Every year I sign up to teach the Renaissance Corset Class at Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak, MI. So I thought I’d add a little “More Information” page about it here at my website for people wanting to take the class.

First of all, the class is for the conical Renaissance style corset (pair of bodies, or stays), NOT the wasp waisted or hour glass shaped Victorian corset.

The pattern we draft is based on Drea Leed’s corset pattern, with a few differences that I use with my own corsets for comfort, plus having someone else help fit you, and answer your questions when things don’t make sense, is always helpful.

“332 – RENAISSANCE CORSETS
Draft and make your own strapless, boned-tabbed, back lacing corset. The perfect underpinning to give you the proper cone shaped silhouette in your Tudor or Elizabethan (or Renaissance Festival) attire. Students will learn how to properly fit corsets for this time period, as well as how to use grommets, boning and bindings.
Teacher: TRISH  Intermediate Level (Students should understand basic garment and construction techniques and be very comfortable using a sewing machine on their own. )
5 sessions $100.00
A: Saturdays, October 16 – November 13; 10:15 am – 1:15 pm“

Class Syllabus

Week 1

Take MeasurementsCreate Pattern
Discuss fabric & interlining & lining choices
Homework: Make a mock-up (2 layer muslin, no boning), Answer Questionnaire & bring to Class 2

Week 2

Fit mock ups & adjust pattern
Discuss Questionnaire
Discuss boning channels and boning casing
Cut out fabric, lining & interlining
Homework: Finish cutting out pieces

Week 3

Mark Boning placement
Sew channels or boning casing in place

Week 4

Sew fashion fabric & base right sides together around the bottom and back edges, leave top open
Press
Turn right side out
Press again
Insert boning

Week 5

Bind Top edge
Discuss lacing styles
Discuss laces
Mark & add grommets or hand bound eyelets
Homework: Wear around the house for 2 hours, then let it rest overnight, then wear again for 3 hours the next day, then let it rest overnight, to stretch it out and let it form to your body.

Supply List

For 1st day:
Measuring Tape
Pen/Pencil & Notepad
Approx. 1 yd. Grid Paper
Ruler/Straight Edge
French Curve
Paper scissors
6” seam gauge

Additional Supplies you may need:
Fabric
Interfacing
Interlining
Lining
Bias Tape or Bias Tape Maker
Bone Casing
Boning
Wood Busk (If you have/want it)
Fabric scissors

To sign up for the class, go to Haberman Fabrics website and click on Classes and Events. If you then choose “Show All Classes” it’s usually on page 3, just look for class #332. You can also sign up at the store, or by phone at 248.953.5884 during store hours.

For more questions about the Renaissance Corset Class, you can email me at: