Corset Making with Jordyn Smiley | April 17, 18, and 25

April 17, 18, and 25, 2026 | 9am - 3:30pm

Level: Intermediate

Class Description:

Join us for an immersive three-day workshop where you'll learn how to construct a custom corset from start to finish. This hands-on class will walk you through each step as you learn professional construction techniques used by corset makers everywhere, and gain confidence and skills to tackle future projects! By the end of the workshop, you'll walk away with a professionally finished single-layer corset that is custom fit to your body.

Note: this workshop will take place over the course of two weeks, with a Friday-Saturday lineup on April 17-18, and a final class on Saturday, April 25th.

What you’ll learn:

• How to fit and alter an overbust corset pattern to your measurements
• How to execute professional corset construction techniques, including installing a front busk, creating and inserting boning channels, setting bones to the correct length, and finishing with grommets and lacing.
• Corset terminology, specialized supplies, and industry tools

What’s included:

• 18 hours of instructional time in a small group setting
• Printed overbust corset pattern
• All fabric and supplies, including coutil fabric, boning, and hardware

Who this class is for:
This class is designed for the intermediate sewist. You should already feel confident using a sewing machine, have experience completing a range of garments, and be ready for a new challenge! You should understand how to follow a commercial pattern, sew using a seam allowance, and follow basic construction steps like hemming and pressing. Class is limited to 6 students.

About the Instructor:

Jordyn Smiley heads up the Fashion Design program at San Diego Mesa College, teaching courses in sewing, pattern making (computer and hand drafting), corsetry, costume design, draping, and collections. She has been a professor for 12 years and worked in the theatre and entertainment industry before that, building costumes for regional theatres such as The Old Globe, McCarter Theatre, and Two River Theatre as well as Walt Disney Imagineering.