’ve done mostly medieval/Rennaissance costuming and want to branch out. I don’t have any appropriate underpinnings for this time period, yet. If this class does not include underpinnings, where might I start with that?
Hi Dawn,
This class will cover the foundation skirt, overskirt and bodice of a bustle design of your choosing. Undergarments including chemise, drawers, corset and bustle structure are needed for fittings and, of course, to wear the final dress project.
In November we’ll be holding a new class to make a Victorian corset using the Truly Victorian 1880s corset pattern. We will also have a class to make the chemise and drawers which will most likely be in the first of the year. SOOO many people have requested undergarments and corset classes so those are definitely in the works!
As for starting a new time period, I always recommend starting from the skin out. You can read more about where to begin in this article: https://historicalsewing.com/clothing-articles-when-just-beginning-historical-costuming
Also, this article gives you several pattern options for your undergarments: https://historicalsewing.com/simplifying-search-for-undergarment-patterns-chemise-drawers
Hope to see you in a future class!
Jennifer
I hope you’ll offer this class again in the future. I’m making underpinnings now (for several eras).
Yes! Right now, it’s looking that the next time will be in April 2013. I hope to offer this class two to three times a year.