How Do You Sew a Corset? Make a Corset : 20 Steps (with Pictures)

Late in the 16th century, corsets were a common garment worn by women. Corsets can be worn as lingerie, over clothes, for waist training, as a fashion or style statement, or even just as a playful accent to an ensemble in the current period. The greatest method to get the perfect hourglass body form is using a corset. You will be guided through the complete process of creating a basic corset by this tutorial. I’ve also gone into great depth on creating corset patterns if you’d rather not utilize internet or store-bought designs.

Remember that making a corset might be a laborious and difficult task, but if you know how to sew, you can simplify the process so much that even a novice can finish it. So let’s get started right now!

Types of Corsets

Corsets are a staple for many women, and many now see them as an essential piece of clothing. If you wear a corset every day, it can help you maintain a more erect posture and reduce discomfort in the area surrounding your waist. If you ever want to learn how to construct a corset, it is imperative that you understand the many kinds of corsets. The corset types available to you are as follows:

1. Overbust Corset: An overbust corset gives your chest support, shape, and covering while enhancing your sense of elegance and self-assurance. They are common for formal events or as outerwear, and they are frequently utilized to create an hourglass figure.

2. Underbust Corset: An underbust corset begins beneath your bust and concentrates on sculpting your waist, allowing you to wear it covertly beneath your clothes or as a chic fashion statement.

3. Waist Training Corset: If you want to progressively lose weight around your waist, a waist training corset is perfect for you. Wearing one helps to reshape your waist thanks to its robust construction and robust boning. To get the greatest results, always use it with caution and advice.

4. Fashion Corset: Choosing a fashion corset is a statement of style and beauty. Because they might not be as restrictive, these corsets are ideal for dressing up or wearing over clothes as part of a costume or as a stylish fashion statement.
   
5. Bridal Corset: Bridal corsets are made with romance and elegance in mind, especially for soon-to-be brides. With lace, embroidery, and other exquisite embellishments, it may have an underbust or overbust design and make you look amazing on your big day.

The best fabric for making Corsets

Take a look at the following materials that work well for creating your own corset:

1. Satin: Satin is a good option if you want to create an elegant-looking corset with a shining, smooth surface. Satin has a glossy look and an opulent feel. It’s a common option for corsets when you wish to appear more upscale and put together.
   
2. Brocade: Brocade is your go-to fabric if you want a corset with elaborate designs and a hint of elegance. This material is ideal for manufacturing aesthetically pleasing and ornamental corsets for special events since it has raised patterns woven into the cloth.
   
3. Silk: Silk is a great choice if you want comfort combined with a hint of luxury. Because of its smooth texture and well-known softness, silk is a popular material for corsets, particularly those intended for formal or private settings.
   
4. Cotton Coutil: You should select cotton coutil if structure and durability are your top priorities. This cotton fabric is woven tightly and is intended exclusively for corsetry. When you want your corset to successfully sculpt your figure, this is the perfect option since it offers good support and shaping.
   
5. Leather: For corsets, leather is a daring and stylish option. Using leather results in a corset that has a powerful, assured appearance. Leather corsets may create a distinctive and striking look, and they are frequently linked to alternative or fetish fashion.
   
6. Mesh: Mesh textiles may be utilized to provide ventilation and comfort. When wearing corsets for extended periods of time without feeling overly constrictive, mesh is a good option since it is a lightweight, elastic material that permits air to flow.
   
7. Velvet: Known for its rich look and velvety feel, velvet is a soft and opulent fabric. Selecting velvet for a corset means that you’re getting a material that’s really silky and cozy on your skin. Velvet corsets may give your ensemble a hint of sensuality and refinement and are frequently used for special events. They are also preferred because of their capacity to both absorb and reflect light, giving the fabric a lovely sheen and depth.

How do you make your own Corset Pattern?

