Creating A Wedding Corset: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a wedding corset can be a fun and rewarding project. It is a great alternative to a traditional zipper closure, as it allows for adjustable sizing. While it may seem daunting, with the right tools and guidance, anyone can create a beautiful and well-fitting wedding corset. This process involves choosing the right materials, such as fabric, boning, and lacing, as well as carefully measuring, cutting, and sewing the pieces together. Whether you are altering an existing dress or creating a new one from scratch, the end result will be a unique and customised garment.

Choosing the right fabric

Type of Fabric

Select a fabric that complements the wedding dress. If the dress is made of satin, choose satin fabric for the corset. Similarly, if the dress is made of silk, opt for silk fabric. This ensures a cohesive and elegant look.

Fabric Colour

Match the colour of the fabric to the wedding dress as closely as possible. A perfect match creates a seamless and sophisticated appearance. However, if finding an exact match proves challenging, consider using a darker or lighter shade within the same colour family. Alternatively, a contrasting colour can also make a bold and stylish statement.

Fabric Properties

Consider the properties of the fabric to ensure comfort and functionality. The fabric should be durable yet flexible, allowing for a comfortable fit and ease of movement. It should also be breathable, especially if the wedding is during warmer months, to keep the wearer cool and comfortable.

Fabric Design

The design and texture of the fabric can enhance the overall aesthetic of the corset. Consider fabrics with intricate embroidery, lace, or beading to add visual interest and a luxurious touch. These details can elevate the look of the corset and make it truly special for the wedding occasion.

Fabric Quantity

Ensure you have sufficient fabric to complete the project. Measure the required amount based on the size and style of the corset you intend to create. It is always better to have a little extra fabric than to fall short, as this may cause delays or design alterations.

Fabric Compatibility

If you are adding a corset back to an existing dress, consider the compatibility of the new fabric with the original dress fabric. Choose a fabric that complements the dress's style, colour, and texture as closely as possible to create a cohesive and elegant look.

Remember to source high-quality fabric that aligns with your design vision and always purchase from reputable suppliers to ensure the best results for your wedding corset project.

Sewing loops

To sew the loops for a wedding corset, you will need to first source the right materials. Choose a material that matches the texture and colour of the dress. If you can't find the right colour, consider using a contrasting colour in the same material.

If your dress has spaghetti straps, cut them off and use them for the loops. Cut the material into a 1-inch-wide strip. Fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron it flat. The length of the strip should be the length of the corset back you are creating, plus about 6 inches in case you need to add a few more loops.

Sew the strip using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, using a thread colour that matches the material. When you are done, trim the raw edges so that the seam allowance is 1/8-inch wide. Turn the lacing right-side-out by clipping a small safety pin to one end, tucking it into the tube, and pulling it through to the other end.

Cut the tube into short segments about 1 1/4 inches long. Cutting on the bias will give the best results. Pin the loops into the dress, opening up the left side where you removed the zipper. Form the segments into loops and pin them into the lining part, with the bottom strand of each loop overlapping the top strand of the next loop, forming an X inside the lining. Repeat this process on the right side, ensuring the loops line up perfectly.

Finally, sew the loops into the dress and close the opening where you inserted them. Go over the edge on your sewing machine, backstitching at the start and end for extra strength.

Adding boning

Before you begin, you'll need to gather the necessary materials: steel boning in the required length and width, bone casing (usually made from cotton or polyester), and a bone cutter or strong scissors. You can find these supplies at specialty fabric stores or online. Decide on the placement and number of boning channels required for your corset pattern. Typically, you'll need vertical boning channels at the center front, back, and sides, with additional horizontal channels across the waist and under the bust. Cut your bone casing to the required length for each channel, adding a seam allowance of about 0.5 inches on each end. Fold and press one end of the bone casing by about 0.25 inches to create a neat finish, then fold and press again, encasing the raw edge. Sew along the folded edge to create a finished end. Repeat this process for the other end of the bone casing. Place the bone casing onto your corset, aligning it with the marked boning channels on your fabric. Sew along the sides of the casing, securing it in place and creating the channels for your boning. Leave one end of the casing open to insert the boning. Cut your steel boning to the required length using a bone cutter or strong scissors. Be cautious when cutting, as the edges can be sharp. Insert the boning into the casing, pushing it through gently until it reaches the finished end. You may need to use a point turner or similar tool to guide it through. Once the boning is fully inserted, hand-stitch the open end of the casing closed, securing the boning in place. Repeat this process for all the boning channels.

