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Cost
$ $ $ $ $
Difficulty
• • • •
Time
4h00

Corset and tute!
As always, don't use my patterns to make stuff to sell.

Oooh, sexy!

Oooh, headless!

Want to make one too? Well, here's how it's done:

Posted by camilla t. Published
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  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 1
    Step 1

    Take your measurements. Do this naked, and don't lie to yourself because that's just dumb.
    Make a little sketch so you'll remember, or write it down.

    Measure: True Waist,
    Just above hips
    Just below ribcage
    From below belly button to xiphoid process

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 2
    Step 2

    Decide how much cinching you want to have done. 4"? 3"? Also, corsets don't go all the way around. There should be a little space between the pieces in the back, like this:

    (or potentially more space than that)

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 3
    Step 3

    For the pattern: Divide largest measurement (probably ribcage) by half, and minus 2 or 3 inches. Draw a rectangle with that width, and the height being the measurement from below navel to xiphoid process.

    Section the rectangle into four sections, with the end section being slightly wider. At the center between top and bottom, draw a horizontal line. Along this line, squeeze the pieces into hourglass shapes by 0.5" on either side. Keep the furthermost edges straight (on my sketch, I initially didn't do that on one edge, so don't you do that).

    pattern

    Number each pattern piece so you can keep track of its position and side.

    Now, pin the pieces to your fabric. Cut them out, then flip them over and cut out the reverse. You'll end up with four of each pattern piece, two for each side of the corset. Number the pieces as you cut them out with a pencil or some other washable marker.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 4
    Step 4

    If you're doing the corset all in one color of fabric, you can save time with the end pieces and cut them out like this, with the fabric folded at the end:

    Don't forget to leave spave for the seam. I always have 0.5" around the edge of each piece.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 5
    Step 5

    Now, pin the fabric together, and sew it.

    (pin and sew the orange lines together)

    Do if for the other side too.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 6
    Step 6

    Sew the bottom edge.

  • Step 7

    Now, flip it inside out (so the seams will now be on the inside).

    Get a big plastic jug, like a juice jug or detergent. It will need to be about as tall as the navel-xiphoid measurement. Cut it into strips, about 0.75" wide. For the ends, you'll need wider pieces, about the width of those areas.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 8
    Step 8

    Here's a visual illustration of the sizes you'll need for the boning:

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 9
    Step 9

    Place the plastic into the corset piece, pinning it into place. Use two strips of plastic for each section, to keep it stiffer. If you use white or transparent fabric like I did, make sure the print or label on the boning only faces one side.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 10
    Step 10

    Here's a pic of the boning pinned into place before sewing:

  • Step 11

    Sew the boning into place. For the raw bottom edge, use ribbon or finishing tape to close it. I used some pink lace, as it would match the ribbon I eventually used to lace it.

    For grommets, measure along corresponding edges. Don't place them any farther apart than about an inch, or it will make the corset buckle. I'm lucky enough to make tools for grommeting, but if you don't, you can use eyelets instead.

  • How to make a corset. Corset - Step 12
    Step 12

    And that's it! Feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to answer.

    Oh yeah, remember when you lace the back to use two pieces of lace, not one. They should tie in the middle. This way, it's easier to cinch it up.

    Please please, if you make one, let me see! Take a picture and post it!

    Edited to add:
    The talented painter Rachel Bess painted me in this corset from a Dr. Sketchy's session:

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Comments

FallenBeyond
FallenBeyond · Minnetonka, Minnesota, US · 28 projects
Sounds easier than I thought it would be
Reply
nashino
nashino
I love it! Cant wait to make one, I have all the materials at home already XD
I dont understand what a xiphoid is?
Reply
Waffles The Ninja
Waffles The Ninja · 5 projects
This is the best pattern I've found, after searching the internet for 3 hours. Thank you. @-@
Reply
Columbiancoke
Columbiancoke · 1 project
i love this..if you dont mind me asking..what kinda skirt you have on?its FAB
Reply
Phoebe C.
Phoebe C. · Kansas City, Missouri, US · 1 project
THANK YOU!!! I have looked EVERYWHERE for a good corset pattern/directions!! Can'y wait to make one! XD
Reply
Momo
Momo · Ayr, Scotland, GB · 2 projects
Gonna have to make on with steel boning, might make it longer in the body so it sits closer/over my hips.
Really excited!
Reply
Lunatix24
Lunatix24 · Philippine, Zeeland, NL · 9 projects
this is really amazing! it sure looks easy to make but i think i'll have a hard time since i'm new to sewing... more practice for me.. Happy but thanks to this, i just got inspired. Happy
Reply
elizabeth a.
elizabeth a.
yayyHappy i cant wait to start mine! thank you for the tutorial
Reply
Anna the Ewok
Anna the Ewok · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, US · 22 projects
I made one of these a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! Super easy, super fun. Even running my finger through the sewing machine (blast that zipper foot!) couldn't dampen the excitement that came from making my first corset. I now have three or four more planned as soon as I can get enough plastic amassed. Thanks so much for this wonderful tutorial.
Reply
Lady Machete
Lady Machete · St Augustine, Florida, US · 2 projects
i'm going to try this, just need some grommets and a zipper. but does it matter what type of fabric you use?
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