To ensure precise measurements while making your own corset sewing template, adhere to following steps:

1. Get a notepad and pen to record measures, a flexible measuring tape, and a mirror or a friend to help you.
2. Put on the well-fitting panties you intend to wear under the corset.
3. Determine the following dimensions:

• Bust: Using a tape measure, measure around the fullest region of your bust, being careful not to tighten it.
• Underbust: Take a measurement directly below your bust, around your ribs.
• Waist: Take a measurement around your narrowest waist region. Usually, it’s situated under your ribs and above your navel.
• High Hip: Take a measurement directly below your waist circumference, around your hip bone.
• Low Hip: Take a measurement around your hips and buttocks at their widest point.
• Torso Length: Determine the length of your corset by measuring from your underbust to the hip or just below it.
• Back Length: Determine the length of your corset by measuring from the base of your neck, which is where your spine meets your shoulders.
• Front Length: Determine the length of your corset by measuring from the top of your bust.

4. In order to permit breathing and mobility, keep the tape just snug but not too tight.
5. Clearly label the measurements you take and write them down.
6. To account for fabric and modifications while making your corset, add seam allowances to these measures. A seam allowance of 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) is usually included to each measurement.

You will receive the basic measurements for your corset design from these measurements. Here is a simple tutorial on creating your own corset pattern:

Supplies required:

• a substantial sheet of poster board or paper.
• a straight edge or ruler.
• Eraser and pencil.
• Your measured values as recorded.

Actions:

• Choose the shape and style of your corset, including the busk and lacing, as well as the longline and shortline, overbust and underbust options.
• Draw a vertical line that represents the corset’s center on your paper. This line should extend from your underbust to the point you want on your hips, which is the length of your desired corset.
• Split your corset into four halves. Six to twelve panels on each side are a popular option, however this might change based on the design. Since every panel should be symmetrical, just half of the design needs to be made.
• Using your measurements, determine and note the following lengths for each panel from the centerline:

• The bust point is half of your bust measurement.
• The underbust point is equal to half of your underbust measurement.
• The waist point, half of your waist measurement.
• The high hip point, or half of your high hip measurement.
• The low hip point, or half of your low hip measurement.

• For each panel, use your ruler to create rounded curves that link these spots. The natural contours of the body should be followed by these curves.
• Include seam allowances all around each panel; they are usually 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) on both sides. This is where you will cut the cloth.
• To guarantee symmetry, once you have made one half of the corset template, replicate it for the other half. Cut out the two parts of the pattern.
• You may need to make pattern pieces for the lining, interfacing, and other elements like busk positioning, lacing channels, and boning channels, depending on your corset design.
• Make sure the fabric’s straight grain is parallel to the midline of the finished pattern before transferring it to your preferred corset fabric.
• Sew the corset components together according to the directions on the sewing pattern, adding any boning, busk, or lacing that your selected design requires.

Steps To Sew a Corset

Making a corset is a challenging, time-consuming task that requires a great degree of precision and ability. I think the thorough step-by-step instructions that follow will help you sew your corset:

Materials Required:

1. Sewing Machine: A typical sewing machine should be used.
2. Fabric: If you want the corset body to have a distinctive appearance, go for a strong, non-stretch fabric like coutil, denim, twill, or even leather. Use a soft and comfy material for the lining, such as cotton, to ensure that it feels good on the skin.
3. Boning: For structural, use plastic or steel boning.
4. A ribbon or cord used for lacing.
5. Grommets: To make openings for lacing.
6. Thread: Coarse, complementary thread.
7. Needles and Pins: Excellent, pointy needles and pins.
8. Use high-quality fabric scissors while using scissors.
9. Pattern: As seen above, you may create your own corset or purchase one.

Step 1: Get the Pattern Ready

To begin, select a corset template based on your preferred fit and style. Corset patterns are available online, in sewing pattern books, and in fabric stores. Make sure the design is available in your size; if not, you might need to modify it to fit you specifically. If you want to change the current pattern, you might require tracing paper. Another option is to design your own pattern, as previously said.

Cut out the pattern pieces according to the size you have chosen using sharp scissors. Using your fabric, transfer any notches or marks from the design. During the stitching process, these markings are crucial for matching and aligning the cloth pieces.

This is the stage when you may make any necessary changes to the pattern to get a tailored fit. Typical adjustments include changing the pattern’s length or width, modifying the waist, or taking into account certain body dimensions. Make these adjustments using the pattern paper and your ruler.

Label each pattern piece with the appropriate corset section (front, back, side, etc.) to prevent misunderstanding during sewing. To make sure your cloth is cut correctly, you may also note the direction of the grainline.

