Making a corset?

Question

I'm making a corset at home (I know it takes skill and dedication. I've been sewing since I was 10 and I'm pretty nifty at it now & summer just started so I have all the time in the world).

1. Should I make it lace in the front or back? Should I make the non-lacing side just sewn or hooked or the like? Reasonings? Pros and cons of lacing in the front/back?

2. I'm having trouble getting boning and busk (I don't want to make a fashion corset. I'm making one that will effect my body shape) & I'm not going to be able to get them online or good substitutes at a store. I was planning to cut pieces of plastic (I know, it's not the best material) from a plastic top or the like. Or I was thinking about using the metal wire from a hanger (has anyone tried?). Is there anything better?

Thank you & any advice would be appreciated =)

Answer 1

1. Lace at back. If you lace at the front you will end up with a lot of lace and a big bow in the middle of your tummy spoiling the look. Use a busk at the front, it will help stiffen the front making the fit and shape much better.

2. Plastic is c**p for boning, once it bends it is useless. Steel boning is much better and if properly broken in will mould to your body shape making the corset a lot more comfortable to wear. I would definitely not going to be using wire from a coat hanger.

I don't understand what you mean not getting them online. Here is a couple of suppliers;

http://www.aussiecorsetsupplies.com.au/

http://www.corsetmaking.com/CMSpages/CMS...

Go to some of the corset chat rooms there will be people there that make corsets and will be able to give you better advice

Answer 2

Ouch, hanger wire would be painful. It's too narrow.

Boning is just plastic tabs. You absolutely could make your own from re-purposed items. Try different things to find the one that gives you the right combination of firmness and flexibility.

You're going to need some metalsmithing tools to make a busk though.

You can tell by looking at pattern illustrations if a front fastened or back fastened style will give you the result you want.

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