Gorgeous Corset Top With Sleeves Pattern Tutorial

Tools and materials:

• Medium, heavyweight non-stretch fabric
• Bodice pattern
• Scissors
• Grommets
• Masking tape
• Measuring tape
• Zip ties
• Mini grommet setter
• Fabric hole puncher
• Sewing machine

1. Cut out the pattern

Start by cutting out the fabric with the pattern pieces. The same pattern goes for the back and front of the corset, with the front cut on the fold and the back, cut as two individual pieces.

You will also need to cut out a lining layer. I opted for the same fabric as the bodice (so I cut out the pattern twice in this case).

When cutting out the back piece, fold the curved part of the pattern piece.

2. Place the pieces and sew

Now it’s time to place your pieces together. Add the back pieces to the front, and make sure to do the same with the lining.

You should have assembled your fabric pieces and lining pieces separately, not attached. Remember to put the pieces right sides together.

Next, sew along the side seam and shoulder seam. Do the same for the lining.

Once your lining and main fabric pieces are sewn along the sides and shoulder seams, attach the lining to the fabric piece, right sides together and sew along the outer edges, except for the bottom edge.

3. Make slits

Snip into the curved edges on the chest part, making fine slits and as close to the seam as possible.

Turn your bodice inside out once your curved edges have been clipped.

4. Stitch the armholes

With your bodice now turned inside out, stitch the arm curves together with a zigzag stitch.

5. Add the boning channels

Fold the corset in half to find the middle and measure where you’d like the boning tails to be placed.

Use masking tape, cut it in half so you have perfect sizing. Use the tape to see where you’d like the boning tails; I love this method as the tape is easily removed.

Once you have decided on the style with your masking tape, topstitch the main fabric and the lining together, on the outskirts of the tape, thus creating the boning channels.

Carefully remove the tape once you’re done.

6. Cut out the pattern

It’s time for some pattern manipulation! Cut your sleeve pattern down the middle until you reach the arm length.

Cut across to the edge of the pattern, but not all the way. The edges should still be attached.

Move the curve pieces upwards until there are 3 inches between them and the upper arm part.

Tip: Pin the pattern in place, with masking tape so that it doesn’t move, and you have the correct measurements.

Trace around the sleeve pattern and cut it out.

7. Cut out the fabric

Next, cut out two sleeve pieces using the puff sleeve pattern.

8. Sew a gathering stitch

Using a long stretch stitch, sew along the curved part of the pattern. This will be used to gather the stitch to create a puffy look.

While sewing, once you have stitched all around the curve, go back and sew another stitch right next to the stitch you just did.

Tip: Do not back-stitch this part.

9. Sew the side seams

Sew the side seams by folding the sleeve, right sides together.

10. Gather

Gather the sleeve so that it fits in with the armed piece of your corset.

11. Attach the sleeve to the bodice.

Once the gathering is done, turn your sleeve the wrong side up and attach it to the bodice, which is right-side up.

Match the arm holds together and sew together. Once the sleeves are attached, hem the sleeves.

12. Attach the zip ties

I used zip ties for the boning and cut them an inch shorter than the boning channel, so it fits snugly through the channel.

I also rounded the edges of the zip ties to prevent them from poking out through the fabric.

Insert your zip ties into each stitched channel.

13. Finish the bottom

Now, finish off your bodice with a lovely, neat look.

Measure the bottom of your corset, add 2 inches to the measurement, and cut out a strip of fabric.

Layer the strip on the bottom of your corset, right sides together.

Stitch the hemline. The side edges of the strip are turned inwards to create a nice finish.

Now, fold the strip twice so that it encapsulates the raw edge of the bodice. This also gives it a nice edge when folded to the wrong side of the bodice. Stitch it down as shown.

Tip: Look up “bias binding” so that you can see what I mean should my explanation sound a little confusing.

14. Add your grommets

Now it’s time to add your grommets to the back of your corset.

Measure and mark where you’d like your grommets to be placed. Mine were about an inch apart.

Secure your grommets by using two tools. The first tool, a fabric hole puncher, punches the hole through the fabric. 

The second, a grommet setter, is to secure the grommet in place.

After the grommets are installed, run some kind of ribbon in a zigzag pattern, through the grommets.

Corset top with sleeves pattern

There you have it! Now you know how to sew a corset top. Thanks for following my tutorial. If you give this puff sleeve corset top pattern a go, please let me know in the comments!