Beyond Corsets: 7 Unexpected Uses for Corset Boning and Coutil

Here's a secret experienced sewers already know:

Corset making supplies aren't only for corsets.

Many of the materials used in corsetry are incredibly useful for costume construction, millinery, historical clothing and other structured sewing projects.

Farthingales itself offers products across corsetry, millinery, costume making and general notions.

Here are seven creative ways to use them.

1. Costume Construction

Synthetic boning can provide structure to costumes without adding the same rigidity associated with steel.

Farthingales offers German plastic bones in several widths, making them useful for projects requiring different levels of support. The best thing about these bones – you can cut them with scissors and you can sew through them! So much stronger than ridgeline (woven boning). Think massive sleeve structures. False bellies and hips…that breathe because you’re not using piled of padding.

2. Historical Costume

Recreating historical garments often requires materials that aren't readily available at an ordinary fabric store.

Corset busks, steel boning, coutil and specialized tapes can all become valuable components in historical sewing projects. Farthingales 54" herringbone coutil is the same product that was used in the mid-1800’s woven by the same company!

3. Structured Bodices

A garment doesn't have to be a full corset to benefit from boning.

Strategically placed boning can help maintain the shape of a structured bodice or costume. Even ballet bodices benefit from light boning that keeps the bodice from bunching. A bodice worn over a corset can also benefit from boning for the same reason. Light boning can support the shape of a suit jacket in a similar way.

4. Millinery

Some synthetic boning and structural materials can also be useful beyond clothing.

Farthingales carries dedicated millinery wire, horsehair crin, alongside its corset materials. The narrow German plastic boning  is commonly used for hat brims and even for bee keeping hat veil support.

5. Theatrical Costumes

Costume designers frequently need garments that maintain their shape despite the demands of movement, repeated use and performances.

The combination of structured fabrics, boning and specialized hardware can be particularly useful for theatrical construction.

Think beyond the corset – there is so much more these product can do to help you create your vision.

6. Creative Fashion

Corsetry techniques can also be incorporated into contemporary fashion.

Imagine a structured top with exposed boning channels, decorative lacing or a visible busk.

Traditional corset hardware doesn't have to look traditional.

7. Your Next Sewing Experiment

Perhaps the most interesting use of corset supplies is simply experimentation.

Try combining:

Coutil + spiral steel + decorative fabric or

Synthetic boning + costume fabric + ribbon or

Steel boning + historical pattern + modern fabric

The possibilities are much broader than a traditional corset.

The Corset Maker's Toolbox Is Bigger Than You Think

Farthingales' range includes corset boning, busks, coutil, lacing, bone casing, grommets, tools, millinery supplies, costume materials and more.

So if you're a costume designer, historical sewer, milliner or simply someone who loves experimenting with structured garments, don't limit your search to the words "corset."

Some of the most useful sewing supplies may be hiding in the corsetry aisle.