corset boning

[isabelladangelo]

Do you guys ever wonder why, even though you KNOW you shouldnt do something, you do it anyway? I was so tired last night, and I kept thinking I would stop in ten minutes, etc. Then I looked at the lace I had just done, and realized I needed to sew it down differently, bc you could really see the thread. So I proceeded to rip all the stitching from the line.

then I turned it over and realized I had ripped all the stitching from a completely different strip of lace. One that was perfectly fine.

I KNOW I shouldnt sew when Im tired. and yet I do it anyway. I confuse myself!

LOL!  Yeap!   Normally I don't notice until the next morning and realize I sewed the sleeve wrong and have to rip it apart, again!   

[Betty Munro]

Tore out the perfectly fine sewed lace?  I would have then CRIED myself to sleep!  Oh No!!! 

To go with totally different colors on a reversible corset is the whole point, isn't it?  I guess the only issue is that you will use the same color binding, so you want to have at least that to work out on both sides.  I can't figure out how to make a reversible corset.  I always turn under my binding and hand sew the ends down.  I don't know how to do the binding so it looks finished on both sides.  I'll be interested to see how you do yours so I can copy the technique!

[isabelladangelo]

Tore out the perfectly fine sewed lace?  I would have then CRIED myself to sleep!  Oh No!!! 

To go with totally different colors on a reversible corset is the whole point, isn't it?  I guess the only issue is that you will use the same color binding, so you want to have at least that to work out on both sides.  I can't figure out how to make a reversible corset.  I always turn under my binding and hand sew the ends down.  I don't know how to do the binding so it looks finished on both sides.  I'll be interested to see how you do yours so I can copy the technique!

Practically,  you can't make a corset/bodice reversible.  The boning is supposed to conform to your figure.  This is very evident if you make stays with reed, straw, or duct ties.  After one wear, the stays will flare out in certain places where you flare out. 

I've tried it with steel boning a long time ago but even the stiffer fabrics want to be one way and not the other -and you'll get pinched a bit if you wear it one way rather than the other.   

Now, I've seen several people try it but most people end up only wearing the stays/corset one way and not the other due to the pinching, the boning flaring out, or because of other issues. 

[Betty Munro]

Isabella, that makes for a "duh"! moment.  Looking at my favorite and best fitting bodice, it would be impossible to wear it the wrong way out.  The bones and fabric have conformed to fit my body perfectly.  I think this is an excellent example of "just because you see someone has done it, doesn't mean it needs to be done".  I'll just happily keep sewing down my binding ends and not worry about the inside looking perfect!  YAY!  Thanks for the advice.

[Lady Rebecca]

I haven't had any pinching happen with my reversible corset, but I don't often wear it pink side out, since I like the blue and white side better.

I didn't bind my tabs like you're supposed to - I just sewed the two layers wrong sides out (after doing the bias tape boning channels, but before I stuck the boning in), and clipped all the corners, and turned the tabs. I did clip one corner too closely, and wound up reinforcing with clear nail polish or superglue or something, but it's held up very well for the last year. I did bind the top though - mine is strapless, so it was really easy. I just did a very neat binding job with the bias tape, so it looks the same on both sides.

[jackrocks]

shoot, that is disappointing. I had plans!! wah wah wah.

I was thinking I could save $ by doing the reversible, and I had seen it done. I have lots of fabric, its just the cost of the boning supplies. Right now, we're both unemployed (but dh had a testing interview yesterday! first in two years!) and with four kids, money is just so tight.
Especially getting them set for back to school next week.
since Im already excited for the fabric, and I already have the bias tape and thread, I think maybe I will just go ahead and make two, and leave the tops undone. Maybe I'll luck out and make some money at my MIL's yard sale, or I could ask for them for Christmas:) lol

[jackrocks]

Is ribbon 1/8 inch wide too thin to use as lacing?

[isabelladangelo]

Ribbon isn't great for lacing in general.  It unravels and it isn't meant to hold up to the strain.  You have to replace it every other time you wear a bodice!   Instead, I (and I think many others here) use good old shoelaces.  Boot laces are awesome and you can get custom lengths at more outdoor stores like REI.   However, just getting the 45" ones at the grocery store works too.  Get the boot laces and not the kind you use on your keds (aka, not the flat ones).

[jackrocks]

sigh. alright.


but shoelaces arent very pretty, and I have so much lace and pretty beads on the bodice. ;(

Maybe I can cover the shoelaces with lace. lol

[Betty Munro]

I have used both ribbon and shoelaces.  The ribbon slides out as fast as it tightens up, so it can be difficult to get laced up.  It stretches a little over the day, so after lunch I have to retighten.  I'm a little afraid it will just snap, so I have to carry an extra ribbon with me.  Shoelaces are just easier to work with.  White laces can be dyed if needed.  I use shoelaces now.

[Orphena]

Yourlocal fabric store should have something appropriate- just look for a narrow cord - and despite the temptation, stay away from anything shiney. Shiney cord will not stay tied, slips easily, and ravels. 

[LadyShadow]

http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/19790/corsets-from-the-hardware-store

Even someone from Threads magazine tried the zip ties.

[Kathleen MacLeod]

I always use ribbon to lace my bodices, and I've never had a problem with it   I think it probably depends on how much you're depending on your bodice to do. I put a lot of strain on my corsets and then make my bodices to fit snugly but not super-tight. There isn't a lot of strain on the lacing this way, and ribbon has worked great. I've been using one length for a year on one of my bodices, and it's held up just fine.

[Marietta Graziella]

Working on a new bodice last night and noticed that the cable duct ties that I've been using for years seem not quite as sturdy now. Not sure what happened to the quality but it's the same stuff I've always bought. Anyone else notice this?

[Sitara]

I've noticed a difference in sturdiness between brands but if you are using the same brand as usual, mayhap they changed them to save money.