Enchanted - Custom Corsets and Fine Apparel

binding A strip of bias cut fabric, folded three times and sewn along the top and bottom edges of the corset to encase raw edges and give a finished appearance. Usually made from the same fashion fabric as the rest of the outer layer, contrast binding can be used as well.

boning A narrow vertical strip of wood, bone, or metal inserted or sewn on to a corset to give support and prevent the corset from buckling or sliding down.  While a variety of materials have been employed for boning over the years, most modern corsets are constructed with some sort of steel boning.  See spiral steel and spring steel boning.

brocade A type of fabric with raised designs, particularly nice in silk

busk The front closure of many modern corsets, consisting of two halves: one with posts (commonly referred to as the "male" side), and one with flat, semi-circular loops (commonly referred to as the "female" side)

casing A strip of fabric applied to the corset, into which the boning is usually inserted - very nice when used in contrast to the rest of the corset.  Casing can also be created by sewing channels into the body of the corset itself.

coutil A woven fabric specially made for use in corsetry, coutil is usually has a herringbone texture, and does not stretch, ensuring that the corset molds your shape instead of visa versa.  Enchanted uses 100% cotton coutil for the lining of all corsets unless otherwise requested.

fitting The session in which a mock up (see below) is tried on to indicate what alterations need to be made to the pattern before commencement of construction of the final corset

flossing Embroidery placed above or below boning to hold boning firmly in place

grommet Two pieces of round metal which are sturdily and permanently combined to form a protective opening for lacing

gusset A triangular insert at the bust or hip to allow for fullness

interfacing An additional layer of fabric used to strengthen another kind of fabric - usually used on back side of light weight or loose weave fashion fabrics

lace overlay In addition to the coutil lining and fashion fabric of your choice, you may choose to have lace on top of the fashion fabric for added depth.  Other options include but are not limited to: rhinestones, flossing, piping, cording, pleating, and pretty much anything else you can imagine or find a picture of.

mock up A trial run of a garment that lacks the finishing touches seen on the final garment.  In regards to corsets in the context of this site, a mock up has temporary boning and lacing panels, is closed up the front, and made of natural coutil.  The purpose is to ensure the corset's fit in diameter and height - essentially, to identify any changes that need to be made to the pattern before commencement of construction of the actual and final garment.

modesty panel All Enchanted corsets come with a sewn-in panel in the front and back to prevent smooshed skin from showing through the laces or in the sliver of space between the two halves of the busk.  Of course, since all Enchanted corsets are custom made to your specific requirements, you may forgo this option if you choose, or request that your corset close in back

silk dupioni A woven and sometimes shimmering silk fabric, usually with a somewhat rougher appearance than that of satin due to nubs in the fabric

spiral steel boning One of two types used by Enchanted, this boning gives support to the corset, but is flexible side to side, preventing pinching along the body of the corset.  This type of boning is used over the curves of the bust/waist/hips.spring steel boning  Used behind the busk and on either side of the grommets in the back of an Enchanted corset, this boning is more rigid (only bending forward and back), ensuring that your back is not pinched and that your tummy stays flat.

twill tape Like a ribbon, only woven with the purpose that it will not stretch.  Enchanted corsets are made with a length of twill tape around the waist, between layers of the corset to ensure that the corset wins the battle.  Corsets designed for waist/rib training incorporate another strip along the lower rib area.

piping A length of fabric wrapped around a cord, inserted in between seams.