Make your own corset top

In the past, the corset top was worn as a brassiere, to support women’s breasts. But over the years, these pieces have metamorphosed into the epitome of sexy undergarment or outerwear. Making a corset top is very easy with these instructions.

You will need the following to make your corset:

– Material in two colors (one solid, the other patterned)

– Pair of scissors

– Measuring tape

– satin ribbon (one length each thin and thick)

– Buttonhole punch and eyelets

– Any other accessory of your choice such as ribbon, lace, etc.

Panels must be measured and cut to size. Measure your bust size with a tape measure. Add an inch to allow for seams. This will be taken as your total chest size. Next, take the measurement from the armpit to the waist (or whatever length you prefer for the corset top) and again, add an inch to allow for seam room. This will be used for the length of your corset.

Depending on whether your bust width is smaller or larger, your front panel should measure nine to eleven inches outside of the solid panel of fabric. Cut a rectangular piece of solid color fabric that is the length of the corset in this front panel size (9″ – 11″) long. You can easily find out the side panel measurement if you know the front panel, just subtract the width of the front panel from your chest size. If you want to be able to open from the back of the corset, you need to subtract 4-6 inches from that. The amount of skin showing at the back of your corset top will be the inches you have left from your side panel. Convert the measurement to your other chosen fabric (the patterned fabric). After that, the next step is to cut a rectangle the length of your corset that is roughly the size of your side panel. After cutting it out, fold this piece in half and cut the crease to leave two identical side panels.

Connect the panels by sewing them evenly. The first step is to straight stitch the left side panel to the front panel and the second step is to sew the right front panel. Attach a panel to the front by first placing the panel face down on the front of the corset top and sewing it into place. Doing this will prevent the seam from being visible once you unfold the two pieces. To prevent rough edges from fraying on the top of your corset, add a zigzag seam over the straight stitch.

Now create the hem. With the side panel, you will need to add the sides to your hem. Along the top of your corset, fold a half-inch hem; fold the excess material to the inside of the top of the corset. To have a straight edge at the end, you’ll want to iron the edge flat. You’ll want to make sure you sew a straight stitch from the top to the bottom of your corset. Repeat this process on the bottom and sides of the corset. There should be no jagged edges at the top of the corset once you’re done.

Fasten a ribbon to the front of the corset. Tie the ribbon in half and place one half at the bottom of your front panel. Put a pin in its place. Creating a crisscross pattern as you go, angle the tape up to either edge of the front panel, similar to the path of a shoelace. Every time you fold the ribbon, put a pin on it. When you’re sure the ribbon is even, sew it into place. At the top of the corset, use the excess ribbon to make a bow.

Grommets must be added. Next, it’s time to add the grommets along the back of your corset. When creating your own corset top, you’ll first attach the eyelets to see how they will look. Proceed to drill the corresponding number of holes on both sides. Take care to ensure that the eyelet holes are spaced the same distance apart. Tying the back ribbon is the last step; you will do this after placing the grommets in the correct place. To create a crisscross pattern on the front or top of your corset, use the thickest ribbon.

Show your creativity on top of your corset by finishing it with additional ribbons or other embellishments of your choice.