How to Make a Floating Corset Lining

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney EileenThis tutorial describes how to create a floating lining for your corset.  A floating lining is when the lining is only attached around the edges, and not along every seam.  The advantages of a floating lining are reduction of bulk at the seams while sewing and it can be easily replaced at a later date if needed.

To create a floating lining cut your corset pattern out of lining material.  Usually this is something lightweight and natural fiber, like muslin, cotton broadcloth, or poplin.  If you have scrap cotton laying around, this is a perfect use, because it will never be seen when the corset is worn.

Stitch your lining pieces together, matching seams as you did for the body of the corset.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

Press the seams open and clip where appropriate.  The lining is not under stress, so there is no need to worry about strength.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

Edge stitch the corset along the raw top and bottom edges, being sure to match up the seams and keep the lining even with the edge of the corset body.  Fold under the front and back edges, but leave them open.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

Bind the Edges of Your Corset

I bound the edges before finishing the lining, but you can bind the edges after instead if you prefer.

After the outside edges are finished, the lining can be finished by hand.

Use an embroidery needle, thimble, and the same all-purpose thread you used to sew the corset.  Cut a length of thread a few inches greater than the seam you are stitching.

To hand stitch, put a thimble on your middle finger.  The eye end of the needle is held against the thimble, which is used to finely control the tip of the needle and to push it through the material.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

Start by running the thread about 1/2” through the edging of the corset.  Pull the thread through until the tail just barely disappears into the material, hiding from view.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

At the edge of the lining, make three small stitches in the same location.  This will secure the thread without using a knot.  I like to avoid using knots for corsets because they can create a small burr-like point that digs and wears into your corset and your body.

How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

Use a hidden running stitch or a whip stitch to secure the lining to the body of the corset. Either will work.

To create the hidden running stitch, make each stitch alternately through the body of the corset, and inside the fold of the lining. The finished appearance is very similar to a machine stitch.

Hidden Running Stitch, How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

To create the whip stitch, run single slightly slanted stitches through both the corset body and the lining material. It creates an angled ticked appearance on the surface.

Whip Stitch Diagram, How to Make a Floating Corset Lining, by Sidney Eileen

When the seam has been stitched along its entire length, again make three small stitches in the same place before running the needle through the edging of the corset. Trim the end of the thread right next to the corset, hiding the tail completely within the edge of the corset.

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