Victorian Corset

Full tutorial class creating a beautiful & comfortable Victorian corset that fits your figure

  Enroll in Course

Your lovely 19th century gowns need a firm foundation. You want to “do it right” with a corset silhouette but you may have no clue how to make one.

If you're serious about learning how to sew a Victorian corset with the tips & tricks to creating one that is comfortable and made for your unique figure, then I invite you to enroll in this course.

An hourglass figure. Back support. Beautiful Victorian shaping. Looking like you stepped out of time. A corset offers all these plus the confidence in your demeanor and spring in your step.

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

This is an intermediate level sewing class.

You should understand basic sewing techniques and 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.

The focus of this class is to understand 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).

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.

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

Detailed Tutorials:

  • 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 in our Old Petticoat Shop).

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 more.

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:

  • Most reliable foundation and fashion fabrics for corsets
  • Fitting tips for molding the corset to your curves
  • Flatlining your corset with a fashion fabric
  • Measuring for the busk and boning sizes that fit your specific size
  • Setting in a front opening metal busk
  • Best method for applying secure grommets
  • Binding sewing tips


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.

Class begins when you’re ready and access never expires. Be sure to download & print the handouts too for future projects!


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 lessons here on this site with progression on your own schedule.


"This was the scariest sewing project I ever faced and Jennifer Rosbrugh made it so simple!!"

~ Becca Hay-Sakamoto

"The Victorian corset class I took from [her] was AWESOME! …The class is amazing!"

~ Becca Hill

"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!!!"

~ Jeanette M.

"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!"

~ Dawn Burke

 

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.

Start learning and creating today to be properly attired for the next Victorian event!

The class lessons are 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. Post your questions in the class for additional assistance on your project from Jennifer. See you in class!

Get started now!