September 26, 2011

lacing strips for mock ups


I've had a few questions about what I use to lace up mock ups so I thought I'd share my lacing strips.


Pretty low tech, just folded over denim with a couple of seams to make boning channels, and some grommets. They are 13 inches long, just long enough for to use for fitting, but I often think I should make a longer set. These were made for fitting my very first corset six years ago. I pounded the grommets while sitting poolside in Carlsbad, California. Good times.

For fittings I place the folded edge along the the center back of the mock up and stitch the strip to the back panel. Since I don't use a busk on fitting toiles, I wrap the mock up around myself with the lacing strips to the front, then thread the lace through the grommets. When I reach the top I tie the laces together and twist the corset around my body until it sits properly with the laces in back, then I start cinching. It is not an elegant process. But I've found this works better than lacing the corset first and slipping it over my head. After experiencing a couple horribly claustrophobic moments with my arms pinned above my head once the corset reached my shoulders I started putting on toiles corsets the way a twelve year old puts on a bra. Has anyone figured out a better way to get into a buskless toile?