Passionate About Petticoats

Fill your closet with pretty petticoats essential at supporting the historical silhouette

With historical clothing it's all about the silhouette!

And petticoats are essential to getting "the look" right.

Whether you want to learn more about petticoats as undergarments, ready to sew up your own, or simply want to join in with the rest of us who have a passion for all.things.petticoats – You are very welcome here!

Find oodles of information in this unique online class combined with a packed handbook all on petticoat topics and construction and a full two-hour video class on making a Victorian petticoat.

In this class gather a wealth of information on various aspects of petticoats from fabrics to sewing tutorials and even covering the why of shaping and construction of these important undergarments.

In the first half you'll find a series of informational topics and tutorials with a downloadable PDF of all these in one file for your future reference.

Topics include:

  • Fabrics for pretty petticoats - covering all four natural fibers plus an additional section on using organdy
  • Discussion on proper petticoat lengths and widths
  • Modern tips to keep your waist looking small when layers of petticoats are required for the silhouette
  • How-to tutorial on sewing pin tucks based on an original Edwardian petticoat
  • Tips to make beautiful ruffles for your petticoats
  • Looking at supporting ruffles with cording
  • Tips for making a trained petticoat and how it functions with a skirt
  • A quick look at corded petticoats
  • Tutorial on starching your petticoats for that wonderful "paper finish"
  • Resource list of petticoat patterns

When you're ready... jump into the second part of class: Making a Victorian Petticoat which includes two hours of video tutorials divided over two parts. Each part has a lesson handout packed with detailed photo instructions and list of "homework" activities to get your petticoat done fast!

The class portion - Making a Victorian Petticoat - is for Advanced Beginners to Intermediate level in their sewing. You should know how to operate your sewing machine and understand basic sewing techniques such as seams, topstitching, gathering, and basic hand whipstitch. Although, each step will be shown for easy follow-along.

By practicing the basics you can tackle more advanced designs in dressmaking.

We'll be sewing a Victorian petticoat from the Truly Victorian pattern for ensembles for the years 1870 to 1900. Our objective is to build sewing skills and produce lovely petticoats for your historical costumes.

Sewing Tutorials to Make a Victorian Petticoat:

Part 1: Fabric selections, pattern alterations and cutting; sewing main seams, creating tucks and setting on the flounce

Part 2: Gathering the ruffle with ease and symmetry and finishing with the waistband and closure

Get a jump start on your historical silhouettes by building your petticoat stash today!

Happy Sewing Pretty Petticoats!

P.S. The first portion of class covering various petticoat topics and with accompanying PDF handbook is only available in this course, whereas the Making a Victorian Petticoat lessons are taken from the Victorian Undergarments Class.

One final note - this class was initially hosted on my blog, HistoricalSewing.com. Any reference to emails, different lesson pages or logins, and even timing between release of lessons should be disregarded. You have access to the entire class here on this site with progression on your own schedule.


"Jennifer - I want to say that... I also have been sewing a long time and my new Victorian underwear looks better than anything I've ever made before. These [Victorian Undergarments] lessons have un-done eons of self-taught bad habits and helped me become a much better seamstress in a very short time."

~ Constance T.

Course Curriculum


  Welcome to Class!
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  All About Petticoats
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  Petticoat Lengths and Widths
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  Petticoat Layers and That Small Waist
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  Pin Tucks the Old Fashioned Way
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  Quick Look: Trained & Ruffled Petticoat with Corded Ruffles
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  Understanding Corded Petticoats
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  Resources
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  Making a Victorian Petticoat: Getting Started
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  All Finished!
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"Your videos are wonderful!!! Keep up the great work. I have learned so much from your class - can't wait to take another one!!!"

~ Maureen Larsen

"Thanks, Jennifer.... I have learned quite a bit and consider myself a more skilled historic dressmaker than I was a few months ago!"

~ Terri A.

 

Your Instructor


Jennifer Rosbrugh
Jennifer Rosbrugh

Teacher to hundreds of sewing and costuming students since 2004, Jennifer dreams of the nostalgia of the past and brings it into her modern life through creating costume ensembles from about 1780 to 1920. Dark chocolate, Jane Austen and bustle dress fanatic. Daughter of the King.


Frequently Asked Questions


When does the class start and finish?
The class starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online class - you decide when you start each lesson, complete the sewing, and when you finish the project.
How long do I have access to the class?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this class for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
Can I get personal feedback and help with my class project?
Of course! We are here to see you succeed in creating historical fashions you love. We help you every step of the way through conversational comments in each tutorial and through email, if desired. We create a joyful and safe environment for you to ask any question about your project and receive answers and feedback that can be used immediately.
What if I am unhappy with the class?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and give us the opportunity to address your concerns.
If I change my mind, can I request a refund?
Due to the nature of the materials and intellectual property presented in the class, all sales are final.

Get started now!