Bodice Courses

Complete your tutu, dress, skirt, or other costume with a custom bodice. Our Ballet Bodice Classes offer your choice of several very different style and complexity selections, with options for creating both woven-fabric and stretch-fabric bodices.

In Bodice One, you will learn how to properly use the fabric grainline, flatlining techniques, how to add bone casings to linings, how to cut and tip steel spiral boning, finishing techniques with elasticized cording, and time-honored hand-sewing techniques. Allow two days.

Bodice Two is a continuation of Bodice One, adding more stitching techniques, including corded seams, different nude inset and overlay techniques, attaching boning to both linings and seam allowances, and choices between invisible closures, double-row bar closures, or lace-up closures.  We will discuss each type of closure so you can make an educated choice as to what closure will work best for your specific needs. We prefer that you complete Bodice One before taking Bodice Two, unless you have made corset bodices before, using proper flatlining techniques.

In the Bodice Three classes, our instructors will take students from the beginning of design - the concept - through the completion of a pattern, then continue with advanced-level sewing techniques to help the student realize their initial concept. Level Three classes are for those advanced stitchers who want to hone their bodice-making skills and, at the same time, learn more about the process of designing and creating. 

In Bodice Four, students will build on the advanced techniques learned in Bodice Three while creating their own bodice and sleeve patterns and designing unique fabrics. Students will explore fabric manipulation techniques, including flip-folded embellishments and layered sheers, as well as new techniques such as weaving ribbons into fabric and creating honeycomb fabric effects. Finishing options will include French binding, seam piping, and elastic-piped edges. Allow three days.

Prerequisites: Each course will list specific prerequisites.

Course Length: 2-3 days. See Your City’s Seminar Calendar to Plan Your Schedule

Tutu.com Courses are available for those attending TutuSchool. Cost for this course INCLUDES the class, the teacher, and all fabrics and notions.