Mind The Gap

We’re almost done!

Binding

First, we need to bind the edges.

Half inch double fold bias binding should do.  Craft stores have this in a variety of colors.  However, if you’re crafty, or have a need for something specific, other materials can be used.  For instance, you can use satin blanket binding (it’s a bit wider usually), or you can make your own binding out of the same fabric the corset is made in.  If the edges are fairly straight, you may even be able to use nice ribbon to cover the edges.  I’m pretty lazy, so I tend to go for the pre-made binding tape.

So, bind the top and bottom edges of the corset.  The narrower edge of the binding tape is the top, this should be on the outside of the corset.  The underside is a little wider.  This way when you stitch through from the top, if you catch the top edge of the binding tape, you’re also sure to have caught the underside.  Tuck the ends of the bias tape under so they look neat from the outside.

Go very slowly for this part — it’s easy to get in a hurry and then have binding that doesn’t lay flat, with little bits that are puckered, or not caught in the stitching.  If using very nice binding or working on something special, you may want to consider stitching it by hand for the best look.

If you’re going to trim the edges, or add appliques, etc — now is a pretty good time for it.  All I added to mine here was a bit of ribbon to match the black lacing I’ll use later, and the trim on the skirt this corset goes with.

Now, it’s time to set your eyelets (unfortunately I failed to take pictures of this step, but fortunately, eyelet kits seem to always have diagrams, so that should help).

Measure and mark where each eyelet should go so that both sides are the same. (I tend to prefer to make them evenly spaced around an inch apart for simplicity and to reduce the chance I’ll mess it up, but there are some variations that are neat.)

To set eyelets:

• Work a hole with the awl/ice pick
• Put the eyelet through (with the smooth flared end on the outside of the garment)
• Apply fray check to the edges of the fabric around the eyelet (very close to the eyelet itself, or you can wait and do this step after you bind the edges, or you can skip it all together…I personally am paranoid and the fray check is my friend)
• Use the eyelet setting tool thingy to cramp the eyelet down
• Repeat

Once the eyelets are in there, it’s time to bind them.

This accomplishes a few things:

• Covers up eyelets that are ugly or the wrong color.
• Adds extra reinforcement (keeps the eyelets from working out later on).
• Makes the finished garment look prettier.
• Makes other people think you are weird.

Here’s a handy little tutorial for the stitching part — you’re basically doing what they describe there, around the metal eyelet you just put in: http://www.vertetsable.com/demos_eyeletholes.htm

There are also some other ways to handle the eyelets, this is just the habit I’ve gotten into with the last few I’ve made.  Go with what works for you.

A couple photos:

Lacing

Using the cord you bought earlier, lace your new creation up.  Here is a website I found that had a nice explanation and diagram: http://www.waspcreations.com/howtol.htm — A google search for ‘corset lacing diagram’ will turn up several references.

Extra Bonus

Finished corset being worn!

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