How to Lace Corsets Properly

Get a wasp waist with a correctly-laced corset.

A corset can inspire thoughts of sensuality, romance and old-world fashion. In the modern era, celebrities and fashion fans wear corsets to make sexy fashion statements. Some enthusiasts even wear corsets on a daily basis, enamored of the garment's muscle reinforcement and slimming qualities.

Since there are so many corsets and corset-laced garments on the racks, it's necessary to know how to lace one correctly. Incorrect corset lacing can cause pinched skin, non-optimal cinching and loosening over time. With the right lacing technique, a corset will stay taut for hours while looking neat, symmetrical and inviting.

Things You'll Need

• Corset
• Corset lacing (at least 3 yards)
• Door with doorknobs

Instructions

1. Count the number of lacing eyelets. If the corset has an even number, lacing will start on the outside. Lacing begins on the inside for odd numbered eyelet corsets.

2. Spread the corset flat on a table. Pull the laces through the first two eyelets, making sure that the lace ends are of the same length. Leave about an inch or two of space in between the corset panels.

3. Pick up the left side lace and cross it over the right, then through the next eyelet. Repeat for the right. The laces should be flat and the ends even. According to corset designer Wasp Creations, "The secret is to form an 'X' with the laces on the same side that the lace originated from." If lacing started from the inside, this first criss-cross will be on the outside. Inside-starting lacing will form an X on the outside.

4. Continue the criss-crossing until you reach the waist of the corset. The criss-crosses will alternate inside-outside-inside-etc. Keep going until you reach the waistline, stopping when the lace is pulled through from the back to the outside only.

5. Take the lace and pull it through the next hole down with no criss-cross; repeat on the other side. This will form a vertical loop of lacing in the middle of each row of eyelets. Leave enough lacing to make a sizable loop; several inches should suffice.

6. Take the left lacing end and pull it under and through the right side, the repeat with the right lacing. This starts the criss-crosses once more. Make criss-crosses until you reach the bottom.

7. Pull the panels apart until there's about four or five inches of space in between the panels. Tie a bow at the bottom of the corset and double-knot for extra security.

8. Put on the corset, latching the front panels securely.

9. Pull the puller loops at the back waistline to remove any excess. The criss-crosses should come together, leaving no gap in the center. Tie off in a shoe bow or secure knot at the center once the corset is at the desired tightness.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're by yourself and want to make the corset very snug, use the door. Corset Information advises, "If you are by yourself, hook the lacing loops over a doorknob, and walk away slowly and stop when the laces are even left and right and just taut."

• Use the proper lacing to get the tightest result. Avoid satin ribbon, leather or suede laces in favor of shoelaces or cotton upholstery cording.

References

• Wasp Creations: How to Properly Lace a Corset
• Corset Information: How to Lace and Unlace

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish