This may seem like a dumb question, but when you use the plasticy, covered boning, do you want it to curve toward you or away from you?
I alternate pieces. That way one is towards and the next is away. It helps give it an even and uncurved look in the end, in my opinion.
Okay. What if you just wanted to use it to stiffen/hold up the edges of a dress that laces in the front like this one (http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc25/Taeriell/Costumes/Kahlan/reference%20pics/promo_kahlan.jpg)?
When I do it at the edges, I have it curve towards me. That way it dont look funky sticking out from me. Best of luck. Hope I have helped a bit.
A'right. Thanks :)
Did you know that you can actually press it *flat?* Use a warm iron and keep it in its fabric sheath. Lay the boning on your ironing board, and set your iron down on top of it, leaving a little bit sticking out one side so you can grab hold of it. With the iron gently pressed down, slowly pull the boning through, under the iron. Then don't disturb it until it's cool, or it will spring back to a curve.
I tend to find the curve too pronounced, and it can get *more* so, even after it's been in place. I think it's easier to work with when it's straight.
Oh, okay! I'll try that.
Wow, I didnt know that. I think I need to try that.
I frequently press plastic boning to shape when I need it to curve in a particular direction. :)