Foundations Revealed

Flo guides us through the process of drafting a simple border lace overlay for the top half of an underbust corset.

Rachel Haggerty discusses the techniques used to work with metallic fabrics like taffeta and lamé to create a bodice worthy of Wonder Woman herself!

Wendy analyzes over 80 stays from 1790-1829 for fiber, colour, weave, length, opening placement, shoulder treatment, bust shaping, boning or cording.

Mark shows us how to achieve clean lines and repeatable accuracy in his introduction to the use of Computer Aided Design for beginners.

Continuing discussion on the home sewer's approach to leather corsetmaking, one part professional technique, one part broke college student ingenuity.

Marianne discusses the tools available to aid corsetieres - outlining the options available for you to choose from in each area of the corsetmaking process.

Mark shares with us the secrets of working with stretchy powernet, and shows how to make a vintage corselette of the 1950s or 60s.

Kelly discusses the home sewer's approach to leather corsetmaking, one part professional technique, one part broke college student ingenuity.

Sandra Stuart shares what she's learned about how to use stretch velvet in corsetry. She discovers that it has its advantages, as well as its own special challenges - and it looks stunning!

A tricky skill to master: Laura details a few techniques on how to do it right first time, every time - and how to keep your stitching straight.

Three awesome questions & solutions: fitting 1770's stays for curvy figures, changing overbust corsets to underbusts, and corsets for apple shape figures.

Mark takes the basic corselet further by adding shaping or control panels to it. He also shows how to adapt the corselet blocks to make other foundation garments.

Leather is considered to be one of the most difficult materials to work with, but it doesn't have to be. Marta shows us a few simple ways to make it easy. 

Simple underbust corsets are a staple for corset wearers and makers. Here are the patternmaking tools and techniques to get you started right. (Updated 6/21/12 with clarified drafting instructions)

Michelle tackles C.L. Olmstead's 1912-13 corset patent and learns a lot about good corset making, especially about fabric selection...

Marta continues her exploration of the ‘difficult materials’ field and describes the advantages and disadvantages of using fake leather.

What are the correct tools for corsetry, when some swear by tools that others avoid? I'll share what's in my toolbox, what has been relegated to the scrapheap, and why.

Many corsetieres would have you believe that a "real" corset is only made from coutil. However, other fabrics can be used, if they pass a series of tests.

Mark dishes out some helpful hints and tools for corset making, including a faster way of cording, plus bone tipping and eyelet reinforcement.

Continuing the Silverado series, making a professional corset step by step, with Laura's long-awaited how-to for External Boning Channels.