Bodices and boning

[Malina]

I sewed my VERY FIRST BODICE!!!! Granted it was too small for the person I sewed it for so it ended up going to my youngest niece. BUT...it LOOKED like a bodice it FIT like a bodice so I know I can do it :)

The only thing I didn't do was add boning, she's only 7 and it's just for play. But when I'm ready to make mine, which boning is best - flat or spiral? I want it to be comfortable but VERY supportive.

I've looked at Grannd Garb and see they have several kinds. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

[Drea Beth]

I use flat, half inch. Never had a problem with support or comfort.

[Ysobelle]

The kind of steel you use depends on a couple of things, the most important of which is "Where are you putting it?" followed by "What do you want it to do?" I use almost exclusively spring steel-- not spiral-- because I do corsets that are based on a Tudor design: all straight lines, no curves like a Victorian corset.

In my case, I could technically use spirals in a few places, as most of the shaping comes from the way I cut the pieces, and the fabrics I use. The spirals will do what's important: they'll keep the corset from scrunching down.

So if you need to use something on a straight line, I'd go for spring. If you want a little more movement, and you only need to worry about your bodice not scrunching, you can go with spirals.

Does that help, or have I just made it worse?

[Malina]

The kind of steel you use depends on a couple of things, the most important of which is "Where are you putting it?" followed by "What do you want it to do?" I use almost exclusively spring steel-- not spiral-- because I do corsets that are based on a Tudor design: all straight lines, no curves like a Victorian corset.

In my case, I could technically use spirals in a few places, as most of the shaping comes from the way I cut the pieces, and the fabrics I use. The spirals will do what's important: they'll keep the corset from scrunching down.

So if you need to use something on a straight line, I'd go for spring. If you want a little more movement, and you only need to worry about your bodice not scrunching, you can go with spirals.

Does that help, or have I just made it worse?

No that's perfect! Thank you :) I don't want as much movement as it sounds like I'd get out of the spiral so I'll be going with the spring.

[Holly]

Nikki..
Not to thread jack, but, i love the new avatar/corset in the picture.
now back to your normal thread

[Ysobelle]

Why, thank you! I'm going to put the full photo on my site...er...sometime.



That one's called "Silver Emergency." Sigh.