My Leather Bustier Experiment

I have always wanted to make a leather bustier but though it would be difficult, time consuming and expensive. After some research I think I was right. So one day, when I have lots of time I might make a bustier custom fit for me, but to try and make them for other people of all different shapes and sizes would be tough and expensive. I knew there had to be an alternative.

I bought this leather vest from a second hand store so I could see how its made. I don't really love the vest but i loved how simple it was.

After looking at the vest, I decided it would need 3 pattern pieces (there is 4 in the picture, but this picture was from my first attempt). I drew them out on 8.5x11 paper and went to my scrap box to find some leather.

After sewing the pieces together I used black elastic straps to pull it tight and keep it where it should be.  

This style is so great because I can easily adjust it to fit all sizes and the pieces are small enough that I can use the recycled leather I have. I am really loving light weight over sized sweaters for this Fall and this corset with them would be perfect. You can wear over size pieces and still have a shape.

I really want to spend the day making these in a bunch of colors when I should really be doing a million other things!