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.
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.
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…”
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.
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 individualized 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!
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 page. No 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.
Hello Jennifer! You are my heroine! I am a true neo-Victorian, as both my house and camper can attest to. I love the 1890 – 1910 eras, so cover both La Belle Époque and Gibson Girl. I am teeny on top with ample hippage, so it was suggested to me by another corset page that I stick with an under bust long waisted corset. I agree for the pigeon breast look, but would prefer an over the breast. And would this particular corset In your latest class work for both eras? Finally, I am sorry to be so long winded, but where could I wear my new jewels? All I can find in Minnesota is a group for Civil War re-enactors. Thank you so much for your hard work and willingness to share………
Hello! Simply because you are small on top doesn’t mean you can’t wear an over bust corset! Yes, you can. You could even add bust padding (purchased or made) to add to fuller bust look.
The Victorian Corset Class on this page is for an over-bust corset. With silhouette padding it would work through 1910 fashions. It is the best corset shape for the 1890s. And you can take this class now and work through it at your own pace.
My current workshop class – Late Edwardian Corset – is a very long corset shape truly meant for the slim fashions starting around 1909. It is can be made under the bust or at the apex level (which is the best height for corsets used as undergarments so they don’t show under the bodice). I would not recommend the corset in this class for 1890s or even early 1900s fashions. It’s simply not correct. Hope this helps!
As for events, check historical societies and places. Get on social media and plan a tea or meal at a restaurant for others willing to join you in costume. Sometimes it starts with only a couple people willing to get dressed up and enjoy the day. 🙂
i am really keen to make a corset or ten to use with costumes (1800’s) and also make wedding gowns, so would like to use actual corsets for those too. I live in NZ and finding materials is difficult! (Busks, steel boning etc) are you able to supply a kit of those supplies (no fabric needed) if I purchase the DVD ? And if so can you give me some idea on measuring the length of busk I’ll need? I’m 5′ tall so it won’t be a long one 🙂
Many thanks 🙂
Hi Lorna,
I have a whole tutorial section & video in the class on how to measure for your busk length. As for supplies, you’ll have to order in but I have a list of recommended vendors for you. I do not supply corset supplies. We’ve had a few students from NZ take our classes (including this Victorian Corset one), so you are not alone in making corsets from where you are. 🙂
Cheers,
Jennifer
I have purchased the online class, but am not quite ready to start yet. Will there be another workshop at a later date?
Oh, yes Bonnie. We will rotate workshops throughout the year. Keep an eye out for when dates are scheduled.
I’m considering the class, and also considering drafting my own corset pattern using the instructions on Foundations Revealed. Would that work in the class, or would it be too confusing not to use the TV pattern? Also, I’m interested in a corset that will work well for several different decades — from 1840s to 1880s. I don’t tend to like the shorter mid-Victorian corset styles as much visually — I like the later corsets’ smoothing effect and more hourglass shape which works well for me — but I’d rather have a corset that will work well for all those decades, if that is possible. What do you suggest? Thanks!
Hi Nancy!
You may use your own pattern (however you derive it), but please know that all video tutorials and handout instructions are based on the TV110 pattern. Although, if you have a straight seamed corset pattern (no gussets) then you will benefit greatly in this class.
As for length, the Truly Victorian pattern is based on 1880s long-line styles but can be fitted and trimmed to shorter lengths for mid-century needs. If you don’t like short corsets (or don’t need one) then making the long style should suit you very fine for those decades you want to portray. I discuss length and height issues during the fitting lesson. That said, I personally use only a couple of corsets for all of my Victorian costumes (1830s to 1900). A well-fitted corset can support most historical costumes you want to make. The luxury comes with refining the fit, seam placement and styling for specific years as you desire to do that. This class will give you a good foundation in the fitting and construction of a basic Victorian corset that will carry you well into other projects.
Thanks for the question. Hope to see you in class!
Jennifer
Many corsets I’ve seen have a twill tape ‘belt’ around the waist in-between the layers. Will the instructions for this be covered?
