I've noticed that I've been answering about two posts a day from someone asking how they go about making their own corset. Well, I'm sick of typing the same things over and over for the people that won't read beyond the first page of the forum. So, here's a simple run down of everything you need to do in order to make your own corset. A real Tight-Lacing corset! Having a custom pattern fit to your body is VERY important. You could go to your local fabric store and pick up a pattern there, but it's not going to hug your body and support in the right places. Making or buying what's called a 'peg' corset is never a good idea. It can lead to back problems and will probably never close the right way. (Lacing should be parallel at all times, never meeting at one place and not another.)

A warning to all you good people out there:
1.)If you're not a very good seamstress, don't attempt this lesson in frustration. Making your own corset is not an easy adventure to say the least. And if you can't even use a machine to sew your own skirt, then making a tight-lacing corset is not for you. Work yourself up to at least being able to make a corset-like top first.
2.)If you are a good to great seamstress, prepare for a little work. Making a tight-lacing corset isn't all that easy for even the most experienced seamstress. I will, however, say that if you're good enough the outcome is WELL worth it.

Now, the steps you need to get started:
1.) This site is a cool place to get a great custom corset pattern. Also, leave a little more seam allowance on the pattern, as the boning I suggest is a bit thicker than normal. 1" seam allowance is fine on all sides, save the lacing edges. Those need to be 1-1/4" as you will be stacking two bones in that channel. The top and bottom of the panels need a 1/2" allowance. 2.)Materials you will need:
-2 yards of cheap, heavy cotton. The first one you make should be out of a fabric that's "forgiving," just in case you mess up.
-1 package of industrial cable ties, available at any Lowe's or Home Depot. They're about three feet long, 1/2" wide, and 1/8" thick. Flexible, light, and machine washable! And MUCH cheaper than steel boning.
-2 spools of matching thread. Try to get the highest quality you can. The difference is no more than $2 and is well worth it. The quality of your product is only as good as what's holding it together.
-Matching 1/2" Double Fold Bias tape. The amount you need varies on the size of the corset. This will be used for the trimming.
-Around 50 (including extras) industrial #00 grommets. You'll need a setter and punch as well. DO NOT USE EYELETS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE! They will rip and tear your lacing as well as pop out of the fabric.
-Enough flat nylon ribbon to lace you up. I use around 2 yards on each lacing side because I like it to hang down. Do not use any other type of thread on this corset unless you put in modesty panels. The rounded thread will chafe and hurt terribly when you're putting it on.

Assembling the corset:
1.)After you've made your custom pattern lay it out on your fabric, making sure any patterns (stripes, plaid, polka dots, etc.) match up. Cut it out carefully. Label EVERYTHING! Those pieces can easily get mixed up and switched around.
2.)Start sewing the panels together. Remember to leave a 1" seam allowance. Once all the panels are sewn together, fold one lacing edge down and sew it to the body right side out. Leave 1/2" extra, giving you a 3/4" channel. Do the same to the other lacing edges.
3.)Now, iron out the seam allowances and sew them to the body as well, leaving room for a 5/8" channel. I usually sew part of one and test to see if the boning will slide in easily first.
4.)Before you insert any boning permanently, place the industrial grommets about 1/4" away from the lacing edge channels. Use the extra seam allowance from the channels to reinforce the grommets. I set 10 on each side. Make sure you line them up carefully. Improperly placed grommets cause strain on the garment as well as you. Leave 1" on the top and bottom to accommodate the bias tape.
5.)Sew the bias tape around the bottom of the corset. There are several different ways to sew bias tape on so I'm going to omit that. Just Google if you don't know one.
6.)Measure each channel carefully, leaving 3/4" at the top for the bias tape. After you've got the measurements, cut your cable ties to that size. This takes a lot of strength so be prepared. LABEL THEM! I can usually get two bones per cable tie. After they're all cut to size, TAKE THEM OUTSIDE! You'll have to burn the ends with a lighter or torch to smooth them out and guarantee they won't bust through. I get the end hot and then smooth it out on a piece of cardboard to get a rounded look. Your total number of bones should be 14, one for each channel and two for the lacing edges.
7.)Insert the complete bones. If you've sewn your channels right they should slide in fairly easily and still fit snugly. Don't forget to slide two stacked on top of each other into the lacing edge channels!
8.)Now sew the bias tape around the top edge using the same technique you used for the bottom. You may need to use a zipper foot to avoid getting caught on the bones.

I didn't include lacing because there are several different ways to lace a corset. With this particular pattern, however, I suggest a simple top tying lace. Once you've had someone help you lace up the back you can just use the front laces to get yourself in and out.

And there you have it! A complete corset fit for tight-lacing. Seems difficult at first, but it's really simple. And if I've jumbled anything up let me know and I'll fix it.

Lots of love!
Lilith

PS There are so many tips on how to care and maintain your corset that I don't have room to really list them here. Before you start a tight-lacing regiment you should always look up how to care for your corset. And don't forget to consult a doctor before beginning! Tight-lacing can be dangerous to some people with bone and intestinal conditions such as IBS and leukemia.