Sewing a Bodice Mock-up!

[@EmsIsFab]

Bodices are things I never did when I sewed a lot before university. Now that I'm back to being inspired to pick sewing back up I'm finding bodices incredibly daunting! Especially where I'm very curvy (54", 43", 54") with wide shoulders... it's a LOT of shaping that is... troublesome haha.

[@dgervais7527]

Oof i feel that

[@celticgoddess81]

Cable ties are what I use for my bodices and corsets too!

[@ladyragnarok1299]

Hello there ! wanted to say a big THANK YOU !! I'm a cosplayer, and i craft with foam. Sewing is my arch enemy, the further away the better. But my new cosplay is almost full fabric. Needed a bodice and looked everywhere until i found your video. I did a mock up for the first time, i have no knowledge or vocabulary but with your video i managed to do the bodice after i drafted a pattern with tape on my body. So a big thank you

[@celticgoddess81]

OMG that is a brilliant way to do the straps!

[@MorganDonner]

celticgoddess81 I find it very handy!

[@emmysworld2624]

@@MorganDonner do you take commissions?

[@ZipZipInkspot]

Thank you! Very much enjoy your unaffected, warm manner and the care with which you explain what's happening and why you make the decisions you do.

[@Thriffanie]

I followed EVERYTHING you said... except I made it an under bust and.... it came out ... AMAZING!!! Thankyou so much. Literally the only helpful tutorial out there.

[@MayYourGodGoWithYou]

Thank you for the hint to use industrial cable ties, great idea which I will be using in future.

[@MorganDonner]

You are welcome! I find them very handy and use them with almost every boning project!

[@MadamShinyGlasses]

ZIPTIES! My mind is blown. This is brilliant, thank you so much!

[@MorganDonner]

Aren't they great!? I am a big fan!

[@SolsGarage]

Do you have a recommendation for a good bodice pattern?

[@lavernecady8832]

Excellent! Very good! I watched the entire video and can hardly wait to see the end results when bodice is completely finished and ready to wear.

[@pavlavojtova8799]

Turning the bodice inside out as a finishing move was total witchraft for me! Well done and than you!

[@Cristomflores]

It was definitely useful for someone 😭 saved my life at 2am, pray I finish this Costume by Friday

[@albinocavewoman]

Wow. This takes me back to sewing my own Ren Faire costumes.

[@julied.8277]

I have also used the plastic strap from cases of copy paper for a boning substitute. I don't use it often enough to buy something.

[@AH-cy4md]

Ah, this is just what I was looking for! I’m going to be having a go at making a boned jacket with peplum, a la Outlander, from a McCall’s pattern. I’m rather baffled by the instructions, and will definitely need to do a mock-up to help figure it out, as well as checking the fit, using cheap fabrics. Thanks, Morgan!

[@katiewheeler2678]

watching all your videos have made me so much more confident to start making a few 16th century pieces of clothing! I have always loved the thought but am so excited to try!

[@lnoths]

This is EXACTLY the kind of bodice I want to make! AHHHHHHH!!! Thank you!!!!

[@terrichicosky3166]

I made a bodice today and it doesn’t look horrible! Thank you for the guidance

[@patriciabennett7866]

Love your videos! They are very helpful, even if I don't make period pieces, your techniques can apply to sewing in general😊

[@MorganDonner]

Patricia, that's so great to hear! Sometimes I am a little worried that my videos are too niche to be interesting to very many people. So happy that you're finding them useful!

[@deathbright107]

I've learned a lot! Thank you. Like I've had a hard time reading the patterns and understanding it.

[@MorganDonner]

You are welcome! Sewing becomes easier over time, just keep at it!

[@alexzandra75]

I absolutely love your channel. I have been inspired to hand sew more on my costumes. They hold up so much better now. But do you know where I can find boning that will help hold a large chest better than zip ties but still allow me to move? I have a corset that has absolutely rigid front boning. No bend at all. And that is ok but I want to make one that fits me and holds things where they should be as well as me being able to move, not like serious movement but I am sure you know what I am mean.

[@aimeebj]

This video was amazingly helpful! Do you have an videos on how to draft a bodice or find a pattern that we could adjust to our size?

[@emilysmith2784]

Did you ever do any updates for this? Can’t see a playlist on your channel. Would be curious to see the final one.

[@stormyc522]

How do you go about drafting a pattern. Have you just done enough that you know or is there a basic shape and guideline XP

[@MorganDonner]

I usually start with one of my existing patterns and adjust it as needed. If I need to start a fresh pattern (perhaps for someone who is a very different size from myself) I'll guess at a pattern using the approximate shape of mine, but in their measurements. It's usually nowhere near correct, and I need to do a lot of mockups until I have a good pattern.

