Making a Sequin Corset

It is so hard to realise a garment isn't what you have been expecting after working so hard for it. :( And if you leave it like that and wear it, you will always know it. Sigh, that is the downside of being a perfectionist...

Thank you for sharing this disappointing experience. I wish it had turned out just as you wanted. When you can, think of what was learned from this experience that won't be repeated again. I do think your idea of a sequinned corset is a good idea. Its obviously a tad more difficult than sewing with cotton and needs the correct bones, etc. I know one day you'll make another and you will nail it!! Big hugs and warmest wishes from Down Under x

Despite the fact that it’s really unfortunate this didn’t work as you envisioned, I don’t agree the sequin corset design was a bad idea. I actually thought it was brilliant, and I still do. Going by the fabric options you showed at the end, i have good hope you are still able to create the design principle, with some tweaks, mainly to the fabric selection. I hope you manage to keep the sparkling effect for the corset. Thanks for bringing us along, not only in the design process, but also in the trail and error part, which is sometimes needed! We know you can do it!

Relating and sighing. I enjoyed watching this though! It looks much much much easier on video than it actually is. Maybe slow-mo sans sound is the key.

it feels like a great tragedy that you've been so let down by your foray into sequined fabrics (i'm thinking of this and the dragonslayer jacket) given your love of sequins. what a betrayal... but i'm so glad you decided to share this with us! i always admire your determination :)

The idea is brilliant! I love having all the fabric coordinate to highlight each other. If my opinion counts, I really loved the corral/gold fabric and I did think it worked well with the red sequin fabric. I also really enjoyed watching the construction process even if the end result was not what you were looking for. Perhaps you should upload more videos like this. All of us have made garments that are a fail. There is no way to sew and not have items that just done't work.

Failure is a really important part of the creative process, thank you for sharing yours. I know it's discouraging, we've all been there. Will anyone who watched this video take on a sequined fabric project lightly? Probably never! The corset has beautiful shape and seams, I can't wait to see version 2!

I was so relived when you put in metal eyelets, because I was watching thinking "Oh God, please don't try to hand sew them like you usually do!" Even though it isn't what you wanted, I still think it worked, in theory. If the sequins weren't so bulky and so densely packed, I think your vision could have been reality.

I would make it in a brocade. You are never going to be happy with this corset and building it into a dress won’t improve it. I’m just about to sew my first bra. Not out of sequins! but I’m wondering how I’m going to feel about that after it’s on

Having worked with sequinned fabric in the past, I thought you were trying to torture yourself when you announced these corset plans! Considering everything you were up against with the fabric, I think you did an amazing job. Can't wait to see how Corset 2.0 goes!

Most of the corset makers I follow that use sequins fabric tend to just do decorative front panels of it and make the rest in a coordination fabric. You could make it with the sequin fabric only being on the busy so it’s visible when worn but the rest is a plainer and easier to work with fabric. I second the advice molly has given about removing sequins from the seam area. It’s a lot of work but the finished seams will be less awkward

Wow that looked like such a pain in the ass, but it made for a really enjoyable video! I'm super excited to see the more fantastical costume ideas you've mentioned wanting to explore, this is a fun little avenue.

I also strongly dislike sewing sequin fabric for the same reasons you mentioned. My understanding of the “correct” way to use it is to remove the sequins from the fabric from the seam allowance (and a few millimeters beyond that so you can cut the fabric easily). By doing that you sew right up against the sequins and there’s no extra bulk in the seams, and the sequins are whole and unbroken over your seams. In my mind that’s way too much work so I avoid sequins! For the fit issues, I’ve had a lot of success making separate lacing panels that you can baste to the back of your corset for fittings. Cut and finish two reinforced pieces and insert grommets into them. Can be used over and over. If you’re not looking for advice feel free to disregard all of this! :)

The corset pattern is absolutely beautiful. I hope your next version lives up to your vision!