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Corsets: Historical Patterns and Techniques
25 beautiful and historically accurate pattern of corsets 1750-1917 taken from private and museum collections.
Each stunning example is accompanied by a pattern, photographs and drawings, plus an historical overview giving invaluable insight into making up these period pieces.
This book also contains two step-by-step projects, a 1790 hand stitched corset and a 1900 machined corset.
The book includes practical advice on construction and period detail, from inserting gussets and split busk
insertion to eyelets and flossing.
Students of Costume and Fashion should find this a necessary addition to their bookshelf.
Each stunning example is accompanied by a pattern, photographs and drawings, plus an historical overview giving invaluable insight into making up these period pieces.
This book also contains two step-by-step projects, a 1790 hand stitched corset and a 1900 machined corset.
The book includes practical advice on construction and period detail, from inserting gussets and split busk
insertion to eyelets and flossing.
Students of Costume and Fashion should find this a necessary addition to their bookshelf.
128 pages, Paperback
First published August 8, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 22, 2011
This book was written by a theater costumer, so while the traced patterns are decent and an experienced designer can work with them, the scholarship backing up her assumptions on the history of the corsets is completely nonexistent. (Primary and secondary sources, what're those? *rolls eyes* You may know something from years of experience, but you have to back up your suppositions with actual, verifiable facts and sources for the information to be of any use at all, and Salen--unlike Norah Waugh--most definitely did not do any of that in this book.)
The photos are universally mediocre and not good enough to give you enough detail to be able to reproduce them on your own--most of the museums didn't seem have good pictures of the pieces and she wasn't allowed to photograph many specifically for the book.
The patterns Salen created are decent enough if you're an experienced designer. She's inconsistent about the information that's provided on them, however--there is no one pattern of crosshatching used throughout the book on the designs to indicate locations of boning, for instance. (Half the time you have to guess based on where flossing is located.)
Finally, I really, really wish people would stop repeating how to incorrectly lace corsets from the 1800s--you don't lace them like tennis shoes, for crying out loud!
The photos are universally mediocre and not good enough to give you enough detail to be able to reproduce them on your own--most of the museums didn't seem have good pictures of the pieces and she wasn't allowed to photograph many specifically for the book.
The patterns Salen created are decent enough if you're an experienced designer. She's inconsistent about the information that's provided on them, however--there is no one pattern of crosshatching used throughout the book on the designs to indicate locations of boning, for instance. (Half the time you have to guess based on where flossing is located.)
Finally, I really, really wish people would stop repeating how to incorrectly lace corsets from the 1800s--you don't lace them like tennis shoes, for crying out loud!
June 15, 2012
Salen presents a reasonably good variety of corsets covering most of the fashionable shapes and styles, and her patterns are clear. Some of the corsets she shows are unusual and exciting (german paper-twine corset from WWI) Construction details about the originals are lacking, however. Her descriptions of the corsets are spotty (e.g. she gives measurements for some, and not for others) and there is no description or photography of the linings/insides.
Overall, I would say this book is good for someone who wants to achieve a period shape and has prior knowledge of period techniques, but not good for someone looking to make exact replicas.
Overall, I would say this book is good for someone who wants to achieve a period shape and has prior knowledge of period techniques, but not good for someone looking to make exact replicas.
April 20, 2025
A lovely picture book of corsets from various ages with patterns apparently from the garments themselves. Not a scholarly work as there are no references, primary sources etc. Still a lovely book.
July 25, 2010
I LOVE this book and my only complaint is that it doesn't have fifty more corsets in it! But as valuable as this resource is, it is perfectly reasonable at the retail price, but no more...when it's out of stock, I've seen the price shoot up drastically.
While it's a smidge annoying that sizes aren't spelled out for every corset, a little simple math has worked for me because she plots out the finished sizes of the pieces rather than adding seam allowance. :)
For enlarging the patterns, I've been scanning the pages into my computer and tracing the outlines in Photoshop to create vector images and then printing them full scale. This is really great for me because I can make my alterations in the computer and am hoping to build up a fitting library for my favorite patterns.
This book is best paired with a more basic how-to for beginners, but an experienced sewer should have little trouble replicating these corsets.
Now if only she'll come out with an expanded edition...
While it's a smidge annoying that sizes aren't spelled out for every corset, a little simple math has worked for me because she plots out the finished sizes of the pieces rather than adding seam allowance. :)
For enlarging the patterns, I've been scanning the pages into my computer and tracing the outlines in Photoshop to create vector images and then printing them full scale. This is really great for me because I can make my alterations in the computer and am hoping to build up a fitting library for my favorite patterns.
This book is best paired with a more basic how-to for beginners, but an experienced sewer should have little trouble replicating these corsets.
Now if only she'll come out with an expanded edition...
April 27, 2023
For costume designers, and since I am not one of them I did not get everything however, great visuals and great directions and how to achieve a certain style of a corset. Crazy what a design or material can convey on stage.
January 9, 2025
This book is perhaps primarily dedicated to costume makers nowadays. I found the patterns to be rather simple, but they lacked clear instructions for every corset.
April 25, 2014
I really love this book, it's like a corset exhibition in book form, beautiful pictures as well as a bit of info about each corset, it comes with full instructions for a couple of corsets and patterns for the rest. The techniques section at the back is a fantastic guide. I would recommend this book to lovers of corsets and historical clothing, however I don't think it's suitable for beginners looking to make their own corsets those with more experience, confidence and patience might like to try them.
January 13, 2012
A great combination of a history book and a how-to book regarding corsets from diverse eras. Really useful for all sorts of purposes, with accessible writing, clear diagrams, and gorgeous pictures. Also functional for costuming.
December 3, 2014
The photographs of the corsets in this book are beautiful and I have plans to use some of the patterns for my own personal corsetry. I wish there were a bit more information about some corsets and a deeper investigation of maternity corsetry but I'm happy to have this one in my library.
May 26, 2015
An excellent book that will add to your knowledge and understanding of corsets. It was recommended by my BFF who is now into waist training and wants me to join her. If you are interested in exploring this topic, it is a must read:)
August 10, 2020
A great overview book. Not an in-depth resource, but opened my eyes to techniques I wouldn't have thought to look into.
Probably not for new costumers. Would be useful to have a working knowledge of basic garment construction.
Probably not for new costumers. Would be useful to have a working knowledge of basic garment construction.
August 21, 2009
More for the costumer, but the color pictures were nice and big, with lots of details apparent.
July 4, 2012
My favorite resource for corset patterns and techniques. Excellent book, though not for the beginner or timid seamstress.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews