These workshops focus on the study and making of historical corsets, stays and underpinnings.
Each workshop is a one-on-one class and will take place at Elaine's Couture studio; the difficulty levels vary and are indicated in the description.
To see upcoming workshops, please consult the calendar below.
For groups of students or academies/institutes/schools, the workshop can be organized in other laboratories or equipped spaces. A quote will be provided depending on the number of participants and the city where the workshop will be held.
2026 Workshop calendar
1770's underpinnings: false rump e petticoat 26 - 27 September
The workshop focus on the creation of two fundamental underpinnings for the 1770's and 1780's silhouette: the false rump and the petticoat, as depicted in the photos.
Beginning with an introduction to the materials and techniques needed to make these historical garments, the student will be assisted and guided through the process: from drafting the patterns derived from historical garments, we'll move on to placing the patterns, how to correctly cut the fabric, each sewing step to have finished garments and, for the petticoat, how to make and apply embellishments that are also functional for the silhouette.
The workshop is a one-on-one class, will take place at Elaine's Couture studio and runs for 16 hours over two days. The cost is 505 euro, which includes the materials needed to create the two garments. in the studio the student will also have access to the necessary tools to make the underpinnings.
The false rump and petticoat will be made to measure and will be kept by the participant as study pieces. The student is required to indicate any allergies to textile fibers and/or dyes before booking.
This workshop is also suitable for beginners, but please note: the student will be required to sew both by hand and by machine, for this reason it is recommended to have at least a basic knowledge of sewing.
To book this workshop, send an email at elainecouture.info@gmail.com
1600 - 1630 stays: 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 October
The workshop focus on the making of an early 17th century stays, as the one depicted in the photos.
The workshop will begin with an introduction to the materials needed to create this historical garment, then move on to tracing the pattern based on historical finds and how to place it, how to cut the fabric and the mock-up making.
Once the student will have learned how to check the fit of a stay and make the necessary adjustments, we'll create the finished garment.
The student will be assisted and guided through the process and the techniques needed to create this stay.
The workshop is a one-on-one class, will take place at Elaine's Couture studio and runs for 32 hours over four days. The cost is 670 euro, which includes the materials needed to create the corset/stays.
In the studio the student will also have access to the necessary tools to make the garment.
The stays will be made to actual measurements, in linen and/or cotton and will be kept by the participant as a study sample.
The student is required to indicate any allergies to textile fibers and/or dyes before booking.
In this workshop, the student will be required to both sew by hand and by machine: basic sewing skills are required. Please note: beginners could find the pacing of the workshop challenging.
To book this workshop, send an email at elainecouture.info@gmail.com
