Fashion Foundations: Victorian Corsetry 2

About this course

Participants develop a Victorian corset from pattern to finished garment, adapting the pattern to individual measurements and applying period-specific construction methods. The course covers fitting, fabric cutting, boning, busk insertion, binding and finishing, alongside consideration of Victorian fashion aesthetics and historical silhouettes. Teaching combines whole-class instruction with demonstrations, visual explanations, small-group discussion and troubleshooting. Regular tutor feedback is provided as participants work through the stages of construction.

What you'll learn

• Draft and adjust a Victorian corset pattern using individual measurements.
• Select suitable historical and modern materials for corsetry.
• Construct a corset using traditional methods, including busk insertion, boning and binding.
• Apply finishing techniques for strength, comfort and historical accuracy.
• Explain how Victorian corsetry contributed to historical silhouettes.

Is this course right for you?

This intermediate course is intended for learners who have completed at least two terms of intermediate clothes making or have equivalent experience. It is not suitable for beginners. Participants should be able to take and compare measurements, make basic pattern alterations, cut fabric accurately and use a sewing machine safely. Basic numeracy and spoken, listening and reading English are also required.

• Requires prior intermediate clothes-making study or equivalent experience.
• Work may involve standing at high tables for extended periods.
• Includes whole-class teaching, small-group discussion and collaborative troubleshooting.

Before you go

• Participants must provide a basic sewing kit, including fabric scissors, trimming scissors, pins, a tape measure, a tracing wheel, carbon paper, hand-sewing needles and thread.
• Participants must provide their own fabrics, boning, haberdashery and threads; further details are supplied at the beginning of the course.
• Pattern work and fabric cutting may involve standing at high tables. The tutor should be informed if this presents difficulty.
• The fashion studios are on the first floor, with lift access. Sewing machines use foot-operated speed controls.