How to Make a Knit Corset
One of the most common sights on the catwalks of Europe is the corset. Although corsets have been popular for several hundred years as lingerie worn under other items, the current style is to showcase them front and center. While braver souls wear their corsets as the only top, more and more everyday fashionistas wear theirs peeking out from open blouses or blazers.
The advantage of a handmade knit corset is that it can be worn either way, depending on the weather or your mood. With a little knitting skill, an understanding of your body type and some very accurate measurements, you can create a one of a kind garment that will make you look and feel fabulous.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Plastic or cloth measuring tape
- Pen or pencil
- Pad of paper
- Pattern
- Yarn
Instructions
-
-
1
The only way to get an excellent garment is to begin with exact measurements. Ask your friend to measure your bust, waist and hips. In addition, ask your friend to take the basic "bra" measurements: under bust, fullest part of bust and under arm.
-
2
Once you have the measurements, you need to consider your body type. Not every corset pattern will look good on every person. If you are petite or average size, you can easily find a pattern to fit and flatter you. If you are a larger woman, you may have difficulty.
Luckily, a couple of big girl knit designers created two books called Big Girl Knits and More Big Girl Knits. These books offer advice about how larger women can knit patterns that make them look and feel good. While neither book offers a knit corset, they do offer several patterns for close-fitting slinky tops that will show off your curves just as easily as the corset does.
-
-
3
Choose a corset pattern that suits your personality. For example, one of the resources below is for a silk corset designed by Annie Modesitt. The design is very feminine and romantic. While this pattern might fit your body just fine, it may not fit your sense of style. Not all corsets are girly-girly confections of ribbons and lace. Many patterns feature bold modern colors and even beading.
You need to understand your own personal style before you can pick an appropriate knitting pattern. Joan McGowan-Michael of White Lies Designs just published a book of knitted lingerie including a corset pattern. She offers a variety of both modern and romantic items. A link to her website is listed at the end of this article.
-
4
Think about the kinds of yarn that you want to use to make your corset. Since corsets are worn right next to the skin, you want to choose soft natural fibers that will not scratch. Ideally, you want to choose a fiber that gets softer and softer over time.
Most women will find wool, silk, bamboo, cotton and soy yarns that are soft enough. In fact, yarn companies now have many soft yarns that are combinations of one or all of these fibers.
-
5
Consider colors that look good with your skin tone and hair. No matter what the hot colors are for this year, you want to choose a color of yarn that looks good on you.
Also, knitting the corset will take some time, so pick a color that you can live with.
-
6
Carefully consider your own skills as a knitter before you choose a pattern. If you only learned to knit last year, you probably don't want to tackle an advanced pattern for your corset.
However, if you want the intricate pattern but don't have the skill to create it yourself, Etsy has the answer. Etsy.com is a website where crafters and artists can sell their handmade items. A section of the website called alchemy is set aside for custom work. You write down what you want and what you'd like to pay for it and the Etsy artists will bid on it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Buy really good, supportive, expensive bras. You cannot look your best if your bra doesn't offer appropriate support or if you are wearing the wrong size bra. Your new knitted corset is only going to look as good as your underwear. Check out the "bra whisperer" website for bra fit tips and a buying guide.
