Linda Sparks - The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners

This book has been written to explain in illustrated detail the process of building a corset. It was written for those people who have never made a corset but do have basic sewing skills you can sew a straight line. Sewing a corset isnt quite accurate as the process is more involved than just sewing. You have to know how to work with . Consider using what you learn here on any project that requires structure.

My background is theatre and this means I look for quick and efficient ways to make durable long-wearing garments. This book doesnt discuss couturier methods you can easily implement the techniques. Once you have the basic understanding of how a corset is put together, you can easily include your own finishing style, appliqus, and design details to create your own signature style corset. This book is just the beginning!

Commercial corset patterns by Laughing Moon and Simplicity are used for all of our samples in this book. You should be able to find these patterns easily. I strongly recommend using either the Laughing Moon (Dore) or Simplicity (9769) corset patterns for your first corset as both are excellent patterns and, since theyre both discussed here, youll have all the information you need for a successful project. They also both lend themselves well to fitting and styling.

There is always more than one way to do anything and this book will describe only a few ways to build a corset but that doesnt mean there are no other ways. You may incorporate construction methods youve learned previously, combine steps from each of these three methods, or have a totally different approach. These methods are described to give you a starting point and a basic understanding of how to build your first corset. Once youve built one I hope youll be inspired to experiment with other materials and techniques. You dont need a lot of sewing experience to build a corset, but you do need patience, organizational ability, puzzle-solving skills and the ability to sew a straight line is a huge asset.

A corset isnt a difficult garment to sew, but its a challenge to build as there are so many pieces and so much hardware. Approach your first corset with time, patience, and an understanding that it wont be a make it today, wear it tonight project.

Note: All terms in bold are linked to their explanations in the Glossary. And always read all the instructions step by step the first time.

Linda Sparks

Corset Map

A corset has several components and some of these wont be familiar to you. All of the corset building techniques outlined in this book will refer to these parts and you can refer to this illustration as your corset map. This illustration indicates what is what and what goes where. Not all corsets will be composed of all of the parts shown here but every corset will include some of these elements. All parts labeled on the corset map will be described in depth in other chapters within this book.