Make and fit a corset mock-up
How to make and fit a corset toile
In corsetry, it's essential, if you want a perfect fit, to make a corset mock-up or toile from calico or plain coutil before making the real thing in the fabrics of your choice.

The purpose of making a corset toile, is to check the fit and enable you to make tailor made adjustments accordingly. Obviously with a body modifying garment such as a corset, a good fit is essential for maximum impact, comfort and shape. "Squish factor" is the most unpredictable element of corset fitting and it is getting this aspect of corsetry right, that makes all the difference to how your corset will look and feel in the end. A well fitted corset will create the illusion of a small waist, framed with rounded hips and a well shaped bust.
Fitting is simpler than it may seem at first, so here are a few basic guidelines. For more comprehensive information on how to fit a corset, I recommend my book "Corset Making, from beginners to intermediate".
The essential things you will need to make your corset mock up are as follows
- non stretch fabric, coutil or calico is best
- steel spiral bones and steel flat bones for corsetry
- vario pliers for punching holes and later, inserting eyelets into your finished garment
- a stitch ripper
- a non stop waist stay
- an accurate chalk marker, the thinner the line, the better
- fitting is a very complex thing which I have only touched on here, for more comprehensive instructions there is a whole chapter on this subject in my book
Click on the pictures below to see more info on the products I recommend for corset making.