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.

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.

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.

Twenty-first century corsetieres can gather inspiration from the modern as well as the antique.

What better way to create a corset that stands out from the crowd than to give it a visually striking front opening? The swing hook front closure is not only beautiful, but also very sturdy, and easy to fasten and unfasten.

This month we feature Cristiane Tano, aka CrissyCatt, a corsetiere from Brazil who does unrivalled work in leather.

She shares the reasons why she created this series of stunning corsets, as well as how she did it. We've got the inside scoop on her future plans, and amazing pictures of her uniquely breathtaking series of hand-tooled filigree leather corsets.

 

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.

Two questions and a short story on the Letters page this month:

Zeina inquires about how to make a set of the 1660 watered silk stays from the V&A. Bernicia wonders about alternative lacing and where to find colored eyelets (hint: its in the most unexpected place!) A short story from 1913, in which the lady's undergarments play a starring role (it's a nice clean story, nothing risque actually happens!)