Fashion Foundations: 17th Century Stays

When & Where

10 January 2025 - 21 March 2025 ( 30 hours, 10 weeks )
Morning, Friday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Sharon Steed
Course Code W24FASE03C
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

As we have Charles III on the throne, it might be of interest to see what ladies at the court of Charles II wore! Part of our growing Costuming provision, Restoration Corsets, also known as stays, is both a stand-alone project as well as one of the quintessential underpinnings that make the silhouettes of the latter half of the 17th Century possible. This term-long course is designed to teach you the skills you need to learn how to construct patterns and fit a corset to your own measurements. A variety of techniques are explored that are appropriate to making both period as well as modern corsets. Teaching is fast paced and students are advised to allow around 3 hours for work between classes. Making corsets is an essential skill much sought after by Theatre and Film production companies, in the fashion industry, for personal use and in Cosplay.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Demonstrate ability to draft a pattern using own measurements and instruction
Analyse the fit of the corset and understand methods of alteration
Complete a corset in fabric using appropriate specialist supplies
Gain an insight into the history of corsetry and how a corset affects silhouette

Cost

Full fee

£335

Concession fee

£250

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

Teaching is delivered on site as a whole class, involving small-group discussions and teaching, demonstrations, photos and explanations of each stage of construction, as well as group discussion/ troubleshooting with the tutor. In order to ensure you make the best possible progress on your course, you will have regular constructive and supportive feedback. Good attendance and punctuality are crucial. Please inform your tutor regarding any lateness or absences.

Entry requirements

This course is an Intermediate level course, suitable for people that have completed clothes making at an intermediate level for 2 terms or more or have equivalent experience. It is not suitable for beginners. This confirms that you can: Check body measurements against pattern and understand ease; Carry out basic pattern alterations such as lengthening/shortening, widening/narrowing; Layout patterns, measure grainlines and cut out fabric following lay plans; Understand pattern markings; Use a sewing machine accurately and safely. Basic numeracy and English language speaking, listening and reading skills are essential.

What you need to know before you enrol

Working on patterns and cutting out fabric can involve standing at high tables for a period of time. Please let the tutor know if this would be difficult for you. Sewing machines have a foot operated speed control. The fashion studios are on the first floor of the Nancy Seear building and there is a lift access to the first floor. Please note the eating is not allowed in the fashion studios - you are allowed to have bottled water.

What you need

A list will be provided but you should bring:• a basic sewing kit: fabric scissors, sharp trimming scissors, dressmaker’s pins, tape measure• dressmaker’s tracing wheel and carbon paper• a selection of hand sewing needles and threads• notepad and pens, pencils, sharpener and eraser Also: you must provide your own fabrics, boning, haberdashery, threads, etc. Details will be given to you at the beginning of the course.

What you can do next

Ready for more? So are we! BA (Hons) or Access to Fashion Diploma courses can be the first step to making Costuming or Fashion your new career. For more details and additional information visit us at https://www.morleycollege.ac.uk