Step 2: Fabric Cutting

Make sure your pattern pieces are appropriately placed by placing them onto the fabric and paying attention to any directional patterns, such as motifs or stripes.

The design components should be sewn to the cloth using sharp sewing pins. Cut carefully around the edges of the pattern pieces using strong fabric scissors. Using tailor’s chalk or fabric markers, transfer any marks, notches, or other design features onto the fabric as you cut each piece of cloth.

If you have different pieces of lining fabric, repeat the cutting step. Make sure the pieces of lining correspond to the pieces of fashion cloth.

Step 3: Brush the Layers

In order to hold the layers of cloth together until permanent sewing, basting is a temporary stitching method. A straight stitch with a long stitch length—typically 4-6 mm—should be selected on your sewing machine. If you would rather, you can also baste by hand using a running stitch and contrasting thread.

If you have a fabric cutting table, lay the pieces of lining and fashion fabric with their right sides facing each other. Precisely align the borders of the cloth pieces.

Sew the layers together using sewing pins, usually inside the seam allowance, which is around 1/2 inch or 1.27 cm from the fabric’s edge. To make the pins easier to remove, ensure sure they are put perpendicular to the seam.

Stitch along the seam lines to start basting, being careful to maintain a uniform seam allowance. Use a long running stitch when basting by hand, and stay inside the seam allowance when basting with a sewing machine.

Secure the basting thread by tying a knot or backstitching a few stitches at the start and finish of the basting. This will stop the basting from coming undone.

Make careful to leave the boning channels or busk exposed without basting if your corset design incorporates them. These sections will need further stitching to make room for the boning and busk.

Make sure the layers are firmly but not too tightly fastened by carefully taking out the sewing pins and trimming any extra thread. The goal is to keep the precise alignment without causing any fabric distortion.

Step 4: Sew Panels Together

One of the most important steps in making a corset is sewing the panels together. The front and back of the corset are constructed from these panels, which are separate components. The corset’s structure and form are created by carefully sewing them together.

Using your corset template as a guide, arrange the panels. Depending on the design, you will usually have two or more front panels and two or more back panels. Align the cloth panels’ right sides together. The side of the cloth that will be seen when the corset is worn outdoors is the right side.

Where the panels are to be linked, align the seams along their edges. Verify that any fabric marks or notches line up, since they denote the location of the seam intersections.

To join the panels together, use straight pins. To stop fabric from moving during sewing, pin along the seam lines within the seam allowance, which is typically 1/2 inch or 1.27 cm from the edge.

Use matching fabric thread and a straight stitch to set up your sewing machine. Either a regular straight stitch or the stitch suggested by the directions on your design can be used.

Stitch along seam line inside seam allowance, starting at top or bottom of panels (as directed by the pattern). To secure the threads, backstitch or lockstitch at the start and finish of each seam.

Use an iron that is heated to the proper temperature for your cloth to gently press open each seam once you have sewn it. This process aids in producing a polished and seamless finish.

For each pair of panels, keep stitching and pressing the seams. Verify that the corset is taking shape as planned and that the fit is correct after sewing all of the panels together. Before continuing, make any required modifications.

Step 5: Apply the Stitching

A crucial step in creating a corset is pressing the seams open to guarantee smooth fabric and flat seams. Arrange your corset so that the stitched edges are facing upwards.

Unfold the cloth to gently release the seam. The seam itself should be in the center, with the seam allowance on either side. Allow the steam to permeate the cloth by gently pressing the iron over the seam. Pressing becomes more effective as a result of the cloth fibers being more relaxed.

Apply little pressure and glide the iron smoothly the full length of the seam while holding it perpendicular to the seam. As you go, open and press each seam to make sure the seam is smooth and the seam allowances are level.

Step 6: Insert Boning

A corset’s boning gives it strength and rigidity, which helps it keep its form and follow the curve of the body. It’s time to insert the boning material once the boning channels were made during the corset’s construction.

Make sure that, in accordance with your corset pattern or design, you have previously cut your boning to the proper lengths. Steel or plastic boning is acceptable, and it should be the same length as the corset’s channeling.

