My first corset - Victorian style!

Hi,
The corset is a beautiful thing, the ultimate show of femininity (well in my opinion at least!). So for quite a while I have wanted to make one, and here is my first attempt. I used Vogue 8325, with a couple of changes. For instance, instead of using plastic boning, I used steel spiral wire boning. Instead of normal hooks and eyes, I used chunky corset hook and eye tape. And I also changed the size of the eyelets, so I could use a specific lacing bone. I had a couple of problems along the way- I cut the boning a bit to long (though I did exactly as the pattern said!) and it started to pop thorough the seams a bit. So I used bias binding to hide the problem!
But apart from that I think it has turned out quite well for a first attempt…And its fits like a dream!I used a blue/white classic brocade, which I think looks a bit victorian... to mix it up a bit, as the brocade is double sided and the colours of the pattern are reversed, I used different sides of the fabric for different pannels. Its quite suble, but you can just about tell that some roses are blue, and some are white.
Ive put some pics up here of construction and the final product..
Anyways, let me know what you guys think.
Rainbow Han

Step 1: Pattern cutting

As I said in the intro I used an altered version of Vogue 8325. I just followed the instructions as enclosed, and you end up with two sides that look like this. However, you can see a bit here that I have used the different sides of the brocade on alternate pannels of the corset to give an interesting effect.

Comments

[fatfoohy]

WOW, what an amazing job. My girlfriend and I have been looking to make a corset for some time now. Do you know where you could still find a lot of patterns for corsets, i would like a similar pattern, maybe with a more top? I can no longer find the vogue 8325 pattern that you used. Again, great job!

[lauralee19780]

http://www.corsetmaking.com/CMSpages/CMShome.html
If you haven't found a pattern yet that you like, try this site. The patterns are great and the prices for them are really reasonable. Like $5.00
I am dying to try this necktie dress now!

[JohnMichael]

very nice, you look lovely.

[VeryIrrelevant]

Hey. Awesome looking corset. I know I'm a bit late in commenting, seeing that this was posted almost 3 years ago. I was wondering if this pattern or way you made it had any support in the um... how do I put this politely enough that it won't offend people? Support in the frontal area? I have previously made a corset and found it lacked support when I went to a dance kind of thing. Most embarrassing.

[malicia_loligoth]

Im interested in the bias binding gadget you used - I super hate sewing on bias binding so if theres a gadget that makes it easier im interested! Where can you get this device?

[fishhead455]

FLATULATIONS-- But I am a bit confused. What is the purpose of a corset? Was not the style/look in the Victorian age supposed to make the breast flatter? In this day of plastic enhancements is the flat look in again? (Will silicon stocks plummet)? I am so confused...just tell me what I am supposed to want to see; after all, I am just a guy. (Nice Ible)

[lycoris3]

ik this is @ least 2 yrs late, but like what maker said, the corsets are ment to give the illusion of an hourglass shape.  Also it is supposed to lift the breasts (a traditional one that is) to give the illusion that a size B is really a size C.  All the divices that are ment to make women beautitful or give the illusion thereof are near endless.  And no, the flat look is not in style.  In fact, the bigger the breasts and butt, it seems, the better.  Just a flat tummy, and there you go. 

[Rainbow_Han]

I think youll find that Victorian and Georgoian corsets were designed to make the wiast smaller, giveing the allusion of an hour glass shape. Yes of recent years boyish shaped girls have been admired (kiera Knighly etc...) But there is talk of a revival of the feminin hurglass shape- jus look at all the stars trying to look like 1950's pin ups recently- all trying to be curvey marlilyn monroes. So Id say its a mixed bag at the mo. flatulations to you 2!

[lycoris3]

very well done. Just one request, can you a halter top corset?  Also a possible suggestion; where the ribbon comes down from the bottom, you could add beads or other decor there if you so desire it.

[westfw]

Nicely done. Welcome to Instructables.

I bought this neat book a couple years ago:

• http://www.amazon.com/Inventing-Beauty-History-Innovations-Beautiful/dp/0767914511

Inventing Beauty - A History of the Innovations that Have Made Us Beautiful] that covers a bunch of the history of different devices and compositions that society has used over the years, including diversions into how things that were not acceptable became acceptable, and vis versa. The Table of Contents divides things down by body part (Lips, Breasts, Waist, hands, etc...) It's worth a look if your library has it, and perhaps even worth buying if you're really interested in that sort of thing (I have daughters. I figured it would be a good idea...)

[fishhead455]

Thank you for your polite reply. I now understand, more completely, your direction and motive. At this point I should also say that I admire a person with your artistic skills...or any artistic skills as long as they pursue that which they believe in wholeheartedly. By these means humanity takes those most important steps forward. Thanks again.

[Luziviech]

Hm.
Just sum tips: Make the pattern from  at least 4-6 parts to share the taille line. Mark the pattern on the linin usin allowances (and don't let the bonings hit the allowences; btw: there are ready-made bonings that only diver in 0,5mm-lengths) and wrap the fabric tightly round the lining (attach it on the allowences) before sewin: that way it decreases unwanted tucks while wearing.
If you're in need for sum nice corset-patterns, get "Corsets - Historical Patterns & Techniques" by Jill Salen; for tech-support get "The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners" by Linda Sparks.
(Sry for my choppy english)

[BadSewNSew]

You did a smashing job on this - I think the contrast bias tape adds a lovely touch. One wouldn't have ever known it was a mistake if you hadn't told. Brava!

