Sourcing Bones

This sounds far much more like a history post than a sewing post. Project Corset is going to start in the next week or two, and so now I'm sourcing the appropriate pieces to make the corset shown in the photograph above. The packets lists even the length of bones so that they can be bought from companies who cut types of bones like steel to size. This is an advantage as you don't have to faff around with cutting the bones yourself if you choose to use steel. Bare in mind that they can be more expensive than buying them in one length and taking the time to cut them to the correct length yourself.

For my corset project, I am going to attempt to make a double layer corset, with a thick jersey-type fabric on the inside and a strong taffeta on the outside, left over from a project that I have recently finished. Using old materials for a project is a fantastic idea, as if you do it wrong, you can make adjustments and sort it out before committing to that fabric that you really love. I recommend starting with an easy soft boning too, so you can get used to working with the stuff.

Now, corset kits are available, but the price does not differ too greatly from buying all the parts individually. Busks and lacing bones (if you chose to use them) are often quite expensive, but you pay for quality when it comes to these things. Handmade corsets can retail for anything above £150 each, up to the dizzy heights of £400 for a handmade to measure corset by some independent traders. Bare this in mind when you are trying to justify £45 on materials.

For good corset supplies try VenaCave Designs and Sew Curvy corset kits.