Make sure to locate the boning channels that were made when your corset was being constructed. Usually, these channels are sewed into the seams or along predetermined fabric lines.

Choose if you want to begin boning your corset from the top or the bottom. Insert the boning into the channels with gentleness. The fit and comfort of the corset may be impacted if the boning is bent or kinked. For a smoother fit, you might need to cut or round the edges of the boning if it doesn’t glide in smoothly.

To stop the boning from moving or piercing the fabric, the ends need to be fastened within the corset. There are three ways to fasten the boning ends: either sew a little cloth cap, use ready-made boning caps, or sew the channel shut tightly.

Once all of the boning has been inserted, put the corset on and adjust the fit and comfort. Trim any extra boning carefully to the proper length if it protrudes from the top or bottom of the corset.

To guarantee that the boning stays in place, if you began inserting it from one end, fasten the ends of the channels at the other end. Boning caps or stitching can be used for this.

Step 7: Stitch Boning Channels

Stitching the top and bottom edges of the boning channels is a critical step to secure the boning in place, prevent it from shifting, and maintain the structure of your corset. Set up your sewing machine with a straight stitch.

Identify the boning channels on your corset where you inserted the boning. These channels may have been created during the construction of the corset, often within the seams. Begin stitching at one end of the boning channel, typically either the top or bottom, as indicated by your pattern or design.

Position your sewing machine needle as close to the boning as possible without piercing it. This ensures that the boning is securely held in place and prevents it from moving within the channel. Start with a backstitch or lockstitch at the beginning of the channel to secure the thread.

Carefully stitch along the entire length of the channel, following the existing stitching line or any guidelines indicated by your pattern. Stitch parallel to the boning, maintaining a consistent seam allowance. When you reach the end of the channel, backstitch or lockstitch again to secure the thread.

Continue stitching all boning channels on your corset, ensuring that each channel is securely stitched along the top and bottom edges. After stitching each channel, trim any excess thread, being careful not to cut into the fabric or boning.

Step 8: Create the Busk Channels

A series of metal fasteners used in the front of a corset is called a busk. The busk must be attached by making casings or grooves in the cloth to hold it firmly in place.

Ensure that you have the busk set, which normally consists of two busk halves: the stud side, which has pins, and the looped side, which has loops. Make sure that they are the same length as the busk channels that you must make.

Determine which of your corset’s front panels you wish to place the busk in. Usually, this is at the front center. Make sure the panels are positioned equally and precisely.

Mark the cloth where the busk channels should be placed using chalk or a fabric marker. The holes or loops on the busk pieces should line up with these markings.

Sewing two fabric strips onto the front panels will form the busk channels. These strips have to be sufficiently broad to accommodate the busk halves and offer a snug fit. Make sure the strips are in line with your placement lines by pinning or basting them to the front panels.

Sew the casings in place using a sewing machine. Stitch as near to the strip edges as you can, and make sure the top and bottom seams of each casing are reinforced. This forms robust shells to support the busk halves. To leave the casings with a tidy and clean edge, trim any extra fabric or threads.

The busk may now be inserted after the casings are prepared. Begin at the side of the knob. Push the busk from the top to the bottom of the corset by sliding its knob side into one of the casings. Place the busk’s stud side into the other case on the front panel that faces you. To provide a secure closure, the stud side should slide into the knob side’s loops.

Check the alignment and fit of the busk once it has been attached to make sure it is stable and gives your corset a tight front closing. For extra support and a finished look, you can choose to use bias tape or a zigzag stitch to finish the casings’ edges.

Step 9: Grommet Placement

To make lacing holes through which to thread your laces, grommets are sewn into the back of a corset. Make sure you have all the supplies you’ll need to install grommets: the grommet kit, grommets, a hammer or mallet, an awl or hole punch, and the corset with the back panels prepared.

Measure and mark the desired grommet placement on the back of your corset. Leaving a tiny space for lacing, begin at the top and bottom edges and work your way toward the center.

Continue to space the grommets equally apart. Grommet spacing usually ranges from one to one and a half to two and a half to three and a half centimeters, depending on your design and the size of the grommets. Make sure the grommets on one side of the corset match the grommets on the other.

