Foundations Revealed

Corset patterns always seem to be too small or too big at the bust. Here's a deceptively easy fix - a method that works even for large changes.

Jenni alters the antique "Hearts" corset pattern to emulate the archetypal “Edwardian” posture on a modern body, and weighs up the effect on comfort.

Sandra Stuart tackles re-creating a gusseted and gored corset using an 1878 patent diagram, from pattern enlargement to construction and fitting. 

Last month a very decisive 73% of you wanted to see the pattern re-worked twice for the model.  This month, we will focus on the first version, as it came off the pattern block.

Do you struggle to get the correct fit across the bustline? Learn to get it right without squishing or gapping.

This month we have three questions and lots of great answers!

Tilia asks for help in creating a corset pattern for an asymmetrical figure, and receives lots of great advice! Alessandra asks for advice with dealing with models, corsets and photoshoots Suzannah wonders how to clean everyday corsets

Finding multiple problem areas during the fitting stage can be a pain. You fix a bustline problem, but then fixing the waist makes the bustline look wrong again.

I used to spend hours cluelessly trying to “fix” multiple problems, usually making a mess of it. So I developed some step-by-step techniques.

The sad truth is that people notice how a corset fits first, and the detail last. There is absolutely no point spending hours perfecting your stitching if the fit is wrong. 

In the first of a hotly-anticipated series of articles, Laura rolls up her sleeves and addresses the single most pressing frustration that FR readers tell us they face: just how do you fit a corset properly?