The Basics of Corset Building: A Handbook for Beginners

This is great. Its really informative, as someone who is starting out with building their own corsets this is a valuable resource. It explains all the different types of boning, the tools needed or used, and explains in detail why you so do X thing and the usual outcome of doing it. I wish the illustrations were a bit better but they serve the purpose intended. The book is rather large and not something you can carry with you at all times, however. There is a lot more to building a corset than what meets the eye and I am glad I know that now. I would recommed for those who want to tackle Period Corsets also invest in buying "Corsets: Historical Patterns & Techniques by Jill Salen" as a good companion book. While that book doesn't explain how to make X corset it does show you the authentic patterns of mostly late 1800's corsets that can be scaled up and used along with this "handbook."

I can't imagine why the previous reviewer only gave this book 3 stars. This is an excellent resource for anyone unfamiliar with creating a professional looking corset. no, it isn't perfect, but there are very few books available that detail corset building and of this is by far the best I've found. As the title explains, this is the Basics of corset building and that is exactly what it covers. THis isn't your Halloween costume type of corset, but one that can apply to wedding dresses, gowns, historical re-enactment garments, etc. It gives detailed steps for creating a quality corset making it accessible to the home sewer and professional alike. This is a valuable resource and should be credited as such. Some materials, such as spiral boning, may require you to mail order, but do you really want a corset that looks like it came from the craft department of JoAnns? As the owner of nearly every costuming, textile, and sewing book on Amazon, costumer of numerous community theatrical productions, instructor, and author I applaud this book.

I've read about halfway through the book, and it is very informative and easy to read with good, clear illustrations. There are some editorial problems such as typos, but only minimally. BUT, what I didn't realize is that this book contains no patterns. You need to have a pattern to use the book. As far as I can see, the only thing in the book's description about patterns is in section three in "Altering and fitting." It's a really informative resource, and maybe I should have realized that I'd also need a pattern, but I wish that had been made clearer in the book's description. The author recommends using either Victorian Corsets, Chemise and Drawers Pattern (Sewing Pattern) or Simplicity Sewing Pattern 9769 Misses Costumes, RR (14-16-18-20) . I purchased the latter and may edit this review once I have it and can start working on it.

The basics of corset building is a must have book for anyone considering taking on the challenge of constructing a corset. I knew that making a true corset would be much more challenging than sewing a fashion corset, but I had no idea until I read this book. It takes much more than knowing how to sew. You will need to go to the big box home improvement store to get most of your tools for building these lovelies. It is a detailed step by step instruction book from cutting to fitting with shop class in between. She includes detailed instructions on what to and not to use- including hints for patterns she recommends for the beginner. After reading through this I think I could fit just about anyone with a little fiddling. I highly recommend . Don't even think about making a corset without this book!

I've tried to make corsets in the past with mediocre results. This book told me what I didn't know and couldn't guess. Because the author, Linda Sparks, is the founder of Farthingales, a comprehensive list of suppliers is not provided. However, the information about what supplies and hardware are needed is complete and comprehensive, including what products are best for different applications. All of the instructions are clearly and simply written and illustrated. This book was an excellent investment for me as I believe it will be for costumers, re-enactors, or anyone who wants to try a unique sewing project.

I am so happy to say that i received this book fast and also that all the information on it is super detailed and that if you are in need of learning corset techniques like me, then this is the book for you to get you started and really I don't think another book is required. I have made corsets with patterns and this is just a much better way to understand it if in need to really get to the truth of making the real thing. It explains about tools to basic techniques in simple words and shows illustration step by step. Well hope this helps and good luck in your purchase, I know I am.

I feel that if you are interested in building your own corsets, or if you would like to make them for someone else, this is the best beginner's guide you can find. The only problem I have with this book is the fact that it is a hardback. I think that if this book was sprial bound it would be much more pleasant. This is a very petty complaint in terms of conversation. I think that the value of this book greatly out weighs the need to not buy this book solely based on its physical design flaws. Linda Sparks has a way of discribing things that does not bog down the ideas and methods that are being presented. I think that she is a very good teacher and a lot can be learned from this book.

Good for starters, but has some misleading things.. I bought a lot of equipment I didn't need.. as I found out later following historic methods. What is best is the recommendation to use "German plastic boning" - definitely right and saved me a lot of money.. but it would be nice if it had a section on reed boning methods. A lot of this I didn't need like how to fit, and a lot of it I needed more - like how to sew the boning, which presser feet, and more about the fabrics that I learned by trial and error (a lot of error) I especially felt lost about how to make the casings.. where is the boning inserted - my first attempt had the bones sticking out of too thin lining fabric. Overall well written and a good starter guide. I recommend buying this along with an historic stays pattern and experiment a while. Also note couteil fabric should be used for final product to avoid previously mentioned "poking".

El libro aborda desde la base cómo hacer un corset, los distintos materiales a emplear, tíos de materiales, etc... Es, obviamente, para principiantes, pero deja una buena base. Lo recomiendo

Ich habe mit ein PAket für das Nähen eines Korsetts und dazu dieses Buch bestellt. Mit der Anleitung hat es super funktioniert und sieht sehr gut aus. Wirklich ein klasse Buch!!!

Look, if you have no idea where to begin with corset building - This book will give you the grounding. It goes through boning types and methods, fabric types, lacing types and methods etc. All the very, very basic stuff, but it does it very well. I wish it went into a little bit more regarding corset shapes and their effects and how grainlines & specifically shaped pieces work with the body and create different shapes, but I don't think the author ever intended to go that deep. For first time corsetiers, it's definitely useful, and a very handy tool.

The book's lay-out is orderly and easy to follow, and opens with a discussion of the tools and fabrics required for corset-making. Measuring, pattern usage, layout and cutting techniques are followed by the sewing methods involved. Boning (and the correct choice of bone) is dealt with in good detail. The author explains what to do and (more importantly) why to do it. The print size is large enough to have the open book on your worktable and be able to read it easily. The drawings and photographs are clear and well-notated. There are not any patterns included but this is a technique-orientated book, not a project book. The author does recommend two specific sewing patterns for corsets and the illustrations and how-to photographs use those particular patterns. There is a list of suppliers, mostly based in US, but it is not too hard to find UK suppliers if you prefer not to buy from abroad. I found the instructions logical, easy to understand and practical; the tips and hints are useful and the writing manner is straightforward. The actual instructions begin with how to measure for your corset and end with how to lace and to wear it. This is not a historical study of the corset through the ages, nor a social comment: it is purely a book on how to make a well-fitting corset. You will need a sound knowledge of basic sewing and, of course, the more experienced a seamstress you are, the easier you will find the work. I have found it the most useful book on how to make a corset and I have several of them (books, not corsets - at least, not yet!)

Je ne pourrais pas beaucoup développé mais à la première lecture le livre est très pointilleux. Il ne s'adresse pas au premier venu. Il faut avoir un minimum de connaissance afin de faire les vrai corset qui y sont présenté. Et de la patience :)