Prep second

Drafting a corset pattern, Part 2

Before you can actually start drafting, you need to assemble your tools.  Some of these are basic and you'll likely have them on hand. Some are fancier and make the job easier, but aren't essential.

You'll need:

• A big work area. A large kitchen bench is perfect (as you don't need to bend over too much) but a table is fine of course as well
• A LARGE sheet of paper, or multiple small bits cut together.  Take your biggest measurement and divide by 2, then add 10". This is about how long your paper will need to be. Take the bust to groin measurement and add 4" to give the paper height.  For me this worked out as 36" x 18.5" (or so). A roll of IKEA kids drawing paper is perfect for this (or butcher's paper).  If you can't get a continuous sheet, stick bits together to make a temporary pattern, then trace the individual pieces onto smaller paper once they're drafted (probably not required until you've tested the pattern as a mock-up)
• Masking tape to tape the large sheet of paper to the work area so it doesn't shift around. Position it right in the bottom left hand corner of the work area, square to the corner
• A long ruler, 75cm or so is perfect
• A big right angle. You can use the plastic triangle you had to use for geometry in school or if you've got a stash of tools, a wood-working right angle is great.  Make sure it's big though, otherwise it's too easy for your lines to go off square
• A sharp pencil, eraser, and a red pencil or pen for final marking up

 Stuff that makes the job faster (but isn't essential)

• A draftsperson's T-ruler. This can slide up and down the edge of the workspace and makes super easy to draw parallel lines
• French curves. These are great for drawing a natural curve for spot like over the hips and the bust. You can do this freehand though

And yes, in our well stocked household (thank you Mr Icy) we had all of those things, and more. ^_^