Thanks for the question Bobbie. With the construction method for the class pattern the waist tape will not be specifically covered. However, I will be happy to answer the question and give pointers for inserting in class if asked about it.
I am a very generous sized gal. I know that the class description says that there will be fitting instructions, but I want to make sure that this is going to work for me. I also don’t have anyone that is going to be able to reliably help me measure (my roommate doesn’t sew). Is this going to work? I really, REALLY want to be able to take this class.
Hi Tammy,
Great question! If you can fit into the size chart on the Truly Victorian 1880s corset pattern then you’ll be fine. I have a full, nearly 20 minute video on fitting where I show you how to fit yourself using a mirror. Then I show you how to tweak the pattern for more fine tuning. With any corset, it won’t be perfect the first time. But starting and making one will get you further along the path that you can then take and alter that one for an even better one. If you find the class not to your satisfaction, the 10-day full refund policy will be honored. I do hope that you take the leap and join us. I am available throughout the class for fitting help – photos being the best way I can do that with you.
Warmly,
Jennifer
Would this corset work for Regency as well?
It’s not really the same silhouette. However, I have friends who wear their Victorian corset under Regency dresses just to have a high supported bust rather than resort to a modern push-up bra. It’s better than not being supported properly. But it’s your choice if you want to wear it until at some point you can make a true Regency shape. We have a Regency era corset class in the early stages of production, but it will be a while before it’s ready.
I have no sewing skills right now. But, I am taking some basic sewing classes and will hopefully have the skills necessary to take this class in the future. I would love to learn how to make my own corset.
We’ll be here when you’re ready Gavi! We expect to offer this class indefinitely.
Could this corset be extended for the longer lengths of the early 20th century? I’m hoping to create items for 1910-1919. I realize corsets were starting to be fall out of favor during those years, but there has to be something of structure underneath. I may take the class just for the skill building aspect regardless. Thanks so much.
You could extend this pattern but I’d actually recommend the Truly Victorian Edwardian corset or some other Edwardian corset to use for the 19-Teens. This Victorian shape just isn’t the same. Although… wearing it for Teens would be better than wearing no corset and/or modern underwear. This class will cover construction techniques that will translate well to most corset patterns.
I’m definitely interested in taking this at a later date. Lack of funds, and my final semester of art school will take up too much time to focus on this properly. When will you likely be offering this next?
Not quite sure at this time but definitely again later this year and no sooner than July. Thanks for asking. Hope to see you in a future class. Best of luck in your final semester!
can the grommet setting tool be the one that looks like pliers? or is the one you use a hammer for what you are recommending?
You *can* use the pliers but I don’t recommend them as my experience has told me they can’t set the grommet tight enough. You may be disappointed. My suggestion is to use a hammer and die/setter kit as you know the grommets will get set tightly and correctly. That is my suggestion but you may use whichever you prefer.
I am very interested in the corset class, but I am sorry I am not seeing a class time or specific dates? Can you help?
Hi Carmen!
This class is all online in a pre-recorded video and PDF handout format.
The November 2012 class will start on Thursday, Nov. 8th with the first lesson released to students via email and the Facebook group. (I’m in California and will post the lessons by the morning of the 8th PT or even late Wednesday night.) You access the videos and complete the homework on your own time. There is no specific “live” class time/session, except maybe for the Facebook group in which feedback & answers will be given as quickly as possible.
Each following Thursday (Nov. 15th, 29th and Dec 6th) will have the next lesson released to students. Class officially ends December 12, however all lessons will still be accessible until January 12, 2013 for students to catch up with sewing, take notes, ask questions, etc.
Does this help answer your questions?
Unable to “attend” at this time. Do you sell instructions on how to do this like the petticoat instructions I purchased from you?
Joy, is your question on if I have instructions for a Victorian corset? If so – yes! You can find it here: https://historicalsewing.com/victorian-corset-sewing-workbook Hope to see you in a future class!