The Corset Glossary
Bones
Also known as "stays" or "steels". Bones are
used for support within a corset or bodice. For more specific information
look under the following:
Bone casings are the spaces where bones are placed within a garment
and held in place.
Bone casings can be made, by stitching two parallel lines through
two layers of fabric. Bone casing can also be purchased in various
widths and in two styles. Ones style is a tightly woven cotton ribbon
that forms a casing when stitched to fabric. The other style is a
"self contained" casing in that it is a flattened tube into
which the bones can be slid with out the casing being sewn to anything.
This is the more durable of the two styles.
Busk
A busk is the stiff strip that is found in the centre front of corsets
and some bodices. The busk can be made of wood or steel and some busks
have nobs and loops which enables them to function as a clasp. These
were found only after about 1860.
For more information on busks see the following:
Coutil
Coutil is the name used for corseting fabrics. Only fabrics designed
specifically for use in corset building should be called "coutil".
Coutil is a tightly woven fabric that is not inclined to stretch.
It can be made of cotton or any cotton blend and is woven in herringbone,
brocade or satin finishes.
As a rule it has a factory applied finish, and can have a crisp or
soft hand. Most corsets will not get washed and you do not need to
wash the coutil before using. Dry cleaning is recommended.
See also our coutil page for photos of what
is available from us.
Flatted
Stitch together a lining and a shell piece. Wrong sides together,
stitching around the perimeter. The pieces will lay flat, looking
to be just one piece.
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