brown patterned corset, topped with lace and handmade detail

[anastrophe]

1. Yep, you can't use stretch fabrics for corsets. Not ever, ever ever ever. It just doesn't work.

2. It doesn't look like you put any stays (or whatever you're using) near the grommets--that could be causing a lot of the wrinkling. Generally you want to sandwich your grommets between two rows of stays--like this:

 |:|

That will prevent the corset from buckling when you have it laced up.

[anastrophe]

I stopped following the intructions because they wanted me to sew everything together except one side, then put all the intricate boning sections in and it just seem overcomplicated.

Unfortunately, you pretty much have to assemble the entire thing before you can tell whether or not it fits, since it won't fit the same until you've got the boning in. You can try making a mock-up to find major fit issues, but the entire garment behaves differently when it's laced up and has boning. But since you've already done one practice corset, your next should come out much better!

Typically I use some kind of canvas for my corsets. If you live in the US the "interior decorating" fabrics are often good for that purpose. If you want to use something more delicate, you can, but you have to use at least one layer of heavy-duty non-stretch fabric to support it along with your "pretty" layer.

[discocraze]

2. It doesn't look like you put any stays (or whatever you're using) near the grommets--that could be causing a lot of the wrinkling. Generally you want to sandwich your grommets between two rows of stays--like this:

 |:|

That will prevent the corset from buckling when you have it laced up.

Thanks for the tip!

Typically I use some kind of canvas for my corsets. If you live in the US the "interior decorating" fabrics are often good for that purpose. If you want to use something more delicate, you can, but you have to use at least one layer of heavy-duty non-stretch fabric to support it along with your "pretty" layer.

Yes. I used to work at Jo'Anns and a lot of people who were serious about their corset/period costume making used the interior decorating fabrics.

I think next time I'll follow the pattern more... but alter it slightly. I just HATE patterns, I've dealt with so many that sucked :/

thanks for all your advice!!

[regret the marionette]

Thanks for all your advice, it will definetly help when I try this pattern again :]

As for the stretch - yeah, it sucks. I grabbed the material on a whim and didn't realise HOW stretchy the cotton till I actually began to sew it together.

Do you have any other corset patterns that might be better than that one? I stopped following the intructions because they wanted me to sew everything together except one side, then put all the intricate boning sections in and it just seem overcomplicated.

I've gotten into the habit of thoroughly testing the stretchiness of fabric before buying, as stretchy fabrics are a big no no for historical clothing. Haha. I also check the label to make sure there isn't any spandex in it either.

I'm not sure on the patterns. I drafted my own pattern for my Elizabethan stays because really even the most historically accurate stays from that time period are pretty easy to draft, whereas commercial renaissance patterns of any kind pretty much stink in my opinion. And the other corset I've made I used a tutorial from this site. However, I have heard that Simplicity 9769 is easier to make than the one you made (Simplicity 7215). I have both of these patterns but haven't had the time to try either of them myself. (And now my sewing machine isn't working!)

[discocraze]

Thanks for all your advice, it will definetly help when I try this pattern again :]

As for the stretch - yeah, it sucks. I grabbed the material on a whim and didn't realise HOW stretchy the cotton till I actually began to sew it together.

Do you have any other corset patterns that might be better than that one? I stopped following the intructions because they wanted me to sew everything together except one side, then put all the intricate boning sections in and it just seem overcomplicated.

I've gotten into the habit of thoroughly testing the stretchiness of fabric before buying, as stretchy fabrics are a big no no for historical clothing. Haha. I also check the label to make sure there isn't any spandex in it either.

I'm not sure on the patterns. I drafted my own pattern for my Elizabethan stays because really even the most historically accurate stays from that time period are pretty easy to draft, whereas commercial renaissance patterns of any kind pretty much stink in my opinion. And the other corset I've made I used a tutorial from this site. However, I have heard that Simplicity 9769 is easier to make than the one you made (Simplicity 7215). I have both of these patterns but haven't had the time to try either of them myself. (And now my sewing machine isn't working!)

Yeah, the thing is... the corset was a draft for the real corset that I plan to make for a halloween costume - Poison Ivy. So I originally wanted to buy or use some simple green cotton fabric that I have and PAINT it to match the rest of the costume... seeing as I don't want and feel comfortable enough wearing a leotard type thing. :/
Essentially, I'm just trying to find a simple, easy corset pattern that will flatten my tummy, hahaha.