Make holes at the designated locations with an awl or hole punch. The grommets you intend to use should fit these holes just a little bit tighter. Make sure there are no ragged edges and that the holes are clean.

With the flat side of the grommet facing the fabric, insert one half of the grommet into the opening from the outside of the corset. The rounded side of the grommet should be facing the fabric when the other half is inserted into the corset.

Once the grommets are in position, set them according to the directions that came with your grommet kit. Typically, a hammer or mallet and a grommet setting tool are needed for this. Make sure the grommets are firmly affixed and positioned uniformly and neatly. Working your way down the back of the corset, repeat this procedure for each grommet.

Step 10: Inserting Holes

A corset’s lace holes are a necessary component since they offer a means to thread the laces, which lets you modify the fit. Ascertain that you have all the tools you’ll need, such as your corset, an awl or hole punch, a ruler, a cutting board or self-healing mat, chalk or fabric marker.

Choose the location for your corset’s lacing holes. To achieve balanced lacing, the holes should be uniformly placed along the center back panels, as this is the standard location.

Mark the locations where you want to make the lacing holes with a fabric marker, chalk, or a ruler. Depending on your design, the distance between the holes may change, but it usually ranges from one to one and a half inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm).

To preserve the surface and guard against harm to the boning, place a cutting board or self-healing mat below your corset. Where you designated the location of the lacing holes, make tiny holes using an awl or hole punch. Just enough room should exist in these holes for your laces to fit through without difficulty.

Make sure the holes on both sides of your corset’s back panels are equally spaced and aligned. By doing this, the lacing’s equilibrium is guaranteed. Once the holes are made, make sure they are clean and clear of any debris or ragged edges that can catch the laces.

Make sure there are no threading problems and that your laces fit nicely by threading them through the lacing holes. There should be no resistance or snags when lacing up your corset. To guarantee a balanced and snug fit, double-check that the lacing holes on both sides of the corset’s back panels are equally spaced and aligned..

Step 11: Lace Up the Corset

The last step in putting on and shaping your corset is to lace it up. In order to get the desired fit, it is important. Get ready the lacing material of your choice, which might be ribbon, cable, or another appropriate choice. Ensure that it is sufficiently length to pass through each lacing hole with ease.

Choose if you want to begin lacing your corset from the top or the bottom. It is customary to begin from the top and work your way down; this is the side of the corset that has the loops, which is usually the right side. Place one end of the lacing through the top lacing hole on the right side of the corset (the one with the loops) from the inside.

Thread the lacing from the outside to the inside, crossing it across to the matching hole on the left. This ought to produce a “cross” on top of your corset.

Moving one pair of lacing holes at a time downward, keep threading the lacing through them. Make sure the lacing stays mostly flat and doesn’t twist or tangle as you lace the corset down.

Make sure to adjust the lacing tension as you progress. To get the appropriate fit and shape, pull the lacing snugly without making the cloth unpleasant or causing damage. Take note of how your body fits within the corset.

You should make a cross with the lacing on the outside and a loop on the inside at each pair of lacing holes. These crosses aid in uniformly distributing the stress, guaranteeing a stable lacing and a comfortable fit for the corset.

To keep the lacing in place, create a tight knot at the bottom of your corset. Tie a knot or a bow, depending on your preference. Make sure the knot is just tightly enough to allow for easy modifications, but not too tight.

Cut off any surplus lacing, allowing a small amount so you may tighten it up if necessary. Take care not to chop it off too short because you might wish to re-lace the corset later.

Check the fit and comfort of your corset after lacing it up. Make sure it offers the support and contour that you want. Both your posture and your ability to breathe easily should be intact.

Step 12: Complete the Upper and Lower Risers

It’s crucial to finish the top and bottom borders of your corset to give it a finished, tidy look. Choose the kind of edge treatment you like for the top and bottom. Bias binding, fabric facing, lace edging, and more alternatives are available. Your selection need to go well with your corset’s general style.

Cut strips of the finishing material of your choice to the length of the corset’s top and bottom edges. Make sure the strips are large enough to accommodate the seam allowances and raw edges.

Using basting stitches or pins, fasten the finishing material to the corset’s upper or lower edge. The finishing material should encompass the corset fabric’s raw edge. Make sure the finishing material’s right side is facing the corset’s right side.

