How Do I Make A Waist Training Corset?
To make a waist training corset, you'll need to start by purchasing the appropriate materials. Make sure to get sturdy and flexible fabric along with some stiff plastic boning that can provide structure and support for your corset. Cut your material in panels based on your measurements, taking into consideration the lacing gap, seam allowance, and the length of your corset when laying out the pattern pieces. Sew together all of the panels along their seams to complete the main structure of your garment. Place all of the plastic boning into channels created from folded hems for extra reinforcement before closing up any remaining openings. Use grommets or lacing bones to create a strong closure so that it will sit snugly around your waist when worn.
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Materials and Tools needed
For anyone looking to construct a waist training corset, understanding the materials and tools required is vital. To make a sturdy and comfortable corset, it’s important to use the right material and have all necessary supplies within reach. Fabric such as cotton twill or coutil should be used for outer layer of corset which can provide strength with comfort. This fabric must be strong enough to withstand tight lacing without tearing or distorting shape. Boning material such as flexible stainless steel or hard plastic needs to be purchased in order to give the correct shape and rigidity needed for waist training purposes. When assembling one will need various notions including durable thread for sewing together layers of fabric; also grommets are essential for creating eyelets so that laces can feed through them easily. But most importantly, any aspiring maker should invest in strong quality laces which won’t fray under tension while being tightened.
These ingredients are key factors in producing an excellent fitted waist training corset – failure to take into account details like these may result in a sub-par finished product. All of these items can be found at local haberdasheries or even online sources depending on preference; they may require some investment but finding good products will guarantee that you have all you need before starting your own project.
Measuring for a Waist Trainer
When it comes to obtaining a comfortable and flattering fit with a waist training corset, the initial step is to measure your body properly for the item. This ensures that when you do finally have your new waist trainer, it will be tailored specifically to meet your individual needs. Before starting any measuring process, make sure you are wearing light-weight clothing so that measurements accurately reflect your natural shape.
First up, take some measurements of the fullest part of your chest and around your rib cage. If you prefer extra room in this area then remember to add a few inches when deciding on the size of corset you buy - after all there is nothing worse than feeling too tightly confined in shapewear. It may also be helpful to get someone else to take these measurements for an even more accurate result. After recording the results from those two areas continue onto measuring your waistline by drawing an imaginary line between where both hip bones connect in front. Note down exactly what numbers appear on the tape measure as these values are critical for obtaining an ideal fit with any type of waist trainer.
Finally record the circumference of one hip bone area which should remain free from restriction due to movement during everyday activities - something many people forget to factor into their sizing decisions when buying waist training garments. Altogether this will give you all the necessary information about how much fabric is needed in certain areas resulting in maximum comfort while achieving the desired slimming effect.
Cutting the Fabric
Choosing the right fabric for your waist training corset is essential to getting a great result. A strong yet supple material such as cotton twill or denim is ideal because it will allow the corset to sit comfortably against the body while also providing enough support so that you can reap all of its benefits. To get started, measure out the dimensions of your waist and purchase enough fabric to cover those measurements plus a few extra inches for seam allowances. Once you have cut out two pieces from your chosen fabric, trace two identical patterns onto each piece with chalk before snipping along the marked lines with scissors. For extra strength and rigidity, consider adding boning into each seam which will provide additional lumbar support around your midsection area. When constructing the corset, be sure to use an industrial-grade zipper on the side so that it can easily be undone whenever needed. Give yourself time by hand sewing additional decorative features like ruffles or lace trim to make sure that your design comes together as intended.
Adding Boning and Grommets
Achieving that perfect waist training corset can be made much easier with the addition of boning and grommets. Boning provides a stable structure to help keep your corset's shape over time, while also adding support for the wearer. Grommets provide metal fixtures for lacing up the back of your corset; these two elements together make sure that it fits snugly against your body.
When starting out on this project, you'll need to measure how many panels are required to make your desired silhouette before cutting out fabric pieces according to those measurements. At this point, begin inserting boning in between each panel seam along one side of the corset, followed by inserting grommets around all four edges. Boning is usually inserted into channels or pre-made holes in some fabrics, but if you prefer a different method there’s always the option to use casings or line them with twill tape.
To complete your look, hand-stitch bias binding at the upper and lower edges of all four sides of each panel piece after positioning them and sewing them together as per instructions from your pattern's guide - being careful not to catch any inner layer components like boning when doing so. Finally add lace ties through every grommet hole along the back edge and secure firmly with knots at both ends; voila. You now have a beautifully crafted waist training corset.
Sewing on Trim and Closures
When it comes to waist training corsets, the most important step is ensuring you get the right trim and closures. Careful attention must be paid to ensure your corset won't sag or slide down during use. To achieve a proper waist training corset that will offer reliable results, making sure you sew on properly fitted trimmings and closures is essential.
The first thing to do when making this kind of garment is to carefully measure out all the details. This includes the size of your chosen trim or lacing closure along with its associated holes or eyelets for threading ribbon or cord through. Once these measurements are made and transferred onto your fabric, sewing on any lacing closures should be done as carefully as possible in order to avoid any slip-ups while also ensuring longevity. As far as trims go, make sure they adhere snugly to give an even finish without too much extra bulk from overhanging folds at each end; if done correctly these can add a touch of elegance to the overall look of your corset.
Every closing component should be securely fastened so there is no risk of it coming loose after regular wear - even after adjusting the tightness multiple times. If done well, this final stage will provide years of use and ultimately leave you feeling comfortable in whichever outfit choice you select for your waist training needs.
Finishing Touches
After the waist training corset is constructed, it’s time to add those all-important finishing touches. To give the piece a professional look, many makers choose to use an overlock machine for stitching. This adds both strength and a neater finish to the seams and edges of the garment. The exact type of stitch used can depend on several factors including fabric type and corset design.
If desired, steel boning can be installed at this point as well. It is important to make sure that any bones are stitched securely in place with either thread or cotton tape before closing them into channels along each seam line. As a further step in reinforcing your creation, some makers may also use narrow ribbon tape along certain lines or areas of the garment which require extra support from boning or provide help with weight distribution during wear.
Keep things neat by using chalk markers or sewing pins for precise marking prior to stitching any closures such as lacing eyes, busks or grommets into your new waist trainer corset. Follow up with pressing irons set at lower temperatures so as not cause any damage when steaming away excess threads after attaching hardware pieces onto your project. With these steps complete, you are now ready to show off your custom-made masterpiece.
Care Instructions
Caring for a waist training corset is essential to get the most out of it. The garment needs to be gently washed after each wear and air dried. It's best to avoid putting it in the dryer, which can cause damage due to the intense heat. To ensure your corset keeps its shape, fill it with tissue paper when storing and lay it flat on a surface - don't fold or hang up. Always avoid wearing your corset during physical activities such as exercise and swimming, as this may stretch or rip the fabric and reduce its efficacy.
When first putting on your corset, you should only tighten by 1-2 inches at a time until you are comfortable with the fit - over-tightening can lead to discomfort or even injury if done excessively. Prior research into safety tips for waist training is recommended before beginning use of a corset in order to protect yourself from potential health risks associated with tightlacing. With proper care and caution taken while wearing one, a well-made waist training corset will last many years if looked after appropriately.
Want to learn more? See: How do you know if your corset is too big?