[Rainbow_Han]

 Thanks! thats very kind!!

[diznee4me]

Hello. I'm new to Instructables.com and I'm loving it so far. I'm working on a Halloween costume and part of it is going to be a corset for my dress's bodice (or possibly under the dress, not sure yet). Anyways, I've done a LOT of research and it always seems like making a corset is extremely difficult, and yet, so easy. Strange, huh? I wanted to tell you that your corset, even though it's your first, is beautiful! The fabric and shape is done very well. The ONLY thing I can suggest is your lacing. A proper corset is laced from the bottom and top towards the middle. That way, you get a good snug fit, especially in the middle where it's most needed. I can't wait to make a good corst. I've already made a practice underbust corset and I'm happy with it. Time to move up! :D Thank you for your quick/easy tutorial. And you're absolutely right...plastic boning is seriously ridiculous. Steel is the only way. Bye!

[Rainbow_Han]

H! Thanks for your comment. :-) The principal is simple enough, but I found that dealing with springy bones was quite tricky, along with cutting them (hammer and chisel job!). Also the pattern I used wasn't designed for steel boning, so as a result the length of boning I cut was too long and ended up popping out the ends of the seems (this porbably wouldnt have happend with plastic boning as its more bendy) hence the bias binding to hide my mistakes!! :-) I think with practice with different materials it should get easier. I found in the end it was like puttling up a tent - 2D fabric, made 3D by adding sticks (well sort of anyway!) I think all in all this project cost me £35-£40 for materials and pattern. Its well worth spending the time- as you said proper steel boned ones are expensive. The plus side with making your own is that you can make it fit perfectly. Cheers, Rainbow_han

[frollard]

You mention in the comments below that this is a really difficult project - I'm not questioning that - but I've wanted to make one or six of these for the wife for some time - and your ible makes it seems deadly simple - trace pattern, apply boning, sew. I love sewing (anything like 'engineering' as mentioned below) and love corsets. They seem so expensive - which tells me they ARE labour intensive to create. That spiral boning looks a lot like chainmaille :D If I may, about how much does the material, hardware, and patterns cost? (approximately). Free time I have - so the labour part is actually not a big deal :D

[ghostwritter]

Beautiful!

[abadfart]

corset are amazing sexy I'm going to make one of these for my girlfriend

[SERPENT7]

In the future, when cutting springy metal, wrap duct tape around the spot you want to cut. It reduces the 'snap' in addition to blunting the newly sharpened edge. I agree with you about eye tape, as opposed to those weirdo purists that insist on doing them individually! (Lame!)

[Rainbow_Han]

Thanks! Ill have a go at doing that on the next one! :-)

[canida]

Awesome corset - love the material.

[AndrewPBentley]

Very cool instuctable, looks good on you as well! You have some real talent!

[Shippygirl]

Thank you for the instructable. I was intimidated by corsets before reading about your experience making one. Thanks!

[REDNEK777]

bet that ain,t comfortable

[Goodhart]

very VERY nice work. And welcome to Instructables _{from "the old guy"} :-)

[Goodhart]

When I wrote nice work I sincerely meant the actual work in the project...I am sorry if I somehow misspoke.

[Rainbow_Han]

Hey! Ive not been on here for ages! Sorry- u didnt miss speak at all!thanks for your comments.

[killerjackalope]

That's pretty cool... One thing I never understood was corsets though, it's like engineering but not... hard to tell from the photos but it looks shiny...

[flyinaway2soon]

Sewing in general IS a lot like engineering... it basically is, although the end products usually seem a lot less like what you'd normally imagine at the word "engineered". =]

I've also always been adamant that cars are a lot like sewing machines. :P

[killerjackalope]

Ah it is quite similar in a lot of things, such as all those structural supposts made by the seams and ties and such... Umm, if you say so...

[Goodhart]

ooo shiny LOL

[flyinaway2soon]

Total congrats!!

I've done the corset thing; it's definitely a lot of work. You did a pretty good job, if I do say so m'self. ^_ It's pretty.

[tyeo098]

(removed by author or community request)

[shammallamaman]

wow, these guys see a girl and they like explode

[tyeo098]

(removed by author or community request)

[shammallamaman]

not very often, but i agree with "Rainbow_Han"

[Rainbow_Han]

I thought this was a craft forum, not an internet chat/dating site. Please keep the comments tasteful. Im a person, not a piece of meat. and all I want is useful feedback on my work- not chatting up.

[Kiteman]

That's what the "flag" button is for. Don't worry, tyeo098 is very much in the minority, but there are still certain kinds of project that attract certain kinds of comment (classic example)

_{And a belated welcome, by the way.}

[Rainbow_Han]

well I dont think people should think like that. all ive done is made a piece of clothing- its not underwear- so whats the problem with wanting honest feedback, on what was quite frankly a hard project? Im still deciding whther to flag the comments.