Stitch the finishing material onto the corset fabric using a sewing machine. For a clean, even seam, stitch as near to the finishing material’s edge as you can. For the corset’s top and bottom edges, repeat these steps. To get a neat, completed edge that fits the contour of the corset, trim any extra finishing material and threads.

To secure a bias binding or fabric facing, fold the strip over the raw edge and sew it in place. This gives the edge more support and a decorative touch. For a delicate, feminine finish, if you have opted for lace edging, stitch the lace around the top or bottom edge. Make sure it lies flat and is firmly fastened.

Step 13: Decorate (Optional)

Decorating your corset is an optional step that lets you add details and flair to make it uniquely yours. Choose the kinds of decorations and accessories you wish to add to your corset. Lace trim, ribbon, bows, lace appliques, beads, sequins, embroidery, fabric paint, and even hand-painted motifs are a few popular choices.

You might need to sew, glue, or iron the embellishments onto the corset, depending on what kind you’ve selected.

• Stitching: Use a matching thread to stitch any embellishments, such as lace trim or fabric appliques, onto the corset.
• Gluing: Use fabric adhesive made specifically for attaching objects like beads or sequins. You may also use fabric adhesive to attach little bows, ribbons, or appliques.
• Ironing: If you’re using iron-on embellishments, apply heat according to the manufacturer’s directions. Take care not to overheat as this might tear the corset material.

If your corset contains boning channels, you may add a little more decoration by sewing ribbons or contrasting fabrics along the channels.

If you want something more elaborate and unique, think about hand embroidery. You may make flower designs, monograms, and complex patterns. For accuracy, use embroidery hoops and floss.

To add a bit of glitter, add sequins or beads. Make sure these decorations are firmly fastened to the corset by hand sewing them on. Tie bows or ribbons in key locations to create a quirky and endearing effect. Use fabric adhesive or tidy stitching to hold them in place.

Make sure all decorations are well fastened and won’t unravel with wear by trimming any extra threads after adding them. Try the corset on and assess how it fits and looks with the extra embellishments. Verify that they have no impact on the corset’s usability or comfort.

You should definitely check out this amazing do-it-yourself video if you want to learn how to knit a corset.

Summary

In conclusion, sewing a corset is a difficult task for novices. But you’ll have the opportunity to hone your sewing skills as you set off on this artistic adventure—practice, practice, and practice only! An exquisitely constructed corset may be a fantastic addition to your sewing arsenal, whether you’re using it for historical reenactments, costume design, or personal expression.

It’s also crucial to understand that the corset instruction in this article is a streamlined, simple form rather than an actual medieval corset. Although it isn’t as detailed as a corset made by a professional, it’s still perfect for costumes, special events, or as a base for an evening gown. Have fun with your stitching!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What materials do I need to sew a corset?

Ans. You’ll need fabric for the corset, boning (such as steel or plastic), corset lacing, grommets, a busk (front closure), and thread.

Q. How do I choose the right corset pattern?

Ans. Select a corset pattern that matches your skill level and desired style. Look for patterns with clear instructions and consider your body measurements.

Q. What type of fabric is best for a corset?

Ans. Sturdy fabrics like coutil, brocade, and twill are commonly used for corsets. They provide the necessary structure and support.

Q. Do I need to insert boning into my corset?

Ans. Yes, boning is essential for a corset’s structure. It helps maintain the shape and provides support. Steel and plastic boning are popular choices.

Q. How do I sew the corset boning channels?

Ans. Sew boning channels into the corset fabric, typically using a straight stitch, and then insert the boning through these channels.

Q. What’s the best way to create corset eyelets or grommets?

Ans. You can create eyelets or grommets using a grommet setter and hammer. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for lacing.

Q. Should I make a mock-up or toile before sewing the final corset?

Ans. Making a mock-up (toile) is highly recommended, especially for beginners. It helps you perfect the fit and understand the construction process before using your final fabric.

Q. How do I lace and wear a corset properly?

Ans. Lace a corset from the top down, adjusting the tightness gradually. A well-fitted corset should provide support without discomfort. Always loosen the lacing before removing it.