Go slowly. Be careful. Check each pattern piece. It can get confusing what is the top and what is the bottom of each piece. If you order the full kit, you won’t want to use the grommets provided. They are only one side and will not support lacing a corset; they will tear out. The finished corset is attractive and comfortable and creates the perfect Edwardian shape.
Rated 5 out of 5
Teresa Liao –
While I absolutely love the end result, this corset was the most challenging one I’ve made. The directions are fairly clear but, the real issues were with the fitting. I had never finished seams the way described in this pattern. For my mock-up, I assumed a half-inch seam allowance; it turns out that the allowance is closer to 3/4″. This made a big difference in my finished garment. I was also frustrated that the pattern does not allow for different bust sizes, other than enlarging the entire corset. Even after enlarging the bust gores a ‘tad’, I had some problems with spillage when I laced tight enough to be supportive. My final challenge with this corset was boning placement. The channels are not marked on the pattern, and the illustrations in the directions are less than helpful. I managed to place them well but, it would have helped to mark the placement on my mock-up while I was trying it on.
Rated 4 out of 5
Sheri Jurnecka –
I used this pattern to teach a corset making class. All of the sizes were accurate. I studied her instructions and compared them to other research material and vintage corsets I own. Her instructions are historically accurate. I made two changes based on my preferences: I slightly changed the placement and length of the bones. All of the students completed their corsets and all of them fit very well.
Rated 3 out of 5
Lesley Spittles –
You need some experience with corset construction to make this successfully. The pattern itself was well drafted and the sizing is accurate. I was pleased with the finished result. However, the instructions left a lot to be desired. I made the mistake of buying the steel bones as per the pattern packet and then found that I needed several longer bones. I would also recommend delaying purchasing the busk until you have the centre front measurement. The 12″ busk recommended was too short by at least one inch. If you are very small, you may only need an 11″ busk. The placement of the boning channels was not explained well and the illustration was not clear.
Gladys Campbell –
Go slowly. Be careful. Check each pattern piece. It can get confusing what is the top and what is the bottom of each piece. If you order the full kit, you won’t want to use the grommets provided. They are only one side and will not support lacing a corset; they will tear out. The finished corset is attractive and comfortable and creates the perfect Edwardian shape.
Teresa Liao –
While I absolutely love the end result, this corset was the most challenging one I’ve made. The directions are fairly clear but, the real issues were with the fitting. I had never finished seams the way described in this pattern. For my mock-up, I assumed a half-inch seam allowance; it turns out that the allowance is closer to 3/4″. This made a big difference in my finished garment. I was also frustrated that the pattern does not allow for different bust sizes, other than enlarging the entire corset. Even after enlarging the bust gores a ‘tad’, I had some problems with spillage when I laced tight enough to be supportive. My final challenge with this corset was boning placement. The channels are not marked on the pattern, and the illustrations in the directions are less than helpful. I managed to place them well but, it would have helped to mark the placement on my mock-up while I was trying it on.
Sheri Jurnecka –
I used this pattern to teach a corset making class. All of the sizes were accurate. I studied her instructions and compared them to other research material and vintage corsets I own. Her instructions are historically accurate. I made two changes based on my preferences: I slightly changed the placement and length of the bones. All of the students completed their corsets and all of them fit very well.
Lesley Spittles –
You need some experience with corset construction to make this successfully. The pattern itself was well drafted and the sizing is accurate. I was pleased with the finished result. However, the instructions left a lot to be desired. I made the mistake of buying the steel bones as per the pattern packet and then found that I needed several longer bones. I would also recommend delaying purchasing the busk until you have the centre front measurement. The 12″ busk recommended was too short by at least one inch. If you are very small, you may only need an 11″ busk. The placement of the boning channels was not explained well and the illustration was not clear.