How to Make a Corset From an Existing Corset

If the corset has grommets, re-use the back panels of the old corset for the new one.

A corset is a very versatile piece in a woman's closet. It shapes the body underneath an evening dress, can be a sexy top paired with jeans or an elegant avant-garde ensemble paired with a puffy floor-length skirt. Last but not least, a corset is a bedroom staple. Making a corset from scratch is not a simple task and requires prior training and knowledge of intimates, but by using pieces of an existing corset as patterns and re-using the corset's boning and channels, you can create your own corset.

Things You'll Need

• Corset
• Seam ripper
• 2 yd. Fabric
• 2 yd. Lining fabric
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Pins
• Scissors
• Chalk
• Camera or phone to take a photo

Instructions

Deconstructing the Old Corset

1. Lay the corset on a table.

2. Take a photo of the outside and inside of the corset for reference when sewing it back together.

3. Use the seam ripper to remove the last panel of each side of the corset.

4. Use the seam ripper to remove any stray stitches on the top and bottom edges of the lining of the corset. Turn the corset inside-out.

5. Remove the stitches from the top and bottom of the corset, releasing the lining.

6. Take another photo of the inside of the corset with the lining removed. Make sure to get the boning casing and stitching.

7. Remove all the boning casing using your seam ripper. Keep the boning in the casing.

8. Use the chalk to number the panels on the left side only. For example, number the center, front piece as well as the front, side piece and the remaining left-side panels.

9. Separate all the panels of the left side of the corset.

Cut the Corset

1. Fold your body fabric in half lengthwise and lay it on a table.

2. Fold your center front piece in half and place it on the fabric. Fold it on the fold of the fabric.

3. Place the other numbered pieces from the left side of the corset on the fabric --- all facing in the same direction --- and pin them into place.

4. Cut out all of the pieces through both layers.

5. Repeat Section 2 with the lining fabric.

Sew the Corset

1. Sew the cut panels of the body fabric together using your picture and the numbered pieces as guides. Use a machine straight-stitch and sew the seam allowance according to the still-intact right side of the corset.

2. Sew the lining fabric together as above.

3. Sew the boning casing as per your picture placement. Sew both sides of the casing using a machine straight-stitch 1/16 inch from the casing edge on either side. Be careful not to sew the boning.

4. Place the lining and body fabric right sides together and sew the top edge of the corset and corset lining together, 1/2 inch from the edge using a machine straight-stitch. Sew the bottom edge the same way.

5. Turn the corset right-side out and sew on the last panel at either end using a machine straight-stitch 1/2 inch from the edge.

Resources

• Corset Heaven: History of Corsets