- Front view of a finished duct tape corset - Rhonda Rowley
Duct tape is widely regarded as a handyman's best friend, offering a sticky solution to an endless array of problems. Duct tape can even be used to make no-sew DIY clothing. One example of a garment well-suited to duct tape adaptations is the corset.
Making or Finding a Corset Sewing Pattern
To make a duct tape corset, you will need a paper sewing pattern to use as a basis. There are many different types of corsets, from vintage Victorian sewing patterns to more modern styles. Some are even available as free downloads on the internet. Try a free tank-top style corset sewing pattern, enter your measurements for a free custom Elizabethan corset sewing pattern, or search the internet for other free corset patterns.
You may also opt to make your own corset pattern. The pattern for the example shown here was created by tracing individual panels of an existing corset onto a brown paper bag. If you make your own pattern, be sure to mark each part at the top, bottom, and sides so you will know how to attach the finished pieces.
Duct Tape Fabric
Duct tape is a versatile tool in any crafter's arsenal. One of the most useful applications for duct tape in crafting is duct tape fabric. Strips of duct tape are worked into a solid sheet that has a durable, tarp-like texture. Before you make a duct tape corset, you need to learn how to make duct tape fabric.
Since colored duct tape is considerably more expensive than its traditional silver counterpart, it is best to work the base fabric in silver. Adding colored duct tape over the top to finish the look, rather than using it throughout, will go a long way toward pinching your crafty pennies.
How to Make a Duct Tape Corset
Supplies:
- Corset sewing pattern
- Silver duct tape
- Colored duct tape
- Permanent
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Eyelets or grommets (optional)
- Ribbon
Directions:
- Cut out the pieces of the sewing pattern. Ignore and remove any seam allowances on the pattern, cutting each piece to its finished size.
- Using silver duct tape, make a sheet of duct tape fabric to correspond with each individual piece of the pattern. Make each duct tape fabric sheet slightly larger than the pattern piece to allow for tracing and cutting.
- Trace each pattern piece onto the duct tape fabric using a permanent marker. Cut the pieces out following these lines. Don't worry about any marker ink left showing along the edges, as these will be covered up on the finished corset.
- Tape the pieces together. Line up the pieces face-to-face along the seams. Work around contoured edges by using small tabs of tape. Once each seam is taped, turn the pieces around and tape along the other side of each seam.
- Use strips of colored duct tape to cover the exterior of the corset. Work carefully to avoid wrinkles, especially around the seams. Make each strip long enough to extend beyond the edges of the corset and use scissors to trim the excess.
- Measure and mark where the holes for lacing will go. Use a hole punch to make the holes at the marks. For a more finished look and to add durability, used eyelets or grommets to reinforce the holes if desired.
- Cut a long length of ribbon and lace it through the holes as you would a shoelace into a pair of shoes.
Keep in mind that corsets fit snugly. You may find it easiest to put the corset on without the ribbon and ask a friend to lace you into it rather than trying to put the corset on after the ribbon is inserted.
Rhonda Rowley - Rhonda Greene is a freelance writer living in Northern Michigan. She loves crafts, cats, and being outdoors.
