Such plates, when separated, are scraped with a wiry-edged knife till sufficiently thin, and are then rubbed with a woollen cloth dipped in charcoal dust and water, then with rotten stone, and lastly polished with horn shavings. The horn may be dyed by boiling it in infusions of various colored ingredients.’ ( The American Cyclopaedia, 1873) Reed & Wood

Boning in corsets: Everything you need to know

This application of side boning differs from the underwire casing application in that it is not stretched as it is applied and neither end is concealed under the elastics of the bra. The omission of concealment allows the boning to span a greater distance and provides for a smooth and balanced appearance at the underarm. For anyone that comes across this tutorial and is interested in drafting their own corset top with cups built in, here is a couple of great YouTube videos where a lady shows you how to make a pattern with your measurements and she explains it very well!I use whatever size needle my garment calls for when sewing rigilene boning; however, after I use it sew boning I throw it away. The needle is usually jagged and more than likely will mar the fine fabrics so I always change the needle when I use it to see boning! Rigelene won't last! Body heat and time will break down the structure. If you're putting together a garment you want to last, use steel boning. Richard the Thread and Tutu.com both carry steel boning and the tips for finishing the ends, as well as pre-cut and finished lengths.

Corset Boning - Etsy UK Steel Corset Boning - Etsy UK

Flat steel boning, spiral steel boning, German plastic boning (aka synthetic whalebone) – what is best for historical corsets?I came across a really good, detailed YouTube video on drafting your own corset top pattern with your measurements and then another where she stitches it together. It’s not the corset like Natalina’s, but it’s a cute corset with cups if you are interested!