How to Lace a Corset with Two Laces

The world of corseting can seem intimidating at first. Understanding which type of corset will work best for you, figuring out the right size, and seasoning a corset may feel like a lot. Using two laces — that’s advanced! 

Don’t worry; none of the steps are difficult to master. Learning any new skill takes time and patience, but you can do it. Corseting is for everyone. 

As you become more comfortable with corset wearing, you might begin experimenting with different lacing styles. Various methods may look or feel better to you personally, or you might find one style more convenient than another. 

Everything about wearing a corset is personal, even the way you lace it. After all, a corset is one of the few garments made to conform to your shape and not the other way around. 

Why Would You Want to Use Two Laces?

Changing out laces makes your corsets more versatile. You can mix and match different colors or styles of laces to complement your outfit. Laces take a lot of stress and can eventually develop weak spots and need to be replaced. You might choose to use two different colors of laces just for fun, or you could find yourself without the right size of laces and need to improvise. 

Knowing how to use two shorter laces instead of a single long one is a handy skill to have in your corseting bag of tricks. 

Start With the Right Measurements

No matter how many laces you are using, you still need to have the correct total length for your corset. Follow these easy steps to calculate the right lacing length:

1. Lay the corset flat and open the laces wide enough to put it on.
2. Measure the gap at the widest point.
3. Count the total number of grommets (both sides) and multiply the gap measurement by that number. For example, if the gap width is 6 inches and you have a total of 28 grommets, multiply 6 by 28 which equals 168.
4. Measure the length of the back and multiply by two to account for both sides. If the back of the corset is 14 inches, the total measurement is 28. 
5. Add the totals from step three and step four. In this example, the equation would be 168 + 28 = 196.

The last step is to divide the final number by two and make sure each of the laces is at least that long. Continuing with the given example,196 divided by 2 is 98, so each lace must be at least 98 inches long. Ideally, they will both be the exact same length. 

Lacing With Two Laces: Step-by-Step

Using two laces is not that different from using one. In a nutshell, the process involves lacing one of the ribbons from the top to the middle and the other from the bottom to the middle. You will end up with an equal number of crisscrosses on the top and bottom with loops for cinching in the center. 

These guidelines will help:

1. Lay the corset flat on a flat surface. 
2. Find the center point of one lace. Tie a slip knot or insert a pin to mark the center. Repeat with the second lace. 
3. Coming from the inner side, insert one end of the lace into the top grommet on the left. Repeat with the right side. 
4. Position the center of the lace in the center of the gap. 
5. Cross the laces and move to the second grommet. This time, insert the laces from the outer side of the garment toward the inner side. You will have one “X.”
6. Cross the laces and insert them from the inner side toward the outer side.
7. Repeat the process until you reach the grommets at the waistline. Leave the ends of the laces loose. They should be on the outer side of the corset, where you can reach them once the corset is on your body. 
8. Start from the bottom with the second lace, repeating the entire process. Now, you will have a total of four ends lying on the outer side of the corset. 
9. Grasp the two ends on the right side and tie them together with a square knot. Repeat with the laces on the left side. Now you have two “bunny ears” for tightening the corset for a proper fit. 
10. Remove the slip knots or pins you used to mark the centers of the laces. 

That’s it! Now, you have a perfectly laced corset that’s ready to wear. 

Have Questions? We Have Answers

Have fun trying different types of laces and lacing methods. If lacing has got you all tied up in knots, we’re here to help. We encourage clients to contact our customer service team with any questions about corset wearing. 

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