The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners

by Linda Sparks

Think of a corset as a blank canvas.

Linda Sparks' The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners is a comprehensive guide to building your first corset, including:

Section One: Tools and Materials for Corset Building
Discusses the tools you'll need, plus types of steel, plastic, and textiles.

Section Two: Building a Corset
Everything you need to know about working with bones and busks, setting grommets and eyelets, and creating a beautifully finished corset.

Section Three: Construction Techniques
Covers all the steps, including making a modesty panel, making a mock-up, and building single layer, double layer, and fashion fabric corsets.

Section Four: Alterations and Fit
Discusses commercial corset patterns, as well as how to fit and style a corset for exactly the look you want.

Genres: Sewing, Nonfiction, Fashion, Crafts, Reference, History

84 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Riona · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I bought this book, I assumed it was for the beginning corset builder who already had strong sewing and pattern skills. I was wrong. This book is for absolute beginners, and assumes you can basically sew a straight line and that's it. It does do a good job of explaining the different components necessary in a corset (busks, grommets, different kinds of boning), and the instructions and diagrams are very clear, but I was looking for something more advanced. I will update when I have found better corset book options!

[Kender · Rating 5 out of 5]

Only 76 pages but very useful. Includes descriptions and photos of the tools and supplies you'll need to make a corset, step-by-step instructions with a lot of images for multiple methods, including special fitting issues like scoliosis. Ends with a glossary. The author recommends two patterns - the Silverado/Dore one from Laughing Moon and Simplicity's 9769, both of which are based on historical research and Victorian patterns and contain good instructions. The author only recommends her own company as a supplier, Farthingales, but it is one of the best shops for corset, hoopskirt, crinolune, and millinery supplies. The book does not include a pattern or instructions to draft one.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I've only read it, not yet tried to use it, but it seems like a good guide for people who already have a solid sewing foundation.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a wonderful book for beginners. I was wanting a more advance look at corset making.

[Stefanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book a quick and concise read. It is helpful and I look forward to using it as a reference when I make my first Victorian corset.

[Shanidar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Basics of Corset Building Good book for absolutely beginners on corset building... and also newbies on sewing.It offers interesting information on materials and sewing tools, their properties and uses, and useful tips on how to sew a corset that can be applied to other sewing projects. All its instructions are illustrated with several graphics and pictures.If you already know how to build a corset (and even how to sew) you may find it too basic.It does not explain how to draft your own corset but the author gives proper instructions on how to alter and fit some commercial corset patterns.It may not be what I was expecting, but it deserves 4 stars as it offers what it sells. No complains.

[Aya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Corsets 101 - It doesn't get simpler than this.

A basic book for sewing corset for absolute beginners. Written by the owner of the online corsetry store, Farthingales, this book simplifies corset making for sewing novices. Includes very clear step-by-step instructions and diagrams. Also provides a list of materials/tools and goes into detail about their use/purpose. Includes instructions on adapting an existing corset pattern for a custom fit. Does not include corset patterns or instructions for creating your own.

[SterlingSpider · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is in fact the very basics of corset building, so if you have any experience with sewing corsetry whatsoever skip it and go for something a bit more advanced.
That being said I'm sure for someone who had not done any sort of corsetry before this would be a good resource. It seems fairly clear and complete (though a tad repetitive at times).

[Claire Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant step by step guide to corset building for those interested in making their first corset - a good book to have in stock, and for reference. if you are an advanced corset builder or looking for more advances techniques such as flossing and appliqué, this is not the book for you, as the title suggests, it is basics. excellent resources :)

[Rebekah Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great corset book for beginners who want to learn how to make a corset. Also a good guide for those with the right skills who want to learn how to polish and finish their previous attempts. The book is limited in that it shows "modern" style corsets (Victorian style and older). Not a good choice if you're looking for Tudor or Elizabethan dress.

[Melankalia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I want to say this book would be good for beginners, but I just can't. It is weird, in that it is both much too simplified and lacking in a lot of vital information. All in all, a very disappointing read.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this great book for the Holidays. And 2 weeks ago I used it to build my own corset. Wonderful clearcut directions tons of detailed photos and it tells you exactly what patterns where used to create the book. HAs ideas also for modifying the patterns for modern fashion corsets

[Sinmara]

Good for absolute beginners, but sadly no instructions on how to do gussets or more fancy work

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, but I wish it included pattern drafting.

[Eqotu Nobobeme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to basic corset building. Allows the user to develop the skills to construct a properly make corset.

[Truddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book if you have no idea where to start, good reference too when you have made a few already.

[Kerry Gibbons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would not recommend this book for anyone who has any significant corsetry experience It's really a BEGINNER'S handbook. Do not take that part of the title lightly, as I did.