How to Make a Bustier or Corset From Old Bras

To save money on lingerie, many women are learning how to make a bustier or corset from old bras. The procedure is moderately challenging but fun to make and wear. Saving money on a corset or bustier and recycling an old bra at the same time is a great idea and a fun afternoon project.   

Using an older bra and a new corset or bustier, a woman can build her own corset or bustier so she is assured of a good fitting top; one in which she can breathe easier. There is some sewing on a sewing machine and hand sewing but in the end, you will have a great fitting bustier or corset to wear when you need a comfortable undergarment that is not too tight.

Preparing the Bustier or Corset

1. Put the bustier or corset on and tie or adjust it the way you need it, tight or loose.


2. Put the old bra over the bustier or corset and hook it in the back where you normally would.


3. Use tailors caulk to mark under the bra where it overlaps on the corset or bustier.


4. Remove the combined bra and bustier or corset and draw a second line, 1/4-inch below the first line. The first line will serve as line A and the second line will be line B.


5. Cut the bustier or corset the length of line A with a scissors, and then when you come across any boning use wire cutters.


6. Snip an extra 1/4-inch of boning off the boning portion of the bustier or corset and then push uncovered pieces of boning down into the channel where they came from.


7. Draw a line on the front part of the bustier or corset across the top where the cut edge is and roughly 1/4-inch down from the cut. This will be line C.


8. Wrap the cut edge of the bustier or corset with a flexible bias tape, making sure all the edges of the bias tape are lined up with line B and line C. Use straight pines to secure the bias tape to the lines so the bustier or corset edge is completely covered.


9. Attach a small quantity of hot glue where the bias tape intersects with the boning openings.


10. Sew on a sewing machine and with a wide, tight zigzag stitch, the bias tape to the bustier or corset. Take extra care going over the boning portions.

 Attaching the Bra

1. Fold the bustier or corset in half to locate the middle. Mark this spot with the tailors caulk. Do the same with the bra.


2. Match the middles and fasten the bra with bias tape that wraps the edge of the bustier or corset. Do this with straight pins.


3. Sew the bra to the bustier or corset with the same tight wide zigzag stitch as before unless the bra has an underwire. If that is the case, use a needle and strong thread.


4. Remove all straight pins and bias tape that may be showing.


5. The bustier or corset is ready to wear.