Description:
Master the art of drafting and sewing two classic structured garments — the corselet and the bustier. In this comprehensive six-week course, you'll learn the difference between a corselet (a supportive interior undergarment) and a bustier (a versatile outer garment that flatters all figures and ages). The bustier alone offers endless styling possibilities: wear it solo, layered under a jacket, or over a tee, and dress it up in silk, satin, or velvet — or dress it down in denim, tweed, or suede.
Starting from your moulage or bodice sloper, you'll draft your own pattern, explore various neckline options, and construct a fitted muslin to perfect your fit. You'll master professional sewing techniques including boning application, coutil underlayers, boning channels, waist stays, and closures — everything needed to counteract gravity and ensure a polished, secure result. The course concludes with a virtual showcase where students share their completed projects.
Whether you're building foundational garment construction skills or adding structured wear to your sewing repertoire, this course delivers hands-on expertise from draft to finished garment. By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the structural and functional differences between a corselet and a bustier, and select appropriate materials for each.
Draft a corselet/bustier pattern using a moulage or bodice sloper as a foundation, incorporating a variety of strapless neckline options.
Construct and evaluate a muslin (test garment) to assess and refine fit before cutting final fabric.
Prepare and assemble the underlayer (coutil) for both the corselet and bustier, including fitting adjustments.
Apply boning channels correctly for both garment types, including proper placement and construction techniques.
Complete all finishing steps for a corselet, including front neckline taping and closure application.
Complete all finishing steps for a bustier, including waist stay insertion, zipper installation, and outer layer attachment.
Present a completed corselet or bustier garment demonstrating professional construction standards.
Supplies for both:
A copy of your moulage (or bodice sloper)
Tape measure
Ruler and square, or gridded transparent ruler at least 18” long (here’s an example - see the 2” X 18” size)
Drafting curve (here’s Lynda’s favorite)
Paper for drafting (available in art or office supply stores, just make sure it’s at least 36” wide and copy paper weight)
Scotch tape
Pencils and erasers (colored pencils as well)
Pins
Medium weight muslin, unwashed
Petersham or grosgrain for waist stay
Other supplies will be discussed in the class, including boning
Supplies for bustier only:
Coutil (enough for 1 layer from top of bust to the high hip)
Fashion fabric (same as above)
Lining fabric of your choice (examples: silk charmeuse, cotton, rayon)
Separating zipper (best to wait until draft is complete to purchase this)
Supplies for corselet only:
Cotton batiste or a lightweight cotton, enough for 1 layers from top of bust to the high hip)
Hook and eye tape
About Lynda's Classes
DURATION: Lynda's classes meet weekly for 4-weeks ($200), 6-weeks ($250) or 8-weeks ($295).
ONLINE/ZOOM: Each 1 1/2 meeting is live, on Zoom and all class meetings are recorded. The link to the recording is sent out at the end of each class and it is available to students for 8 weeks. All class times are noted for Pacific Standard Time (PST).
INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS: As part of each class, Lynda also shows instructional videos, which students will have access to after class. These links do not expire
CLASS SIZE: 8 students in Finish It!, 12 students in classes that include fitting, and 15 students in all other classes
OFFICE HOURS: Lynda will hold office hours once a week. Details will be sent as classes are about to begin.
INSTRUCTOR ACCESS: You'll have access to Lynda during class and in our weekly office hour, your best to ask questions and get hands-on help. If you run into something that can't wait, Lynda is still available by email between classes.
PRIVATE LESSONS: Private online lessons are also an option if you'd like more personalized guidance.