Help on choosing a corset pattern please?

Question

I would like to make myself a corset. It would be one worn quite often, just like regular undergarments. While I am a beginner in sewing, I have made succesful waist cinchers. The type of pattern I am looking for is for an overbust corset that is somewhat Victorian in design. One that brings in the waist, but is not too extreme in its shaping. Size-wise, I am a little larger, 16-18 in clothing, with a 38inch waist, 45 1/2inch hips, and 44inch chest, including breasts, with a cup size that ranges from a C to a D, depending on design. The clearer the instructions, the better. Also, any tips on where to get fabric and materials is appreciated. I'd like to do this cost-efficiently, but I want quality products that will last me.

Also, if anyone knows a good online source for coutil that is not too expensive, that would also be appreciated. Preferably less than $20 a yard. ^-^

Answer 1

Laughing Moon has a pattern pack that includes 2 Victoria style corsets. Neither has an extreme shape and they go up to a waist size much larger than your's.

I do recommend that you measure yourself at the waist, hip, underbust, full bust

then measure from your waist up to the bust line and waist down to the hip line in the front, back and at the sides.

measure these same point on the pattern to find which size will best fit your body.

Further help can be given in my yahoo corset construction group.

Answer 2

http://www.uvm.edu/~hag/godey/fashion/di.html
http://www.laracorsets.com/History_of_the_corset_06_1860s.htm
http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/catalog_items.aspx?TypID=138&Viewby=Types&Page=1
http://www.agelesspatterns.com/index.htm

These sites should give you a good start on your corset. On the first 2 sites I think are some patterns and instructions for free. The agelesspatterns have some good patterns that must be ordered.

Fashion fabrics is a very lovely fabric site for all your dressmaking needs at a low cost.

Good luck with your "period" clothing projects. One of my young friends has a "DressMakers Shoppe". She is making undergarments for the rest of us. A Very Talented Girl!

Answer 3

I've seen corsets of various periods discussed on the SCA_Garb Yahoo Group. That's the best I can offer. Not too helpful, I know, but no one else has answered yet...

Answer 4

This place has good patterns for shapewear. The fabrics are available just about everywhere, in fabric stores and online.
http://www.thesewingplace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1888
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