Adding Bodice Support with Boning

Recently I was asked to create a wedding gown for a beach wedding.  The bride wanted a short strapless gown with built in boning.  This was my first time ever working with boning, so I decided to create a tutorial as I learned.


1.  After sewing the seams of the bodice, I pressed them open.










2.  I then measured and cut the boning to the length of the seam, being sure to take off the appropriate amounts for the seam allowance.

















3.  Once that was complete, I removed the boning from the fabric casing and sewed the casing directly over the seam.  I closed 1 end, leaving the other open to reinsert the boning.  (The boning can be soaked in hot water and molded as desired, or heating the boning with an iron will also allow for reshaping.)

4.  Using a nail file, smooth the edges of the plastic boning.  Otherwise it will poke and cause discomfort.  This will also ensure the sharp edges will not cut thru the fabric.















5.  Insert the reshaped boning back into the casing and sew the open end of the casing closed.




Repeat these steps for all seams on the bodice and once complete, you have a perfectly boned bodice!










Linked to:  Sugar And Dots, Ginger Snap Crafts