How to Make a Cute Bustier Corset Top Out of an Old Cardigan

Tools and materials:

• Cardigan
• Pins
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Underwire
• Bra

1. Cut the cardigan

Start off by cutting off the top portion of the cardigan. Pin it down to make sure everything is nice and straight, then take your scissors and just cut along the pinned line.

2. Cut the sleeves

Next, cut about 7 inches (18cm) off the sleeves. Then, cut the sleeves along the seam to open them up and cut two long strips that will be the boning cases for the underwire.

3. Create the boning cases

Once the strips are cut, fold them right sides together and do a straight stitch down.

4. Mark where the wiring will go

Going back to the cardigan, I'm going to use a bra that fits me well and use the wiring in it as a guide for where to place my wiring. Pin down the areas where the wiring will meet.

5. Line up the underwire

Take the underwire and line it up with where you placed the pins. 

6. Pin the boning to the cardigan

The next step is to insert the wire into the boning cases and pin it in the area where you will be sewing down. After pinning, cut out the inside of those pinned areas, making sure you leave enough room so that you're able to fold over the material when you sew.

7. Sew

Next, fold the material over and sew. Make sure you close the end of your boning, so nothing pokes out later on while you're wearing it. Be very careful when sewing not to sew on the boning, or you will break your needle.

8. Sew the corset closed

When you're done with that, fold over your side areas and do a straight stitch down. Then try the top on, remove any excess fabric and do a straight stitch down the back.

How to make a bustier corset top tutorial

Here is the finished result. It's very cute, and it's a nice way to upgrade your casual everyday look. I hope you enjoyed learning how to make an easy corset top, and I hope you'll try out the DIY for yourself. Let me know your thoughts in the comments.