Sew with Alice: Intermediate Corset Making

This class will build on the Advanced Beginner Corset class. You will be making a custom fit, over-bust corset. We will cover the basics of corset making and boned bodices. This class will focus on fit. You will be shown how to alter the corset pattern to get a custom fit and leave with a custom pattern that can be used to make more advanced
corsets.

Alice will be your instructor. She has over 30 years of experience as a professional costume maker. From San Francisco Opera to Rupaul’s Drag Race, her work has been seen all over the world. As a resident of Victoria she has dedicated her expertise to Pacific Opera Victoria. She teaches all levels of sewing and loves to inspire the next
generation of sewing enthusiasts.

In this class you will make a custom fit, laced and boned over-bust corset.

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skill Requirements

Participants should:

• Have sewn several garment projects from a pattern

• Know how to read and use a sewing pattern

• Be comfortable cutting pattern pieces and applying edge binding

• Know how to thread and operate a sewing machine, wind a bobbin, and sew basic seams

• Be familiar with sewing terms such as straight of grain and seam allowance

Minimum age: 16

You will learn:

• How to bone an over-bust corset

• How to put in eyelets and grommets

• Learn the “fit as you go” method

• Learn how to alter a corset pattern

We supply:

• Machine, if you are not bringing your own 

• Corset Pattern

• Boning

• Grommets

• Lacing

Studio Supplies Available

• Sewing machines (if you are not bringing your own)

• Selection of recirculated fabrics

What to Bring

• 1.3 meters of cotton twill or denim. (Buttons and Bows has several colours) This should be about the weight of denim jeans and non-stretch. You may up-cycle old jeans.

• .5” double fold bias tape or ½ meter of quilting cotton to make bias binding 

• Thread the color of the corset and 2” bias tape

Fabric Preparation

Please purchase or select your materials in advance. It is strongly recommended that you wash and dry your fabric the same way you plan to care for the finished garment in order to pre-shrink it.

Student Discounts

Students receive:

• 20% off supplies in-store

• 20% discount at Gala Fabrics and Buttons & Bows for course materials