Make a Corset

There's nothing like a corset to give you that perfect hourglass figure, whether you've got it or not!  This instructable shows you the construction of a basic boned corset from start to finish.  I will not go into detail about pattern making, but have provided a few resources for you to make/purchase your own. 

Please note this is not a proper historical corset, but more of a simplified boned bodice.  It does not have all of the finishing touches that professional corset makers would use, but it is perfect for a big night out, as a piece for a costume, or as a base for an evening dress.  Happy sewing!

Step 1: What You Need

For this corset you will need:

Materials:
- Outer fabric of your choice (not too delicate or your bones will pop out, I used raw silk)
- Lining fabric, ideally coutil (cotton specifically for corsets), but any strong non-stretch woven cotton fabric will do.
- Interfacing
- Spiral/steel boning, 20 for this corset
- Eyelets
- Lacing

Tools:
- Eyelet Tool/Hammer
- Sewing Machine (obviously!)
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Fabric/leather punch (optional)

Comments

[EvilDefman]

One word: GORGEOUS!

[carmen_sandiego]

can you design and post instructions for a style that just comes up under the breasts instead of covering them, and thus has no shoulder straps? I want one that holds me in and my boobs up but that I can wear pasties with. thx.

[ItsJulz]

That's called an Underbust corset. This is an overbust corset.

[Pixie Puddle]

really pretty I just need the figure to pull it off :)

[lgamer]

This entire tutorial was wonderful! After seeing $495.00 corsets at the Ren Faire, there's no need to spend that much on one item when you can make a few for the same price! The sewing instructions are easy enough for a beginner sewer (with some local help LOL) and your descriptions of the boning, making the bone channels and fabrics was great, no wonder you're a "pro"!

[lerlenbach]

corset-story.com has some good ones for good prices.

[Natalina]

Thanks lgamer! Happy sewing!

[Caffatosbride]

Have to say that this is the easiest explanation of corsetmaking I have ever seen...I have bookmarked it in my browser so I can access it again and again...can't wait to try it for myself...I need a little slimmerizer, so I think I'll do one with a little more boning, but can't wait...I'm going shopping...lol!

[Luziviech]

Better, if you don't sew together all parts of outer and inner fabric, but sew the relating inner and outer parts with a hand-needle while bending the outer parts over the inner parts, say, you stress the outer parts to keep the corset's visible fabric from crinkling.

[TANZMEISTER]

You can also get some fantastic results with fiberglass (sail battons).

[anne_estefany]

Que lindoooooooo! Eu quero fazer!!! ;D

[sbright2]

Hello,
How long do you think it would take a beginner to make a corset?????
I need one for Halloween, and the ones online will not ship to my house on time.

[Natalina]

Hmm, hard to say. The pattern is probably the most time consuming step to get right. Once you have a pattern, it takes me about 4-6 hours without any setbacks. But you can also cut corners and not have a lining, just enclose the bones in the seam allowance. I've definitely done that for costumes, just make sure you still interface the area where the eyelets go!

[nsmith1]

Where on earth do you get your metal boning?

[Natalina]

See step 3!

[rorofex]

it looks difficult to do?

[efarrow]

Hey! I love this tutorial, and I plan on making a one as soon as I can, but I was wondering, How much does the front of the corset hold it's shape when taken off/put on? I want to sew on an EL design but it can't bend much at all.

[Natalina]

Thanks efarrow!

The front of a corset will hold it's shape pretty well. It will conform to your shape to some extent, but as they were designed to "shape" you, what you sew is what you get for the most part. That is why I really recommend trying a sample first to make sure the fit is what you are going for, since once all the bones are in, it aint changing much! Hope that helps...

[topisco]

it's wonderful so easy

[ben2go]

That is a nice corset.Looks like a real high end pro made one.I want to learn the art or corset making.Is it bad that I am a straight man and I like to design and make ladies clothing?

[yarnlab]

I think it's awesome! Go ben2go!

[prickly vegan]

no, it means you are appreciative!
and I am sure any woman would love homemade lingerie as a present!

[elyador]

No. It's awesome. Break the stereotype.

[ben2go]

Thank you all for the kind words and support.

Natalina,I have subscribed to you.Please teach us more.

[Natalina]

I agree! Women's clothing is awesome, and some of the biggest fashion houses are run by straight men- no shame in that! Thanks for the subscribe!

[ben2go]

Thanks and you're welcome.

[steveastrouk]

Lovely craftwork , a beautifully done piece of work.

[steveastrouk]

Are there any instructions anywhere on lacing and tying one ?

[marcocen]

impressive 'able, very well documented, easy to follow and the final product is very professional looking.
And if I may say so: Your'e stunning, lady.

[Carleyy]

I love it! This instructable is awesome and really informative!! I'm going to make one.

[frollard]

+a billion!
Stunning!

I've tried and tried to understand from many ibles how to get all the steps right and this one comes closest to understandability. Most all suffer from the logical "this is a somewhat advanced topic, so we're going to assume you know how to sew and all the terminology involved". I can sew, heck, I can even thread a serger, but when it comes to 'what layer goes where, and when to use what stitch for what seam(s) it gets out of hand quickly...

Particularly difficult is getting the darn thing to lay flat, even when ironing - it's a compound curve, designed specifically NOT to lay flat after you've sewn it ;)

It's tricky but you've pulled it off wonderfully! One day I shall get this project done! One day!

[niftycurly]

"Pro" sewers use a pressing ham as part of their ironing arsenal. It's the only way to get a really nice press on curves. (of course, you must also clip/trim the seam allowances appropriately)

Small ones are available at any sewing supplies store for under $10
Example, tho I don't shop here unless I have to,
http://www.joann.com/joann/search/searchall.jsp?keyword=ham&catPath=All%20Products////Product%20Home////UserSearch1=ham&_requestid=3317389

[Natalina]

Thanks! I put a lot of effort into making it as understandable and thorough as possible. I'm glad it shows!

[dendidong]

gorgeous!