1 roll of duct tape (3 meters), aka cloth tape. I am a size 12, and I still had tape left after making two corsets. You can find this at most hardware stores, and I have seen many colors: white, black, yellow, red, green, blue, and brown--even forest green and burgundy. Call ahead to find out if the store has the color you're looking for; it will save time.
1 33-gallon or lawn trash bag. Get the longest size possible that will fit over your torso and over your hips. You don't want one that stops at your waist, unless you are making a crop-top.
1 roll of Saran Wrap/Cling Wrap. You can skip this if your bra cup size is A or smaller.
1 pair sharp scissors. Don't use your best scissors; they will get duct tape goo on them.
1 friend who doesn't mind seeing you sweaty and topless in a very unsexy way.
Grommets. Either the kind you use for camping gear or for thinner fabric at the craft store. The camping-gear type require a hammer, while you can buy a wrench-like tool to use on the thinner craft store grommets for about $20.00. I use 5/8" grommets from JoAnne's Fabrics with a tool I bought there. Plan to use two grommets per inch of the seam you will be lacing.
1 spool Ribbon. I use at least 1/2", finished on both sides, so it looks good laced up.
1 dry-erase marker. Not necessary, but it shows up well and wipes off of duct tape if you want to make more accurate cutouts.
1. Have your friend read the instructions. He/she will be doing most of the actual wrapping of the corset.
2. Make a sketch of what you want the finished corset to look like. You want to make sure the tape is wrapped as high as you want it. If it is too high, you can always cut it, but if it isn't high enough, you've got a hassle.
Shaping the Bust
Go to a private area, preferably with a large mirror and your Saran-Wrap. Get naked! (On top, at least!)* Wrap one strip around the bottom of your breasts, tying it behind your neck like a halter top. This is to push your breasts more towards the center of your chest. The first strip will be more ropelike than flat. Next, take a flat sheet and wrap it horizontally around your bosom, pushing your breasts up and center until you have the cleavage you want. This is tricky, because you have to hold the breast in place while wrapping it with Saran-Wrap. Sometimes it is easier to wrap two sheets around, one securing each breast. Don't worry if it bunches.
* I don't recommend keeping your bra on, because it may get cut later.
Although you feel covered, Saran-Wrap is clear!
Seriously, though, you can see how Cataia has gathered her C-cup bosom to create the cleavage she wants from her corset.
