Taking the Plunge - Measurements

If you have NO corset making know how beforehand, making your own corset can look pretty daunting - all those pieces! where do I get my stuff from and how the hell do i put in the steel boning??  It seems like a big old battlefield of questions, and sometimes the 'net isn't that helpful, merely showing you all those beautiful corsets everyone else makes but no one wants to tell you HOW.  after-all, its their business to not tell you!  I found a very good site, called Corset Training which offers a beginners corsetry making course (downloadable PDF's) and a very reasonable price, she also includes a multitude of various corset patterns ranging from modern corset dresses to Victorian period corsets to give you that heaving bosom and support forums!   Sew Curvy will also give you quick pictorial guides on corset making and handy links to specific parts of corset making - as well as being a mine of corset making supplies.

Now, onto the good stuff!  before you start chopping away at the fabulous material you bought (in the hope it'll all go right!) you need to get your measurements sorted - be they your own or the person who you are making the corset for.  This handy image will show you where to take your measurements:

1. Measure the fullest part of the bust
2. Measure the underbust
3. Measure the waist (at its narrowest point)
4. Measure the top of the hip
5. Measure the widest part of the hip

In addition to this (and not shown on the model) for a truly custom fit, also measure the following:

1. Distance between the fullest part of the bust and the underbust
2. Distance between the underbust and the waist
3. Distance between the waist and top of the hip
4. Distance between the top and fullest part of the hip

It is important to note that at this point you are taking the ACTUAL measurements, (that is your real measurements before you deduct anything for waist reductions etc..)