By following these steps, you'll create a well-structured and supportive wedding corset. The boning will provide the necessary shape and definition, ensuring your corset flatters the body and creates a stunning silhouette under the wedding gown. Remember to take your time, especially when cutting and inserting the boning, to ensure a precise and professional finish.

Attaching the modesty panel

The modesty panel is optional, but it can be a great addition to your wedding corset. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to attach it:

Firstly, buy fabric for the modesty panel. It is best if the fabric matches the fabric of your dress. If an exact match is not possible, consider using a contrasting colour or fabric.

Next, make the pattern. Turn your dress so that the back is visible and flatten it out. There will be a gap between the left and right looped edges. Measure across the top and bottom of this gap, adding 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) to each measurement. Then, measure from the top of the gap straight down to the bottom and add 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) to this measurement. Draw an upside-down trapezoid based on these measurements.

Now, transfer your pattern to the material and cut it out. Fold your material in half, with the right sides facing in. Pin your template to the material, with the top edge aligned with the fold. Cut out the pattern, ensuring that you include the seam allowances in your cutting line.

Once you have your fabric cut out, it is time to sew the modesty panel. Fold the panel in half with the right sides facing in and sew along the two side edges using a 0.64-centimetre (1/4-inch) seam allowance.

After sewing the sides, add heavy interfacing to the lining side of the panel. Cut a sheet of heavy interfacing that is 0.64 centimetres (1/4 inch) smaller than your panel on all sides. Iron it onto the lining side, following the instructions on the package.

At this point, you can also sew boning onto the sides of the panel if you want to add more structure. Ask your local fabric store for advice on the best boning for your project.

Now, it is time to turn the panel right-side-out. Clip the corners and use a pencil or knitting needle to push out the corners and seams so they are nice and sharp. Press the panel flat with an iron, using a heat setting suitable for your fabric.

Finally, sew up the bottom of the panel. Fold the bottom raw edges in by 0.64 centimetres (1/4 inch), pin them in place, and press the panel flat. Sew the bottom shut using a ladder stitch, removing the pins as you sew.

Your modesty panel is now ready to be attached to the left edge of your dress opening. Alternatively, you can secure the panel with snaps, making it removable if you ever want to wear your dress backless.

Lacing up the corset

Preparing the Lacing Loops

Firstly, cut the material for the lacing loops into 1-inch-wide strips. The length of the strip should be the length of the corset back you are creating, plus an extra 6 inches, in case you need to make a few more loops. Fold the strip in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron it flat. Sew the strip using a ¼-inch seam allowance, and then trim the raw edges so that the seam allowance is ⅛-inch wide. Next, turn the lacing right-side-out by clipping a small safety pin to one end, tucking it into the tube, and pulling it through to the other end.

Cutting the Loops

Once the tube is right-side-out, cut it into short segments, each about 1¼ inches long. Cutting on the bias is recommended.

Pinning the Loops

Now, open up the left side of the dress where the zipper used to be. Form the segments into loops and pin them into the lining part, ensuring that the bottom strand of each loop overlaps the top strand of the next loop, forming an X inside the lining. Repeat this process on the right side, making sure that the loops line up perfectly.

Sewing the Loops

Once all the loops are pinned, sew them into place, keeping the curved part of the loop flush against the edge of the dress.

Lacing the Corset

Finally, thread matching or contrasting ribbon through the loops, starting at the top and finishing at the bottom. Choose a ribbon that is the same width as each loop, or make your own by folding strips of fabric in half lengthwise, sewing them, and turning them right-side-out.

Frequently asked questions