Keep in mind that a simple, basic corset pattern will usually be better for a novice than a complex one. [1] X Expert Source Alterations ExpressAlteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 15 September 2021. Corsets can be difficult to make, so take it easy on yourself the first time or two around. You can find corset patterns for free and for sale, but the best kind usually fall into the latter category. You should be able to find an easy to follow corset pattern on the internet or in the sewing department of a craft store. Alternatively, you can also make a custom corset pattern, but the process involves intricately plotting out your measurements on graph paper.

Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your bust while wearing a standard bra for your bust measurement. Find your waist measurement by wrapping a tape measure around the thinnest part of your waist, 2 inches (5 cm) above the navel. The corset is a garment worn to shape your body. Normally, you’ll subtract 4 inches (10 cm) from your waist measurement. The hip measurement can be found by wrapping a tape measure around the widest part of your hips. This is roughly 8 inches (20 cm) below your waist measurement.

If you use duck fabric or linen, know that your corset will have more give in the finished product and will likely fit a bit larger than if made from coutil. You can also add inner lining to your corset for extra comfort. Use a firmly woven cotton or cotton blend and cut and sew the lining following the pattern for the corset. [4] X Expert Source Alterations ExpressAlteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 15 September 2021. When you choose thread for your corset, test it first to check the quality of the thread. All-purpose thread should be fine, but before you use it, unravel a length and try to snap it with your hands. If it doesn’t break easily it is fine to use, but don’t use thread that breaks easily because it will undergo a lot of tension in the corset and you want it to be sturdy.

Check the grain. If you examine fabric closely you’ll see that it has a “weft thread,” which is the thread that is horizontal across the fabric, and a “warp thread” which intersects the waft thread at a right angle and is vertical across the fabric. These terms are also interchangeable with the terms “grain line” and “cross-grain. " You’ll want to cut the fabric along the stretchiest grain line, so stretch the fabric in both directions, determining which direction is more stretchy. Often times fabric will have a red line with arrows showing the grain line, and the perpendicular line to that is the cross-grain. [5] X Research source

You could also use pattern weights, which can be stones or weights that help hold the pattern in place. If you opt for this method, outline the pattern with chalk before cutting. Sometimes this is a better option because it prevents any distortion when cutting the fabric.

Depending on the fabric pattern you have, you may need to cut some of the pieces twice. Some patterns require you to cut the center-back pieces twice, the center-front piece once, and all other pieces twice, with all cuts on the fold and with no seam allowance at the back. Follow the pattern’s instructions for how many cuts you need to make. [7] X Research source

You could also loosely baste (temporary stitches intended to be removed) the pieces together to accomplish the same result. If your seams are trued, meaning that they match properly, you might be able to match up the top edges and guide the machine as you form seams without using pins or basting.

Make sure when sewing pieces together that you are sewing the right pieces together. It could help to number the pieces on the back with a piece of white chalk.

Trim off excess fabric if necessary to prevent bunching. Note that you could also press the seams open as you go along.

Make sure not to sew the top and bottom of your corset, as this will be sewn with binding.

Waist tape can be twill tape, a sturdy ribbon, or tailor’s tape of 5/8 inch or 7/8 inch width. To find the measurements for your waist tape, use your desired waist measurement, add two inches and then divide by two, cutting the two pieces to equal the final measurement. When sewing your waist tape, make sure it lines up on both halves of your corset by lining up your corset on one side.

You can also use 1 inch (2. 5 cm) wide strips of fabric if you don’t want to purchase casing tape.

The busk is the piece with the “eyes or hooks” that the knobs or pins hook into on the front of your corset to attach it together (and will prevent you from having to untie the lacing on the grommet area each time you want to put on your corset). You can buy busks at a sewing or craft store.

You can also use satin, cotton, or another type of pre-made bias binding.

For now, you should only add binding to the bottom. You need to add your boning to the corset before you can finish the top.

You can also use spring steel flats, but spiral steel flats will do a better job of following all of the curves of your corset. [11] X Research source To prevent rough edges of the bones you can use durable hot glue or craft glue to tip the bones.

Grommets are the holes in the back of your corset in which you lace up your corset. [13] X Expert Source Alterations ExpressAlteration, Tailoring, and Dry Cleaning Specialists Expert Interview. 15 September 2021. Use a fabric punch, leather punch, or awl to punch the holes out for your eyelets. Hammer the eyelets in place from both sides with a rubber hammer.

You need about 5 yards (5 m) (4. 5 m) of lacing total. Ribbon and twill are the most historically accurate forms of lacing, but flat lacing and cable cord hold up better in the long-term.

Cinch the waist of the corset in by pulling the loops at the waist.