Patternmaking For Fashion Design. 3rd ed. 4th ed. now available
Author: Helen Joseph Armstrong

by *WaistedSpace

Expensive, but well worth it if you want to understand patternmaking. It has a great section on making slopers, working with stretch fabrics, and creating different styles. Very little actually has to do with corsetry directly, but the knowledge is invaluable for refining your technique. Downsides are that it assumes a certain level of knowledge (it's a textbook for fashion design school), and there is a rather large section on children's clothing that won't help corset-makers. Still, I've never been to design school, and after some trial and error managed to get around the more important concepts. I've learned more from this book than anything else.




The Little Corset Book
Author: Bonnie Holt Ambrose

by *WaistedSpace

A very brief introduction to corsetry. It shows the basic method of constructing corsets. It has a couple patterns that you can copy and enlarge, but they look more trouble than they're worth. Not bad if you're brand new to making corsets, but not really useful beyond that.




The Bra-maker's Manual
Author: Beverly Johnson

by *WaistedSpace

I haven't read this book, but want to. Reviews say it's the definitive book on bra-making. I imagine this book would be very helpful in learning how to draw bust curves - the most difficult part in drafting a corset pattern.





Waisted Efforts: An Illustrated Guide to Corset Making
Author: Robert Doyle

by *WaistedSpace

Another book I haven't read, but is well-known throughout the corset-making community. The general consensus is that it's for advanced sewers. Lot's of theory and alteration techniques that can be confusing without an instructor. Contains some history and a few patterns.





A History of Costume ISBN - 0486210308
Author: Carl Kohler

by ~soozn

well i purchased this book second hand (like most of my best sewing books!) its my best book on costume...Kohler compiled the infomotion in the 1800's the first release of this book was in 1928...the version i have is from the 60s...but you can still buy it today from amazon. Kohler took measurements from actual period pieces as well as from journal and such. costumes begin with the egyptians and goes through history upto about 1870's. its highly recommended for people interested in authenticity of costumes.





Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing ISBN - 0895770261
Author: Carl Kohler

by ~soozn

This book is brilliant for a novice and experienced sewers...ive been sewing for many years now and still refer to this book. many easy to follow diagrams and instructions, 450 pages covering all areas of sewing! i think every sewer should have this book! absolutely brilliant.





Norah Waugh - Corsets and Crinolines
Author: Norah Waugh

by ~Stahlrose

This book is about the history of stays and corsets and as well several historical skirt supports like the rococo hoops, the crinoline and the tournure are mentioned.
There are several patterns included which can be enlarged and worked with, for stays of various periods, beginning from renaissance until to 1930's body-shaping undergarments.
This book is a great ressource for anyone being interested in historical clothes an the evolution of the corset, every chapter has a large section with historic texts from the different periods.
Very interesting to read, but you won't find any sewing instructions inside. But if you already know how to make corsets or stays the patterns are good to work with.





Nineteenth Century Fashion in Detail
Author: Lucy Johnston

by ~chasingrainbows

It covers four different styles of corsets from that period and has a few fashion flats to follow. It also goes into great detail on how corsets were finished and why certain fabrics and colours were used.

It covers all kinds of fashion from that period though and it's a beautiful book just to read.




Making Latex Clothes
Author: San-Kate Mooney

by *WaistedSpace

This book comes highly and universally recommended by most (if not all) latex clothing makers. This is a great resource for beginners, and has easy to understand descriptions. There are large, clear diagrams that describe the best methods for attaching seams (which is NOT the same way it's done with textiles) and has a nice reference and resources section in the back. There is only a little bit that deals directly with corsets, but the construction and seams info is far more valuable anyway.

The latex community guards their construction techniques a lot (and justifiably so!), which means there isn't much info out there for the aspiring latex crafter. This book however gives everything you need to get started and eventually develop your own techniques.







Fetish Fashion: Undressing the Corset
Author: Larry Utley

by *WaistedSpace

A nice photography book (some nudity) of corsetted models. Explores tightlacing, gender, BDSM, body contortion. Features a few Dark Garden corsets. It's a nice book, but focuses mostly on BDSM. Not great if you want to see lots of period costuming or modern "runway" fashions. Lots of leather and vinyl.