How to Make a Corset: Bands Vs. Binding, Troubleshooting (2023)

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Ah, the corset. A garment that has been around for centuries and still remains popular today. It is an iconic fashion item that evokes a feeling of liberation, power, and mastery. But how do you make one? In this article, we’ll explore two main methods of constructing a corset: bands vs.

Bands Vs. Binding

When adding waist tape to strengthen your corset, you’ll have a choice between using bands or binding.

Bands provide the most support, enclosing the corset’s raw edges entirely within the waist tape. Self-fabric bands blend in discreetly, while contrasting colors make a bold statement.

Consider durability too – bands stand up to strain better than binding. Still, binding with a sturdy ribbon can reinforce the waist nicely. Opt for thick twill tape or Petersham ribbon, encasing the corset’s raw edge completely.

Take care to bind as tightly as possible, folding the ribbon over itself for a professional finish.

Either bands or binding will reinforce your corset’s waistline beautifully.

Self Fabric Band

Joust against the dragon of loose laces and create a sturdy, self-fabric moat around your kingdom’s waist.

• Choose a sturdy fabric like cotton twill or denim for the self-fabric band.
• Measure your natural waist for a custom fit.
• Attach the band to the corset seam allowances using a 3-step zigzag stitch.
• Fold and press the band over the corset’s raw edges.
• Topstitch the band down for clean finishing touches.

A self-fabric waistband shapes itself to your curves for unmatched comfort and support.

Troubleshooting

Let’s delve deeper into troubleshooting any issues that crop up while you’re constructing your corset.

Issue: Gaping along lacing or seam lines

Solution: Check fit, add stabilizer or consider smaller seam allowance

Issue: Bones poking through fabric or casing

Solution: Reinforce casing, pad bones, switch to spiral steel bones

Issue: Laces digging in or tugging uncomfortably

Solution: Check measurements, adjust lace placement, use ribbon instead

Issue: Fabric stretching or distorting over time

Solution: Opt for coutil, twill tape or other non-stretch fabrics

Careful planning and preparation when selecting your materials and sizing your patterns can help minimize issues. Don’t hesitate to tweak things as you go to achieve the perfect fit and shape for your body.

With practice, you’ll gain mastery in constructing corsets that not only shape your figure but express your personal style. Let the bonds of store-bought shapewear fall away as you discover the freedom of tailored corsetry.

Clean Finish Binding

Twist the twill tape to finish the corset boundaries with cleanliness, my faithful knight, lest the threads rebel against their restraints. While a plain seam finish works for everyday wear, for a proper corset, the binding should be neatly folded and stitched to encase raw edges in a tidy casement.

After assembling the corset, trim any ragged threads and turn the tape’s raw edge to the inside, folding the allowance. Then sew along both sides of the binding, catching just the inside folded edge on the reverse.

Finally, flip the corset and stitch close to the binding’s inner crease through all layers.

Thus, the corset shall withstand pressures of lace and steel boning, the channels secured for battles of posture and grace. Let her stand as a fortress on the field of fashion, an arsenal in silk and steel.

Seam Covering Binding

Attach your seam covering binding over corset seams for double strength. Sew the binding to the corset’s outer fabric first, then flip it over and stitch to the seam allowance inside.

Covering the seams not only protects them from stress but also creates a polished look. Experiment with contrasting colors or metallic binding to accentuate corset lines.

Wrapped Binding

Sew your corset’s waist with a twill tape hug to fortify its core. Wrap your corset in strength by binding its waistline with a sturdy twill tape or ribbon. This wrapped binding will reinforce the waist, reduce stress on the seams, and improve your corset’s longevity and shape retention.

Stitch the binding with care, folding it over the interior waist seam and securing it in place along the inner corset with small, tight stitches. Consider using a contrasting color for a subtle pop of vibrancy. Feel empowered by the fortified, shapely structure you’ve created through meticulous binding techniques and strategic fabric choices.

Your corset’s waist reduction and alluring silhouette demonstrate your mastery of pattern, construction, and the liberation of your inner power.

Edgestitching

You’re edgestitching the wrapped binding to finish the corset’s edges perfectly. This step adds finesse and durability to your corset, elevating it from a simple undergarment to a work of art.

Here are five essential tips to master edgestitching like a pro:

1. Choose the Right Needle and Thread: Opt for a sharp needle and strong thread that complements your fabric. Corsetry often requires heavier materials, so ensure your tools can handle the task.
2. Maintain Consistent Seam Allowance: Precision sewing is key. Maintain a consistent seam allowance to ensure even edgestitching throughout the corset, enhancing both its aesthetic and structural integrity.
3. Experiment with Stitch Length: Depending on your design and fabric, you may want to vary your stitch length. Longer stitches create a delicate appearance, while shorter ones offer extra strength.
4. Practice Decorative Embellishments: Edgestitching doesn’t have to be purely functional. Experiment with decorative stitches or contrasting thread colors to add a personal touch to your corset.
5. Follow the Moneta or Mabel Pattern: If using one of these popular corset patterns, follow their specific edgestitching guidelines for a seamless finish that complements the overall design.

Mastering edgestitching is an art in itself, and it’s one of the finishing details that sets your corset apart.