How to Make a Bustier or Corset From Old Bras

Find a creative use for an unwanted bra.

Bras, bustiers and corsets are all undergarments that work to shape and support the female form. The different areas of the body they cover and support require them to be made from materials that will react well to the body's natural movements. You would have a difficult time trying to get the stretchy, breathable fabric of a brassiere to behave the same way as the stiff and thick fabric of a traditional corset or bustier. If you have an old bra that is comfortable but getting too worn for daily use, consider combining that bra into a bustier or corset. That way, when you need to wear a bustier or corset you can be sure it will be comfortable and also give you the support you need.

Things You'll Need

• Bra
• Bustier or corset
• Fabric scissors
• Wire cutters
• ¾-inch stretch bias tape (as long as the length of the bustier/corset)
• Thread
• Needle
• Sewing machine (capable of a zigzag stitch)
• Glue gun with glue sticks
• Tailor's chalk
• Measuring tape
• Mirror
• Straight pins
• Boning tips

Instructions

Prepare the Corset/Bustier

1. Try on the bustier or corset. Tie the corset or adjust the bustier as tight as you want it to be.

2. Place your old bra over the corset or bustier. Attach it firmly in the back.

3. Stand in front of a mirror and use the tailor's chalk to draw a line where your bra overlaps the corset/bustier.

4. Remove both the bra and corset/bustier.

5. Draw a second line mirroring line A -- 1/4 inch below A. This is line B.

6. Cut along line A. Use the fabric scissors for the fabric part of the corset/bustier and use the wire cutter to cut the boning.

7. Cut an extra ¼ inch off each section of boning and place the boning tips on the exposed pieces of boning. Push the boning back into its channel.

8. Flip the corset/bustier over and draw a line across the top cut edge 1/4 of an inch below the edge. This is line C.

9. Cover the cut edge of the corset/bustier with the stretchy bias tape. Make sure the edges of the bias tape line up with lines B and C. Use the straight pins to secure the bias tape to the corset/bustier so it completely covers the cut edge.

10. 

    Use a sewing machine that can do a zigzag stitch.

    Apply a small amount of hot glue to each section of the bias tape that covers a section of boning. Sew the rest of the bias tape to the corset/bustier with a sewing machine, using a wide, tight zigzag stitch.

Attach the Bra to the Corset/Bustier

1. 

   Fold your bra in half to find the exact middle.

   Find the middle of the corset/bustier by folding it in half. Mark the middle with tailor's chalk. Find the middle of the bra and mark it with tailor's chalk.

2. 

   Use straight pins to attach the bra to the bias tape edge of the corset/bustier.

   Match the middle of the bra to the middle of the corset/bustier. Attach the bra to the bias tape that covers the edge of the corset/bustier, using straight pins.

3. 

   Use a needle and thread to attach the under-wire portion of your bra.

   Sew the fabric portions of the bra to the bias tape edge of the corset/bustier with a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. If your bra has underwire, use the needle and thread to hand sew the casing that covers the underwire to the bias tape edge.

4. Remove any remaining straight pins and trim any excess bias tape.

5. Try on your new corset/bustier.

Tips & Warnings

• You can remove the bra straps if you wish. Simply cut them off and sew a piece of bias tape over the areas you cut off. That will keep those areas from fraying.

• Move around slowly at first in your new corset/bustier. Learn what kinds of movements might feel restrictive in your new garment.

References

• Harts Fabric: Bias Tape