How to Make a Doll Corset

Corsets typically lace up the back.

Miniatures are often interesting and enjoyable to make, which is part of the appeal of owning a doll. It is possible to make any type of clothing for a doll. Corsets were a type of undergarment for women in the 1800s, and are still sometimes worn decoratively on the outside in today's era. Making a corset for a doll is simpler than making one for a person, as the corset is merely decorative and does not need to serve a function. The important aspects of a doll corset are that it fits snugly and does not wrinkle when laced.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Paper
• Iron
• Decorative fabric
• Ribbon
• Heavy muslin
• Pins
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Glue
• Grommets
• Fraying preventative, match or candle

Instructions

1. Measure the doll's bust, waist and hip as well as the distance between the bust and waist and between the waist and hip.

2. Create a pattern for the corset with a piece of paper and pencil. Corsets typically hit just under the bustline and at the hip, but these can be higher or lower according to personal preferences. Draw a vertical line that is the distance between the bust and waist plus the distance between the waist and hip, with a mark in the middle to indicate the waist. Draw a horizontal line at the top that is the length of the bust measurement, a horizontal line in the middle that is the waist measurement and a horizontal line at the bottom that is the hip measurement, with the vertical line dividing each of the horizontal lines exactly in half. Draw a line that connects the outer points of the vertical lines on each side. This creates a general pattern for the corset.

3. Cut out the pattern and hold it to your doll. When wrapped around the doll, the ends must not touch or overlap. There must be room to lace the corset over the doll. Make sure that the pattern fits well, is symmetrical and looks the way you want before continuing.

4. Iron all of your fabric and ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half once ironed and iron again, making a crease. Leave some of the ribbon unfolded; you can use it to lace the corset once it is finished.

5. Pin the pattern to the muslin and cut out one piece. Repeat with the decorative fabric. If you are making doll undergarments and not a corset that is to be worn over a shirt, choose a subtle pattern for the decorative cloth.

6. Pin the muslin and decorative fabric together, wrong sides together and right sides facing out. Stitch them together around the perimeter. For extra stability, sew a few vertical seams along the corset, taking care to be symmetrical.

7. Pin the ribbon along the raw edges of the corset, concealing them, then sew or glue into place.

8. Poke a few small holes along the ends of the corset, where the garment will lace. Insert a small grommet into each hole and use a tool, such as a grommet pliers, to bend it into place.

9. Add any desired decorative elements, such as lace or jewels, for a corset designed to be worn on the outside of clothing.

10. Lace the corset with the spare ribbon. Trim away excess, but leave enough ribbon to easily lace and tie the corset around the doll. Treat the ends with a substance to prevent fraying or melt the ends carefully with a match or candle.

References

• The Victoria and Albert Museum: The Secret History of the Corset and Crinoline
• The Fashionable Past: Drafting and Making the Shieldmaiden Corset
• Doll Designs; Undergarments for Lady Jelena; Michelle Lightner