How can I mend a bustier/corset top with bent bones?

Question

I've bought a really nice bustier/corset type top, but the 4 "bones" in it (2 at the front and 2 at the back) are badly bent, making it sag.

I love the top so I want to just replace the bones, but I'm not sure:

a) if this can be done as these bones are not in pockets I can slide them out of but are sewn into the top,

b) where to buy replacement bones - can't find any on ebay.co.uk, not sure where else to look.  Thinking of buying another corset top just to salvage and reuse the bones.  My nearest alteration shop says they might be able to do it but I'd have to buy the bones myself, and their repairs are expensive too!

c) Can I just straighten out the bones without removing them?  That would be ideal if possible as I wouldn't have so much sewing to do.

d) or, can I somehow sew the existing bones onto new ones on the inside of the top, so the new ones will keep the old ones straight without me having to unpick the old ones and sew the top together again first?

Please let me know if some or all of this question isn't clear!

Thanks x

SurferRosa · Accepted Answer

I'm wodering how the bones can't be in any sort of pocket? Do the stitches go right through the actual boning? I have tons of different corsets in my store and all the boning involves some sort of pocket it was sewn into.

If for some reason you can't cut the bottom and slide out the boning, then you should be able to at least remove the stiching that secures them.

If you can't find replacement boning, then your best bet is to take them out of an another garment. I keep old and damaged corsets around just to use them for parts.

If it is plastic boning, the bends are in there for good unless you remove them. If it is steel boned, then you can bend it back, but it will never be the same.

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How can I mend a bustier/corset top with bent bones?

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