How to Make a Corset Dress

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Find a formal gown or dress to add a corset back to.

   The dress should have a zipper down the back and fit you well in the bust area.
   
   It would be even better if the dress already has boning in the bodice.
   
   This will give it some structure and make it more corset-like.Choose a dress whose back sits at your shoulder blades, or just below them.
   
   You can also sew a formal gown from scratch.
   
   Buy a pattern that allows for the gown to zip up the back, preferably something with boning.
   
   Make the gown according to the instructions, then click here to continue.
2. 2

   Step 2: Remove the zipper with a seam ripper.

   Use the seam ripper to open up the seams where the zipper is connected to the dress.
   
   Start at the top of the dress, and go down to the waist.
   
   If you want your corset to be longer, you can extend it 1 to 2 inches (2.54 to
   5.08 centimeters) below the waist instead.
   
   Gently pull the lining of the dress away from the outer fabric to help loosen up the zipper.
   
   If your dress does not have a lining, then use the seam ripper to cut the stitches holding the zipper to the dress.
   
   Do not take the entire zipper out.
   
   Having a few inches/centimeters of zipper in the skirt will help you put the dress on and take it off. , Tug down on the zipper pull to open the zipper all the way.
   
   Use a safety pin to secure the zipper pull to the fabric of the skirt.
   
   This will ensure that the zipper head doesn't slide off of the zipper tape in the next step. , Leave about 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of the zipper tape on each side of the dress., When you removed the zipper, you will have cut the lining of the dress away from the outer fabric.
   
   Tuck the excess 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of the zipper into the dress, right between the lining and the outer fabric.
   
   Make sure that it matches up with the edges of the fabric, then secure it with sewing pins.
   
   You will need to do this for both halves of the zipper. , You will be attaching these loops to the back of your dress, where the zipper used to be.
   
   Choose something that matches both the texture and color of your dress.
   
   If you can't find the right color, consider choosing a contrasting color, but in the same material.
   
   If your gown came with spaghetti straps, cut those off now, then click here to continue. , Fold it in half lengthwise, with the right sides facing in, and iron it flat. , Use a thread color that matches your material.
   
   When you are done, trim the raw edges away so that the seam allowance is ⅛-inch (0.32-centimeter) wide., Clip a small safety pin to one end of your lacing.
   
   Tuck it into the tube, then pull it through to the other end.
   
   Once you have the entire tube turned right-side-out, unclip the safety pin and set it aside. , Each segment needs to be about 1¼ inches (3.2 centimeters) long.
   
   You are cutting them a little longer than you need to so that you can sew them into the dress more securely., Open up the left side of your dress, where you took the zipper out.
   
   Form the segments into loops, and pin them into the lining part.
   
   The bottom strand of the first loop should be overlapping the top strand of the second loop, forming an X inside the lining.
   
   Keep going until you reach the bottom of the area you cut out.Don't leave the curved part of the loop sticking out of the dress.
   
   It should be resting flush against the edge of the dress.
   
   Repeat this step on the right side.
   
   Make sure that the loops line up perfectly.
   
   Cover the raw edges of the loops with a matching ribbon if your dress doesn't have a lining. , Close the opening where you inserted the loops back up, so that the dress looks like it used to.
   
   You should now see some loops sticking out of the side where the zipper used to be.
   
   Go over the edge on your sewing machine. #* Backstitch at the start and end of your sewing for extra strength.
   
   Sew down the top 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) of each zipper half as well. , You can thread matching or contrasting ribbon through the tops, starting at the top and finishing at the bottom.
   
   Choose ribbon that is the same width as each loop.
   
   You can also make your own ribbon, by folding lone strips of fabric in half lengthwise, sewing them, then turning them right-side-out., It's best of the fabric matches the fabric of your dress.
   
   If you can't find any, consider using a contrasting color instead.
   
   Your dress does not need to have a modesty panel.
   
   Whether you choose to include one is entirely up to you! , Turn your dress so that the back is visible, and flatten it.
   
   You will have a large gap between the left and right looped edges.
   
   Measure across the top and bottom of the gap, adding 2½ inches (6.35 centimeters) to each measurement.
   
   Next, measure from the top of the gap straight down to the bottom, then add 1¼ inches (3.2 centimeters) to the measurement.
   
   Draw an upside-down trapezoid based on those measurements. , Fold your material in half, with the right sides facing in.
   
   Pin your template to the material, with the top edge aligned with the fold.
   
   Cut the pattern out.
   
   You don't need to add seam allowances, because it already includes them., Fold the panel in half with the right sides facing in.
   
   Sew along the two side edges using a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance., Cut a sheet of heavy interfacing that's ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) smaller than your panel on all sides.
   
   Iron it to the lining side of the panel following the instructions on the package., If you need to, use a pencil or a knitting needle to help push out the corners and seams so that they are nice and sharp. , Fold the bottom raw edges in by ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters) first, then pin them in place.
   
   Press the modesty panel flat using a heat setting on your iron that is suitable for the material you are using.
   
   Sew the bottom shut using a ladder stitch, removing the pins as you sew. , You can also secure the panel with snaps instead so that you can remove it if you prefer a backless dress.
3. 3

   Step 3: Undo the zipper

4. 4

   Step 4: then secure it with a safety pin.

5. 5

   Step 5: Cut the excess zipper away.

6. 6

   Step 6: Tuck the top edges of the zipper into the dress.

7. 7

   Step 7: Get material for the lacing loops.

8. 8

   Step 8: Cut the material into a 1-inch (2.54-centimeter) wide strip.

9. 9

   Step 9: Sew the strip using a ¼-inch (0.64-centimeter) seam allowance.

10. 10

    Step 10: Turn the lacing right-side-out.

11. 11

    Step 11: Cut the tube into short segments.

12. 12

    Step 12: Pin the loops into the dress.

13. 13

    Step 13: Sew the opening back shut.

14. 14

    Step 14: Lace the dress.

15. 15

    Step 15: Buy fabric for the modesty panel.

16. 16

    Step 16: Make the pattern.

17. 17

    Step 17: Transfer your pattern to the material

18. 18

    Step 18: and cut it out.

19. 19

    Step 19: Sew the modesty panel.

20. 20

    Step 20: Add heavy interfacing to the lining side.

21. 21

    Step 21: Clip the corners

22. 22

    Step 22: then turn the panel right-side-out.

23. 23

    Step 23: Press the panel flat

24. 24

    Step 24: then sew up the bottom.

25. 25

    Step 25: Attach the panel to the left edge of your dress opening.

Detailed Guide

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