Corset Draping Course

5 hrs 57 mins

Difficulty:

In this course, I’ll be demonstrating how to drape a corset.
The pattern we make will be used as a base, and can be used for both lightweight and heavyweight construction.

We’ll discuss how to tape your dress form and add breast cups. We’ll also talk about the different types of boning, how they work, and how to use them during sewing.

To begin, we’ll tape our dress form & add our cups. Then, we’ll start draping section by section with our muslin.

Once all pieces are draped, we’ll clean them and put them together before taking it to the fitting. After the fitting, we may make secondary corrections.

Then, we’ll take it to the dotted paper and turn it into a pattern. After that, we’ll prepare our fabric, cut it, take it to the machine, sew it, and add all necessary constructions to complete the corset.

Finally we’ll explore Creative Draping on a constructed base (in this case, our corset).

LESSONS

Corset Draping Course

Corsets Information PDF
Lesson 1
Corsets Information PDF
Print this PDF for future reference!
Corset Introduction and Preparation
Lesson 2
Corset Introduction and Preparation
In this session, I teach you how to prepare for draping a corset. We will be making a traditional sweetheart corset with a center front seam that curves around the bust. I show different types of breast cups and how to attach them to the dress form. The key is getting the right size and positioning them properly for the desired shape.
16 mins
Draping the Corset
Lesson 3
Draping the Corset
How to drape the corset pattern directly on the dress form. I start by preparing straight grain fabric pieces and pinning the center front line. Then, I shape the fabric around the bust and waist areas, pinning and trimming as needed to achieve a smooth fit.
28 mins
Information on Corset Types and Materials
Lesson 4
Information on Corset Types and Materials
In this session, I share details about corset making, the materials used, and the finishing techniques involved. I explain the different types of corsets, from lightweight bridal corsets to heavily structured historical pieces.
35 mins
Corset Construction Final Fabrics
Lesson 5
Corset Construction Final Fabrics
I showcase the materials I plan to use for constructing my corset. I selected a cotton-polyester brocade fabric for the outer shell and a structured satin fabric for the lining. I also introduced a fusible, mid-weight knit interfacing that she will use for both the shell and lining fabrics.
2 mins
Preparation for First Fitting with Draped Pieces
Lesson 6
Preparation for First Fitting with Draped Pieces
How to prepare the draped pieces for the first fitting before transferring them to a final pattern. I demonstrate cleaning up the outlines of the draped muslin pieces and adding seam allowances. I also explain the process of fusing the muslin pieces onto interfacing to give them structure for the initial fitting.
15 mins
First Fitting with Draped Pieces
Lesson 7
First Fitting with Draped Pieces
In this lesson, I fuse the muslin pieces with horsehair fusible interfacing and attached all six draped pieces together. I then take the assembled muslin to my dress form for the first fitting.
30 mins
Truing the Corset Pattern
Lesson 8
Truing the Corset Pattern
How to true the corset pattern pieces by matching seams, adjusting curves, and adding notches for proper alignment during sewing.
29 mins
Cutting Corset Fabric Lining and Interfacing
Lesson 9
Cutting Corset Fabric Lining and Interfacing
I demonstrate how to cut the fabric, lining, and interfacing for a corset or bustier project. I explain the different materials being used, including a brocade fabric for the outer shell, a mid-weight satin knit for the lining, and interfacing to provide structure.
11 mins
Sewing the Corset
Lesson 10
Sewing the Corset
I teach how to sew the corset pieces together, emphasizing the importance of carefully matching the pattern pieces and notches to avoid mixing up the order. I demonstrate sewing the outer fabric pieces first, then the lining pieces, preparing them for the next steps of adding boning and bust cups.
26 mins
Determining the Length of Bonings and Placement of Bust Cups
Lesson 11
Determining the Length of Bonings and Placement of Bust Cups
How to measure and prepare the boning pieces for the corset project. I show the top shell and lining pieces, explaining the need for the lining to be slightly smaller than the outer fabric.
18 mins
Sewing Bonings to the Lining
Lesson 12
Sewing Bonings to the Lining
I demonstrate how to sew the bonings (rigid interfacing strips) to the lining of the dress. I first apply interfacing on top of the bonings and press them carefully to avoid melting. Then, I position the center front piece along the marked center line and sew the boning on either side of the seam.
11 mins
Breast Cup Placement
Lesson 13
Breast Cup Placement
In this lesson, I demonstrate how to properly position and attach the breast cups to the bodice. This step is crucial for achieving the desired fit and support in the bust area.
4 mins
Sewing the Zipper
Lesson 14
Sewing the Zipper
How to sew the zipper onto the back of a top piece. I carefully align the notches and seams before attaching the zipper, ensuring a perfect fit.
13 mins
Attaching Corset and Lining
Lesson 15
Attaching Corset and Lining
How to attach the corset outer layer to the lining. I first check the fit on the dress form, ensuring everything is neat and even before proceeding to pin and sew the layers together.
10 mins
Finishing the Corset
Lesson 16
Finishing the Corset
In this session, I teach how to finish the bottom of the corset by adding a bias strip and hand-stitching it for a clean, professional look. I also discuss alternative methods like machine stitching or attaching a skirt lining.
33 mins
Creative Draping on a Constructed Base
Lesson 17
Creative Draping on a Constructed Base
In this lesson, I teach how to creatively drape fabrics on a constructed base like a corset or fitted bodice. I demonstrate draping techniques to achieve structured yet fluid designs suitable for gowns and wedding dresses.
1 hr 18 mins

Join our family!

More Than Just Courses, We're a Community of Dressmaking Enthusiasts

The 'Draping Society' Facebook Group is our community forum that's going to connect you with hundreds of other dressmakers just like you.