Lengthening a Corset?

[Deckard And Zhora]

I started Butterick 4254 (http://butterick.mccall.com/search-pages-624.php?search_term=4254&submit.x=13&submit.y=8) and previously made view B, but this time I decided to go for view C.

So I noticed that the panels seemed a little short and after I cut and sewed the two sides together, I was right. If I was a skinny, less bustier gal, I think it would work fine, but I'm not. I'm thinking that it will pull in at the right places, but displace other flesh in not so good-looking places, if you get what I mean.

The other thing is that the only local place I've found to buy a busk (it was a performing art supply) has nothing shorter then a 12 inch busk, and this measures about 10 inches.

So since I'd like the front to be longer and since the busk I have is longer, I think I would like to try to lengthen the corset...but I don't know how.

I was playing with adding fabric to the bottom of the corset, but I've been finding that looks stupid and it's hard to do since I have lined fabric. So I guess I'm going to have to get extra canvas and lining (I have plenty of outer fabric) to re-cut the pattern longer.

Do you just chop the pattern in the middle and add a few inches??? Or should I try to add it to the end of the pattern? HELP!  [/url]

[ladybootlegger]

When I lengthened my bodice (simplicity pattern 9966 http://www.simplicity.com/p-2627-costumes.aspx view A) I just added a couple of inches to the end of the pattern sections. You can see pictures of that (and some of my other finished projects) at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=52783&id=1071097428&l=d252df10cc.

Although when I lengthened my bodice, I had already finished it, and did not have enough fabric to re-cut and try again. So I had to sew the "extensions" to the bottom of the finished piece.

Hope that helps.

[Lady Caroline]

On some pattern pieces, you will see a horizontal line running across the panel, down near the bottom...... it will say something like "lengthen/shorten here" (forgive me, I'm not near a pattern at the moment).  You trace the pattern to this point, stop and slide the pattern down however many more inches you want to add, then continue tracing around the pattern.

  I hope that makes sense.... if not, I know one of the talented ladies/gents could explain better

[Deckard And Zhora]

I know what you are talking about (I'm really short so I've had to shorten things that way) but unfortunately, this pattern does not come with one of those handy-dandy lines. So I'm a little squeamish about "drawing" my own and possibly messing it all up. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

One suggestion I just thought of is take two different measurements.

One is called a Bust Height. The Bust Height is the measurement from the middle of the shoulder to just above the center of the breast, in a t-shirt with no bra. Mark that measurement.

Then there is the Bust Length. From the same point, measure to the Natural Waistline. Don't be afriad to squish the girls, for a corset will do that. Subtract the Bust Height from the Bust length measurement, then add 1/2". That should give you a good idea as to how the corset should fit. Your side seams should measure the same, as the back piece will work itself out.

As with 18th Century cforsets, Elizabethan corsets should hit just above the center of the breasts to give that flattened look.

[Kate XXXXXX]

I used the Elizabethan Corset Pattern generator and  a conversion published by Mara Riley to make my 18th C stays corset.  The toie was too short, so I slashed the pattern across and added a couple of inches (and more to the tabs!) to get it the right length.  Just slash across, add the inches, true up the seam lines, and make a second toile to check the fit.