Merry Widow/ Corselette pattern sizes UK6 (US2) - UK28 (US24)

* Residents of the EU (or anyone preferring an instant download) can purchase this listing from my Etsy shop or Payhip: https://payhip.com/b/6w1ZV *

Each corset side comprises;
- a three-panel cup with 2 bottom cups and 1 upper cup
- 5 main panels

The corselette can be constructed in a few different ways with different combinations of stretch fabrics across the panels, open or closed at the centre front (CF), eyeleted/boned or hook and eyed at the centre back (CB), and with wired or non-wired and strapped or non-strapped cups. The CB can also have a zip hidden behind hook and eye tape. See the photograph above for the differing notions required for these combinations.

I've incorporated my multi-sized bra pattern into this cupped design. The wire size (30-46) has dictated the cradle shaping which has been incorporated into the front panelling if it is small enough to fit. It means that the bottom cup notch (and the matched seam 1/2) is at a slightly different position for each subsequent wire size (a few mm towards the centre back) - this doesn't matter as the panel 1/2 seam is straight with the only difference being the grainline orientation.

This design is very much about;
1. Ensuring the cup is positioned exactly at the correct position - at the comfortable bra band just underneath the bottom infra-mammary crease.
2. Using breast volume measurements rather than standard bra sizing - a comfortable wire size and bottom cup depth are the key measurements needed.
Full Instructions are given.

The slight differences in the front panel seams vs. sizes means that the corset body can accommodate the many different wire/cup variations - 14 for all sizes above a UK18 (less for 6-16).
Regarding the straps - it's a matter of personal preference as to whether they are used - If the breasts are heavy they will help. If the cups are to be lined with a preformed cup or cut and sew foam (see the main instructions for how to do this) you may not need them, especially if the cup size is small. It should also be noted that vertical fabric tension is important - the bones need to very snug in their channels to prevent any fabric wrinkling in the cup area - the more bones there are underneath and at the sides, the more support and less fabric wrinkling there will be. A pattern for suspenders is not included in this design however these can of course be sewn on to the bottom and will create more vertical tension and a smoother lying corselette.

Cupped corsetry is not easy to do well so this design is intermediate to advanced in terms of difficulty, and some experience in bra making will also be helpful.

It is recommended that you make a toile to check the fit of the pattern and transfer any amendments to your pattern to ensure a perfect fitting corset.

Please note: This is January 2022's pattern design on my Patreon membership - if you enjoy trying out lots of different corset styles at low cost check out my page https://www.patreon.com/corsetsbycaroline?ty=h and become a patron for just 5$ a month (for 9 designs per year)!