How to make a corset - Foundations Revealed

Analysing the secrets of success of the finished corset from the last article, plus: how can gussets and shoulder straps be used to support a large bust?

Many corsetmakers accept long distance orders. Is it a good idea? Jenni explores the benefits and pitfalls, and offers tips and advice.

Wendy puts her earlier research on transitional Regency stays into practice and reproduces a set of stays for herself, walking us through the fitting stages.

Supporting large busts (say, above a D cup) can be tricky. Isabelle shares her guidelines for giving shapely support to larger cups.

Andrea makes a second mockup in her size, and shows how spiral boning and plastic boning behave in this complex corset design.

When I first looked at the patent for this 1882 Strauss corset I was incredibly intimidated. It has 26 pieces, 13 each side, and only six are just fabric...

Jenni shows off her final Hearts corset and draws some conclusions. She includes some details on fitting and adapting corsets for asymmetrical bodies.

Last week, Laura covered the horizontal adjustments to the Silverado pattern. This week she completes the adjustments by covering the vertical dimensions.

Laura takes us step by step through altering the Silverado corset pattern to fit the required dimensions.

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

Using the Silverado corset pattern as an example, Laura Loft shows exactly how to alter a commercial pattern to fit like a professional one.

Alison Kannon demystifies the construction and recreation of “bodies”, the stiffened supportive layer of clothing that later came to be called a corset or stays.

Jennifer shows you how to alter the pattern from last month, then sew the corset step by step, using the same vintage techniques as in the original.

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. 

If you're a complete beginner, here's where you need to start. From picking a pattern to adjusting it to your size, the first baby steps are here.

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