Corset straps seem unreasonably thin. Thoughts?

[gem]

I'm making Simplicity 2621, and while tracing out the pieces onto craft paper (I do this with all commercial patterns, even if they cost $1.00. LOL), I noticed that the strap seems *crazy* thin.  It's only about 3/4 of an inch wide, all along, and it's going to be bound with bias tape (which is made from 1.5" strips of bias; not sure what the finished width of that is?).  I'm making a mockup and I'll test this, but all the same, I thought I'd get everyone's take on it.

Here's what it looks like:


Clearly the straps in the photo *are* indeed very narrow; but the pattern calls for 1/2" seam allowances ETA: 1/4" seam allowances for the binding, and the whole strap is only 3/4" thick!  How is this going to work?

Thoughts?

Gramercy!

[operafantomet]

I agree that they are too thin, both in the photo and on the pattern. This won't be very comfy to wear, cause the strap is likely to dig into your shoulders. Historical (pre-1800) corsets would often be broader over the shoulders, and get narrower down in front, where they're tied to the front corset. The Effigy corset is one example. The Dorothea corset seems to be broader all the way (and it's also not tied in front, but has solid straps), also very different from the narrow straps overneath. Pics of both here:
http://suesam.wordpress.com/costume/stays/

I would definitely make them broader, both for seam allowance and for comfort. They might have attached the ribbon a bit over the edge in the corset illustration, but I still don't get how those tiny spaghetti things drafted in the pattern will become functionable straps...

[Kate XXXXXX]

Remember that the 1/4" seam allowance is for BINDING the edges: you're not losing that width...  That said, I'd still cut them half an inch wider.

[NicoleBridget]

Wow, they DO look very thin (and uncomfortable).  I'd fudge them wider if I could...

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I concur with Nicole Bridget. The corset straps could be a tad wider.


On my Mantua Pair of Bodys corset, the straps are 1.5" wide. I use the single fold wide bias tape for binding or one that I make from the actual fabric that I sew 1/2" seam, then roll under and hand or machine sew down.

[gem]

Thanks, everyone!  I did end up re-cutting them, to 1.5" as Lady K suggested.  They still have the narrow look, but I think they'll be much easier to work with.

Getting closer...  Next step: cutting out the linen damask (with, hopefully, the pattern matched at the seams!)

[Genievea Brookstone]

Hi ya,

I made this corset (still needs finishing touches) and I think it came out all right.  The straps are thin, and I did have some fitting issues with it, so I ended up adding more to the back of it (2 " on each side).



Here is a pic of the side seams, and some how I managed to get them matched up pretty close( honestly didn't even think about it), although my pattern isn't as dominate in color as Gem's. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

This pattern can be tweaked a bit to lace down the front for easier getting in and out of for those with a thicker waistline.

I am going to do some adapting myself to this pattern for a new corset for a client. Then make it again as a reversible bodice.