Foundations Revealed

Knowing how stays were really made allows us to imitate those techniques and produce an accurate garment. We study the genuine article in detail.

Continuing her study of the Skeleton Corset from last month, Amanda demonstrates how to make this very unique busk step by step at home.

While the original busk was probably made in a factory using power tools, Amanda reproduces it using with hand tools, which are easily acquired at your local hardware store if you don’t already have them at home.

Corsetmaking presents a number of challenges for us to tackle with innovation, study and hard work. We soon discover that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions.

Different structures require different raw materials and processes, and opinions differ on which materials produce the best results.

Jenni conducts a unique experiment to compare the effects of four different types of steel in her bespoke corsets.

Those of you who know Your Wardrobe Unlock'd will already know about the "Letters, Questions and Advice" page, which we'll be doing here at Foundations Revealed too.

On this page you can ask questions about any aspect of corsetmaking or historical underwear, however basic, advanced, general or technical, and receive answers both from our contributors and from other readers.

Additionally, we'd also love to publish your own tips and techniques and stories.

Email the Editor with your questions, letters and advice for next month's coloumn.

This month we have two questions, supplied by those readers who subscribed early - one on copyright-free patterns for corsets made for retail and on proper length of bones. Plus, we share a 1910's silent corset commercial with you.