[@Thestickponylady]

Zip ties are great for many things!!!! Btw more whippet content Please.

[@Liv-dh6tn]

Do you have a video one how to make the pattern? I am trying to make a bodice, but patterns and pattern making tutorials are nonexistent, as far as I've found.

[@AA-vr8ve]

Hello! Ralph pink has a 19th century free stays pattern:D

[@monkeymey08]

How did you make the bodice pattern using your persons measurements?

[@8Forester]

I feel like I was being called out when you talked about consistency with seam allowance. I’m literally the worst at that!

[@animequeen78]

Do you have dyspraxia too?

[@8Forester]

@@animequeen78 I wish I had something legitimate as my excuse but I fear I must own to it being laziness.

[@danielapaladini7701]

Thankyou very much to share this video :) I learned something more about corset ;)

[@roseculp2924]

Love it!!!

[@Yan-ri2jg]

Great! Might make one for myself

[@rebekahmccormick158]

I was wondering where you found the zip ties! I have been searching high and low and I have not been able to find thick and long. Thank you for your help.

[@MorganDonner]

I always buy them in person at Home Depot, or Lowes, or Ace Hardware. I have not had much luck seeing them online unfortunately, but try a couple local hardware stores!

[@rebekahmccormick158]

Ya, I have unsuccessfully tried at the local Home Depot. I'll try the other stores, but have been seriously unsuccessful.

[@jessicabull334]

Hello, I was wondering, where do you find such long cable ties? Are they a certain brand? I’m continuing to work on an 1880s corset pattern but it got put on hold due to my two children under 5years old. Side note your work is amazing! I love that red 18th century corset.

[@MorganDonner]

Hello there! I always by them at hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Look for 72 inch long (although shorter ones like the 48" should work fine too) heavy duty ties.

[@jessicabull334]

Morgan Donner Thank you. I didn’t know that they made them that long. I’ll have to look for them.

[@emilybrunson8250]

Very interesting and helpful!

[@MorganDonner]

Emily, thank you!

[@catherineskis]

I am an SCA member...Can you please tell me what you think of Simplicity pattern 8881.

[@MorganDonner]

I am afraid that I have not sewn that particular pattern, but after looking at some pictures of it online, it looks ok! I would try to draft out the princess seams in the bodice, make it a little more flat in the bust, and you've got a great starting point! I would suggest that anyone wanting to use it as a pattern also review paintings from 1550-1590 to get a better feel for correct color combos (the one on the cover of the pattern is a little odd).

[@mahha9527]

Thank you! This video is really good. I really loooove your work ❤️✨

[@newtoatheism5968]

So for the shoulder straps you slightly angle them right?

[@maywenearedhel]

How do you get this bodice to hold up a size DD bust? I'm suffering from 16th century bust gap.

[@kharagillock8467]

Can you do a vid on sewing eyelets

[@TheDemonicJenny]

Is there a video on how to make the pattern?

[@nadiadelacruz9486]

If we were trying to make this bodice how would we measure the pieces

[@rebeccapracht8005]

This is super informative. Is this something that you could do a more extensive video of in the future? With the process beginning to end? I always love a good reveal 🙂

[@knightngal5581]

Please help me Morgan!!! I have a front lace bodice that I bought many many years ago. Now it is way too small. Is there a way to keep the bodice and add to the sides and back to make it bigger? I hate to give up on it as I'm just starting to get back into SCA. Thank you and I love your channel!!!!!!

[@MorganDonner]

I also tend to need bigger bodices as time moves on, so something I have done and might also work for you is to open up the side-back seams and make them lace-up if they weren't already. I am totally fine with wearing a bodice with a one inch or even more gap at all three openings. It's totally fine!

[@knightngal5581]

@@MorganDonner OMG I didn't even think of that! You are a genius!!!! Thank you!!!!!

[@loulouG2005]

I’m making a Halloween costume for myself and I want it to be as accurate to the period as possible. How many bones should I use?

[@allieg6401]

Very cool!

[@NoviceStitcher]

it is my understanding that at that time period reeds were used was there another material used. i don't think whalebone was used for another 100 years? am i right?

[@MorganDonner]

Looks like the first mentions of whalebone are around 1590, so indeed quite late in the 16th century! I do believe that reeds were used before that, or bodies could be stiffened with several layers of glue and fabric.

[@NoviceStitcher]

thank you. i very much appreciate the information. if you are interested i found on the internet synthetic whalebone. it mimics whalebone better than plastic. i can't wait to try it when i can actually start sewing

[@miriamsurace4368]

Hello, can you help me where I can buy that pattern for the bodice? Regards

[@healinghousefarm5562]

Industrial zip ties!!!!! Duhhhhhhhhh😻

[@tanja-k]

Extremely helpful, thank you for sharing =)

[@MorganDonner]

Tatjana, awesome, I am so glad!

