How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset

How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen

Bone and Edge the Busk Panel

Once the cover and lining are secure, stitch any extra boning channels adjacent to the busk.

How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
This corset has one bone on each side.

Insert the boning and stitch tight next to the top and bottom to hold the boning in place.

Trim the cover and lining so they are flush with the coutil.

How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset , by Sidney Eileen

To edge the panel is a little trickier than edging an entire corset.  I used my machine for this corset, but if you prefer it can also be done by hand.  Depending upon your skill levels, either may be easier or less frustration-inducing.

How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Cut a strip of ribbon a bit longer than the area to be edged.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Stitch it to the front, 1/4″ from the edge.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Fold over the loose end to the inside before folding it over the end of the panel.  Be careful to hold it tight, so you don’t get slop at the transition from edging to ribbon panel.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Holding it tight, tack that end in place either with your machine or by hand.  That keeps it secure while fiddling with the other loose end.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
The outside loose end must be folded around the front side of the panel and tucked up underneath.  It will take quite a bit of fiddling, especially the first few times you do this.  Try to keep it under tension, so you don’t end up with sloppy bunching off the front edge of the corset.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Fold it under and pull the length of ribbon down tight.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
Once you are holding the edging tightly in place, slide the panel end into your sewing machine and top-stitch to secure the folded-over ribbon.   If you have trouble catching the ribbon tightly on the back side, stitch it by hand.
How to Make a Basic Ribbon Corset, by Sidney Eileen
The front portion of your corset should look something like this after edging.

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