Corset Belt

Goth inspired corset belt

Posted by Tracy J.

About

I am into drawing with interest in fashion / design and drew out a Goth styled outfit which included a corset belt. I decided I would love to put together the finished product from design so constructed this belt. It took me some time to construct and required many skills, so I would suggest that if anyone were to contemplate making, they plan carefully. I post this as an example of method for interest. If anyone requires additional information on the techniques I have used please feel free to contact me as, for instance, I find working with webbing not easy and from other posts elsewhere I have seen, so do others. As I don’t have a sewing machine all stitching was by hand. The cost of the project is fairly low except on time although many different types of item are required. Some materials could probably be replaced (eg the vinyl which I already had for leather) dependant on your stock and taste. The belt is of solid construction but has a strong elastic insert either side to provide some give. Note - time of 12 hours given is a very rough estimate as I made in multiple sessions over several weeks.

Share

You Will Need (12 things)

  • Cord
  • Elastic Thread
  • Needle And Thread
  • (stretch lace for main belt) Lace
  • Grommets
  • Strong Elastic
  • Leather Needle
  • 2 Strong Thread
  • Vinyl
  • 1 inch Webbing
  • Satin Fabric
  • Bias Binding

Steps (8 steps, 720 minutes)

  1. 1

    Take measurements – I do not give any precise measurements as will depend on your particular size (also as a prototype I modified slightly as I went on). I think the general proportions can be determined from the photographs. Roughly they are (of full un-stretched belt length) 12% each for elastic bits, 26% for the rear part and 25% each for the front triangular parts (including short straight part) when assembled.

  2. 2

    Cut the webbing and elastic to size and form the triangular parts as shown not forgetting allowances. Note – as may be noticed in the sequence of photographs the elastic bits are longer than required (modified during prototype construction). There is also another two pieces not shown (and no photographs exist) which are positioned across to inside the folds of the triangle base (vertical ends of belt, approximating to the blue stitching with angled ends). These along with the folded parts sandwich the centre (belt line) axis.

  3. 3

    Sew together. Note that the elastic bits sandwich the webbing and are sewn together (to stabilise) with elastic thread after incorporation into the belt. Insert grommets as per the photograph.

  4. 4

    Cut out Vinyl part as required, one part for each side of each end of the belt (4 pieces). Sew into position.

  5. 5

    Cut out satin fabric. Note – this need to be cut on the bias as it will need to stretch with the elastic. Attach the lace trim to the right side (lace also needs to be elastic). All stitching needs to be able to stretch with the elastic so should be zigzag / other stitch which can stretch, except that at right angles to line of belt (eg the end fold-over).

  6. 6

    Fit satin part onto belt. Note: to allow for stretch the satin need to be sewn loosely (this might have been better done inside out before the belt was assembled for a neater finish, but the seam does not show as it is positioned at the base). The satin part is secured at either end and positioned with a single stitch to the webbing at the centre back, so when stretching it does so independently on either side. This single stitch along with the more secure end stitching reduces any tendency for the satin fabric to twist.
    Apply the lace trim to the triangular parts.

  7. 7

    Apply bias binding to the sides of the triangular part to disguise rough edge. I have also secured a small piece of Vinyl at each end to cover (looks slightly odd so I may have done this better but at least there is less likelihood of frayed ends). Fit cord.

  8. 8

    Finished