[@orgumaceramdestek7476]

Çok iyi anlatım teşekkürler👍

[@e_viola]

The only issue with zip ties, as I learned the hard way, is how NOT breathable they are. I got seriously sweaty wearing my bodice over the summer!

[@isabellelee2658]

I would like a pattern for this kind of bodice. Do you know of one that is close?

[@entranha]

What pattern was used for this bodice?

[@evonnagale3045]

I just noticed the title card pun..... I have been watching for 6 months....

[@ndrva]

i was just wondering, turning it like that reminds me a lot of "bag lining", is that in any way historically accurate?

[@MorganDonner]

Yep, I would consider this bag-lining, and no, it is decidely not historically accurate. This method of sewing only makes sense if you are using a sewing machine. If sewing by hand, I would recommend turning the edges back, tacking them down, and then whip stitching the lining to the outer fabric, all from the outside of the garment.

[@ndrva]

@@MorganDonner ah that makes sense. thanks for the info :)

[@ribanamay3724]

this is soo helpful! thank you! could you tell me where the pattern is from?

[@MorganDonner]

Thank you! I draft all the bodices I make, so the pattern was made by getting measurements of the bust, waist, shoulder width, and so on, and drawing out something to match. Sorry I couldn't help more there! If you are looking for a pattern to purchase though, I have heard very good things about the Margo Anderson patterns.

[@thinktink1583]

Thank youuuu! So helpful and clear to understand☺

[@beatriceamundala6947]

Where can a get the pattern that you used ?

[@kharagillock8467]

Would simple thin poster board work for boning?

[@MorganDonner]

It will behave differently, but I suppose for a bodice mockup, it's maybe better than nothing.

[@franciscamoreno4522]

Thanks for the video! I've always had problems with my mockups so this helps a lot. One question though, where is this pattern from? Mine is a modified doublet pattern from the modern maker and it is completely different, I still can't get it to feel right.

[@MorganDonner]

Doublets are so darn tricky! I have made several for my husband, and he still says they don't feel quite right. I think what I will try next is starting with a modern coat pattern (something that also has lots of structure like a doublet) and altering the seams to resemble historical doublet patterns. We'll see how it goes. Oh, but back to your actual question! This pattern was drafted by me, using the client's waist, bust, shoulder width, and other measurements. Sorry I didn't film it for this project!

[@franciscamoreno4522]

Morgan Donner but the shape of the bodice looks familiar? Because that is not the shape of a modern bodice...

[@harrietteaertse7417]

How did you make the patron

[@MorganDonner]

I plan to do another video about bodice and Corset pattern drafting at some point!

[@kharagillock8467]

Can you fo a sewing machine tutorial?

[@amayalewis6933]

Is there a way that I can buy the pattern from you?

[@MorganDonner]

I am afraid it went with the client, but I have heard very good things about Margo Anderson patterns, which have a similar look.

[@newtoatheism5968]

I’m having a hard time getting the neckline center without having an overlap

[@EphanyasisOwleyes]

I think watching this helps with the how to of know how to. : )

[@ShadowFanE102]

Hi idk if anyone will read this but if yall do, i wanna go to my first ren faire soon (tbh just the one thats on next bc obvius reasons lol) just wondering if anyone thinks its a terrible idea to do this is as my first sewing project?

[@biffertyboffertyboo]

This is definitely dead threading, but the best first sewing project is one you will do. This is going to be a difficult first project, but if you don't expect perfection and are motivated to complete it, go for it!

[@newtoatheism5968]

I’m not really sure about the shoulder straps

[@dgervais7527]

I wish there was an eco friendly material that we could use for boning. That would be hella nice😭 I would totally have a closet full of corsets and bodices and stays. Oof

[@liav4102]

They used reeds back in the day so that could be an option, I also wonder if there might be some sort of bamboo option

[@dgervais7527]

@@liav4102 yeah but werent reeds too flexible? Wouldnt bamboo also be too flexible?

[@liav4102]

@@dgervais7527 it’s supposed to be flexible. I think the biggest issue would be that they are breakable

[@dgervais7527]

@@liav4102 ahh i see!

[@sheenasoldan7756]

Have you ever liked your mock up so well you kept it?

[@thefiberenchantress8589]

what do you do with all your mock ups ?

[@MorganDonner]

Depends! For this specific one, it might be given to the person that the pattern was made for (if she wants it). If she doesn't, this bodice is 'finished' enough that it might as well be used by somebody, so I would probably ask around to see who wants it, or donate it to our local costume donation bin, called Gold Key. Most of my mockups are not this finished though, so are usually disposed of. Those kind are often made from thrift-store sheets, or damaged fabric that wouldn't have been good for a costume anyways.