
Costume Making Short Course
Course description
During this course, we will be looking at mens and ladies 18th century costume, focusing on the 'Robe a la Francais', especially the bodice, skirt, stomacher, sleeves and collars. The dress will be taken to 'Toile' stage and all be worked in Calico fabric, which will be provided. There might also be time to look at other costumes of the period.
Initially making a corset-shape to transform the mannequins into an 18th century silhouette, I will then take you through the process of cutting a dress pattern on the stand and explain the methods needed to complete the costume.
We will be using calico fabric (provided) throughout the week and concentrating on getting one or more toiles completed. There will be the opportunity to venture into mens costume and also other useful skills including frogging and boning
By the end of the week, you should be able to identify costumes from all periods of the 18th century, have the confidence to make a pattern from a design and have the knowledge of how to complete it.
Clear, easy to understand lessons:
- Our tutors will explain things in easy to understand, accessible English. If they need to use any special terminology they will make sure they explain what they mean.
- New methods will be shown to students through live demonstrations, in a way thats crystal clear and easy to understand.
- Experience life on campus
- Network and share ideas with students from across the globe
- Access the technology and materials relevant to your discipline
- Shop in our college shops for any materials you might need
- Ask questions of your tutor in real time
- Receive feedback and critique on your assignments
- Experience the many sights of London on your down time
A certificate of completion:
- You've put the work in so we want to make sure you have something to show for it!
- As long as you attend a minimum of 80% of your classes, we will provide you with a certificate of attendance.
- We always recommend you attend all of the classes so that you get the most out of the experience!
- Certificates are great to compliment your cv.
Available dates
Details
Topics covered
- The role of the Costume Maker
- A general look at 18th century fashions.
- Reshaping/sizing the mannequins in preparation for pattern cutting
- Cutting and making a corset shape to transform the mannequin into an 18th century torso
- Cutting an 18th century ladies dress on the stand
- Making up the dress to toile stage using calico with discussion on how to finish the costume
- A demonstration of cutting an 18th century man's frock coat and description on how to finish it.
- Some time for the student to explore their costume making and one or both of the demonstrated techniques.
- Advice on particular problems the students have found during their costume making experience.
Materials
Please bring with you to the first session:
- A small sewing kit including, scissors, needles and pins
- Pencil
- Pen
- Ruler
Meet the Tutor
Pay by:

This course examines men's and ladies 18th century costume, focusing on the bodice, skirt, stomacher, sleeves and collars. Students work on the mannequin and go through the process of dress pattern cutting, needed to complete a costume.
Contact us:
- Central Saint Martins
- Telephone +44 (0)20 7514 7015
- Address 1 Granary Square King's Cross London N1C 4AA
-
College: Central Saint Martins
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- Contact
- Central Saint Martins
- Short Courses
- +44 (0)20 7514 7015
Address
- 1 Granary Square
- King's Cross
- London
- N1C 4AA
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