Steampunk Necktie Corset Dress

Step 3 Cutting your pattern

4.  Lay out all your pattern pieces. Fold your fabric in half and lay out your pieces.  I do not recommend using a directional graphic (stripes, plaids) as the pieces to a Victorian corset are many and the integrity of the fabric graphic will be compromised by the many curved seams. 

*Important! 
A.  Do NOT use a stretch fabric
B.  Use the straight grain.  (What do I mean?  Don't lay your pattern out on a diagonal line (the bias)--this is the stretchiest point of any fabric and will skew your fitting and impact strength.) 
 

Got your pieces layed out on the straight grain and they all fit?  Great!  Now you can...

5.  Pin or weight your pattern pieces in place.  Some professionals use tiny weights and/or trace the pattern directly on to the fabric to avoid pin holes.  Not so important for this project, so straight pins it is! 

6.  Cut the pieces out!  You will need four of each piece--two lining & two outer fabric.  If you are making adjustments, try to adjust the lining first and then cut the outer fabric from the lining fabric.  For sizing, I eyeballed the extra 1/8" of fabric necessary for a proper fit.  If you have to add more than 1/8" to your pattern pieces, use your measuring tape and a graphite/soap/tailors chalk marker to enlarge the pattern right on the fabric, then cut out your newly drawn size.  Don't forget to check the vertical length, too!