Make your own Corsets and Stays Sewing Course • Bobbin and Ink

Duration: 9 weeks x 3 hours per week

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

Discover the tricks to creating the perfect form-fitting corset in this 9-week course. If you're into historical recreation or cosplay, are interested in more traditional techniques for perfecting fit in bridal or formal wear projects, or have more of an interest in foundational undergarments for practical, costume, cosplay or kink applications, we want to see you here!

Many types of corsets and stays exist from different eras, but this class will focus on constructing ones which include a front busk and eyelet lacing closure in the back. With the guidance of your talented, experienced instructor, Sasha Wisniowski, you'll explore the history and conventions of different corset styles before drafting and creating your own using historical corset pattern. We will guide attendees towards completing a style which will be achievable within your skill level.

Sasha's training includes studying Costume at NIDA and Fashion Design at UTS. As well as teaching at Bobbin and Ink, during the week she works at Opera Australia, has taught at NIDA and has worked on countless theatre, cosplay, opera, musical and film projects including Peter Rabbit 2 and Thor: Love and Thunder. A talented dyer, pattern maker, machinist and art finisher - we love her and we know you will too.

A word of warning: this course is aimed at sewists with intermediate to advanced skill level. Full competence operating your machine, particularly using tough and difficult to handle fabrics is essential. There won't be time to teach you the basics of sewing. We assume that you can competently read commercial patterns, have completed a range of sewing projects using a pattern without supervision and are very familiar with common sewing terms. These are skills learnt in the Beginners Learn to Sew Clothing Course, so check it out if you're not sure this class suits you. Pattern making experience is not essential, but would be beneficial. Refunds will not be available if you have incorrectly assumed your skill level for this course.

We also don't recommended this course for anyone who may be going though a major bodily transformation throughout the 9 weeks, eg. pregnancy. We'll be doing lots of tight fittings and potentially be constricting your body with the garment you make, so this is in the interest of safety.

It should go without saying, but Bobbin and Ink is an LGBTQI+ safe space and welcomes everyone to our workshop.

GAIN CONFIDENCE IN:

Using your sewing machine - handling difficult fabrics and notions, selecting correct needles and thread for your project.
Creating neat seam finishes, inserting boning, eyelets and binding.
Reading paper patterns, drafting and adjusting them to perfect your garment's fit.
Choosing the right type of fabric and notions for your project.
Accurately cutting and manipulating fabric.
Working through a pattern with minimal instruction.
Fitting your garment on a physical body.

COST INCLUDES:

Sewing machine use or bring your own
Access to our cutting tables and mannequins
Access to irons and ironing boards
Use of kitchen facilities including fridge, toaster, microwave and free tea, coffee and biscuits.

WHAT TO BRING:

A corset pattern if you choose to work with one. We've compiled a list of commercial and independent corset and stays patterns that will be emailed to you upon booking in. This also includes historical styles which won't require the purchase of a pattern, they will be drafted in class time. Choose a pattern from the list that best suits your style. If you have a preferred corset or stay pattern from elsewhere, please contact us prior to class to check it's ok to use. We want to make sure you've picked something to suit your skill level and can be completed in the allocated course time.
Fabric and notions suggested for your chosen pattern, eg. coutille, fabric, spiral steel boning, etc. We will have the essentials available to purchase in class or you can bring your own if you prefer.
Sewing Kit - thread snips, at least 1 metre of calico for creating toiles, good quality sewing thread (we recommend Gutermann or Rasant thread which we also sell in store), fabric scissors, sewing pins, fabric chalk or a removeable fabric marker, measuring tape and seam ripper. We sell these + a range of other tools that can be purchased in-store during class.
A working sewing machine - we recommend working on your own sewing machine so you gain more confidence. Ensure you bring a zipper foot and don't forget the power cord. Otherwise we can provide you with a sewing machine to use throughout the course, free of charge. Just remember to tell us when you sign up!
Notebook and pen

EMAIL US with any questions you might have.

This Class is subject to Bobbin and Ink's Cancellation Policy.
Please read it on our Terms and Conditions page before booking.