I finally finished my corset! It’s not perfect but I’m quite proud of the result. The corset has black satin binding, handstitched lace on the front, and black round cord lacing. I’ve also added a back modesty panel using Electra Design’s technique.
Here’s what I’ve done since the last corset posting, using techniques described in Julia Bremble’s Corset Making e-book:
I cut the continuous spiral steel bones using wire cutter. This turned out to be much easier than I thought. The spiral shape allowed me to only cut the outer wire on both sides. Then I attached the U-shaped end caps using pliers.
Since I have shortened my underbust, I had to cut the flat steel bones as well. I bought additional flat bones as the Sew Curvy kit only had 4. Cutting this flat steel bones is much more difficult than the spiral steel ones. I had to try several times before they snapped. The exposed cut part was then filed to make it rounder, then wrapped in plumber’s tape. I also wrapped the tip of spiral steel bones in plumber’s tape to keep the end caps in place. All the bones are cut 2.5 cm shorter than their channels.
Before inserting the bones to the channels. I bind the lower part of the corset in black satin binding. I didn’t use the white binding from Sew Curvy kit because I want the corset to have more contrast. The binding was attached by machine first, then turned and handstitched to the other side. I also handstitched piece of lace to the front of the corset. Then I inserted all the bones in place and finished binding the top part.
Initially I used black ribbon for the lacing, but it was too slippery and couldn’t hold the knot. I couldn’t find black lacing similar to the one from the Sew Curvy kit but I found this round cord lacing. Unfortunately it was only 3 m so my ties was a bit short. It is actually used for making children’s lunch bag, the craft stores have lots of these right now because next month is the beginning of education year in Japan.
I put on my corset and tied the laces, carefully keeping a straight gap in the back. It was uncomfortable as expected, but surprisingly not as uncomfortable as I’ve thought. It just felt like a very tight hug. In fact I wore it for about 4 hours after that with no problem. When I took it off, I kinda miss the feeling of being held. I wore it again the next day for 4 hours and I happily noticed that it did help easing my back pain.
I don’t think I will wear this corset for going out though. The corset really makes good posture and accentuate all the curves (maybe too much!), but it also makes my boobs looks too prominent. Besides I don’t have a lot of clothing that can conceal the corset. I guess I will only wear this corset at home to help my back pain (usually before that time of the month).
I have really enjoyed the process of making this corset immensely and keep looking for a reason to make another corset one day. But I realize that it is not something that I would wear a lot so maybe I won’t make another. While making the corset, I learned a lot of techniques and also how to be more patient with my project. Not everything has to be finished in one afternoon! I also love love love looking at my corset, caressing it, and love how I feel when wearing it. This project also refreshes my sewing mood, you can see that I’ve made a lot of other things this month!
Pattern is Laughing Moon 113 from Sew Curvy kit.
This looks amazing. I too make corsets. I took a skirt ans modified it by sewing blue plaid panels in it. I have enough of the plaid leftover to make a corset and I have yet to make an underbust corset. It is actually a brain child of mine to start a corset making business and I want to be able to offer an option for an underbust corset.
This looks fantastic! You’ve done an awesome job, and thanks for putting up where you got it from too – if my sewing skills could progress, I’ll definitely be following in your footsteps! (:
Astrid xo
Novita, I love it!!!! Good for you! You are so tiny. Your dedication to finish projects (I need to get my act together). Anyways, I hope you are well, happy be-lated birthday to your boy and congratulations!
Nicely done. Am finding it interesting that you made it for health reasons, I’m considering doing the same.
This is sooo pretty! I love the curvaceousness it gives – would look great under dresses or a blazer! Really beautiful!
Looks great! FYI, the panel is not for ‘modesty” it’s to protect you from “laces burn”; when you pull the laces tight, they sometimes will catch your skin and rub it off, leaving a WELT. the panel prevents this from happening.
Thank you! I know, I just use the term used by Electra Designs from which I learned how to make it.
Beautiful! And so is the corset.
You have done an amazing job on this! Very inspiring indeed! I’m off to research corset making!
wow, this is intersting, to see how it looks on You:) amazing:)
Great job!!
This is beautiful! The contrasting black was a nice touch. You may just have inspired me to try my hand at corsetmaking again ;).
Lovely contrast! and va-va-voom curves. Corsets are great for dramatic outfits and you never know just when such an occasion arises-but you’re definitely prepared!
I’m prepared indeed! Thank you Teresa!
Simply beautiful corset! well done!
Your corset turned out great! I’m glad to hear it helps alleviate back pain too, interesting.
that turned out so pretty! I can’t wait to try making one myself.
I LOVE this. You have done a fabulous job – it looks so perfect and so beautifully made and finished. I am quite envious. But I still don’t have the necessary skills (or patience?) to make this for myself. Its a ‘one day’ project and I’ve bookmarked you for the future.
This could look great over a nice white shirt, under a black jacket. Really striking.
WOW this is gorgeous!
Your corset is beautiful. I love the lace applique detailing
This turned out beautifully! Well done working on something so diligently, especially a garment that may not have much “everyday use”! It’s so so lovely. And I’m certainly glad that it helps alleviate your back pain!
Thank you! It was really some kind of guilty pleasure 😀
This is really beautiful! Great job!
Very beautiful! The contrast binding and the applications make it even prettier. I’m glad for you that it helps with back pains.
It’s gorgeous! And I’m kinda intrigued that it helps with your back pain.
My chiropractor actually gave me a corset-like underwear to help the back pain. It’s not as rigid as the corset but it really helps, so maybe that’s why the corset helps too. I don’t like the underwear though, it is not as pretty as this corset! 😛
Beautiful! Sounds like it was ultimately a fun and interesting project.
It’s gorgeous!! Love the clean and simple black and white against the embellishment… and it certainly gives you a lovely shape!! Glad to hear it helps you manage your back pain too
Amazing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!