Corset Making for Beginners in Two Sessions

Join us for an exciting two-day workshop focused on the art of corset making! This hands-on experience will provide you with a basic bodice block, setting the foundation for your creativity. Throughout the workshop, you'll take a step-by-step journey, gaining a clear understanding of the corset-making process, ensuring that every participant fully comprehends each technique involved.

You'll start by mastering the crucial skill of taking accurate measurements—whether for yourself or a fellow participant—laying the groundwork for your unique designs. With your measurements ready, you’ll dive into the thrilling world of corset creation, transforming the pre-made block into stunning, personalised pieces.

The course will be led by acclaimed designer John Herrera, a tutor at FCFTA. John first showcased his collection at the International Fashion Showcase during London Fashion Week in February 2015, an event organised by the British Fashion Council. Since then, he has exhibited in Tokyo and London with Fashion Scout, and recently made headlines at Paris Fashion Week with his debut collection. His AW25 collection, titled “Femme à la Mode,” has received features in Tatler and has been warmly embraced by fashion enthusiasts.

Join us for this workshop over two consecutive Saturdays, where John will guide you through the essentials of corset making. Whether you've always wanted to learn this craft or have tried making corsets in the past, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Under John's expert guidance, you'll acquire valuable skills that enable you to craft exquisite, bespoke corsets that reflect your unique personal style.

You will learn the following:

• How to take body measurements.
• How to trace a basic bodice block accurately with all the markings
• How to draft a corset using a pre-made block
• How to properly label and mark individual pattern pieces with symbols and notches
• How to cut and assemble a corset
• Materials and tools for corset making
• How to add boning to the corset
• Tips and tricks for a professional finish

Session 1: In this session, you will learn how to accurately measure the body, which is crucial for creating a well-fitted corset. You will receive a basic block that closely matches your measurements. Additionally, you will learn how to personalise and adjust the corset to meet your individual needs. If time permits, you will also have the opportunity to cut and prepare your corset for stitching, ready for session 2.

Session 2: In this session, you will acquire hands-on experience in cutting and stitching your own corset, emphasising key finishing and construction techniques. The session offers a step-by-step guide through the entire process, starting from fabric selection to the addition of decorative elements. By the end of the workshop, you will have a beautifully crafted corset tailored to your unique style.

Key Details

Duration: 2 Saturdays: 9th and 16th August

Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (with a short lunch break)

Location: FC Designer Workspace, 9 Durham Road, London, N7 7FB

Student Skill Level: Students must already have at least beginner to intermediate sewing skills and some experience with working with clothing patterns. Whether you are new to sewing or are an experienced maker, this course will teach you the foundations of good corset making. (Please note that this course does not include tuition on basic sewing skills.) If you have not made a corset before, or have tried and not achieved the desired result, then this course is for you.

Fee: £ 90 for 2 Sessions

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the workshop for a refund. Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.

Please bring to the first session:

• Paper and fabric scissors
• Tape measure
• Mechanical pencil (HB 0.5) or pencils 2H
• Eraser and pencil sharpener
• 1 metre of woven fabric for the outer corset
• 1 metre of woven lining for the inner corset
• Dressmaking pins
• Fastening: 1 x open-end zipper (14 inch, or around 12 pcs of metal eyelets for lacing up)
• A minimum of 2 metres of 5mm boning (Rigilene boning)