Simplicity 2212

[SmilieFace]

One of these days I will learn not to buy Project Runway patterns. I know I've said that before, but really...one of these days I'll stick to my resolution.

I have Simplicity 2212. "Bodice B" calls for boning. The instructions say *nothing* about boning anywhere. (Bodice A also calls for boning, and those instructions don't mention boning either.) My questions are:
1) Can I get away without using boning on this dress? I know boning will help with the form, but is it necessary?
2) If I need to use boning, can anyone point me to a good tutorial? I've put boning in once before, and don't remember it being too difficult, but the pattern instructions went in to painstaking detail of how to insert the boning. I don't have that pattern with me.

[Liz92B]

boning requires a channel to slide into, every-so-slightly wider than the boning - and slightly shorter so that it doesn't poke out.
you might try a strip of heavy interfacing (iron-on?) instead, between your fashion fabric and the lining ... might be enough - maybe!

[DorothyL]

You would probably need it with the strapless version -- probably not the other. Would elastic at the top help hold it up? Boning isn't hard -- even I can do it. But if you can do without it sure helps in the comfort department in my opinion.
Dorothy

[Mom of Six]

You would probably need it with the strapless version -- probably not the other. Would elastic at the top help hold it up? Boning isn't hard -- even I can do it. But if you can do without it sure helps in the comfort department in my opinion.
Dorothy

I agree with Dorothy.

[kaitlinnegan]

Agreed with the others -- if you are making bodice B, which seems to be the halter top, you probably don't need it. It's possible it might help shape the princess seams, though. I would try on the top before you stitch down the lining and see if you think it is needed.

[sewingmom]

Hancocks carries a boneing that you can sew over and it is flat.
In the halter style you may need the boneing to keep the back from sagging down. I made a highwaisted skirt that is adorable on DGD but it needs boneing along the zipper to keep it from sagging down and bulging out.
after looking closley at the line drawings of the pattern, I wouldn't make it without boneing. The dress looks as good as it does due to the support from the boneing. Contact simplicity about the pattern and ask for more instructions for putting in boneing. I believe you will have difficulty finding a bra that will work in the dress and the boneing will offer the support you need. It will also support the cummerbun.

[MartySews2]

Boning is used to provide structure & support to a seam that is used for shaping. It is easy to sew into your seam allowance. Without boning the top may not lie correctly against the body. It is crucial in garment sewing to understand how garments go together on the body. I have a problem with most of the project runway patterns as the instructions from the ones that I have examined are totally incomplete or incorrect. To fail to mention boning is one of those glaring errors in the instructions. Hancock Fabrics sells boning in a package that is plastic with a cloth covered channel. I would cut correct length for the seam (rounding the edges of the plastic) & sew it into the seam allowance. If you don't use boning, your garment may not hang correctly.
Marty

[SmilieFace]

Thanks for all the tips. If only need to sew the boning into the seam allowance of my fashion fabric, that seems easy enough. I am making the halter top version of the dress. The pattern called for 1 1/4 yards of boning. Do you think I just need boning on the front princess seams, or should I put it in the back as well? Am I correct that I just sew the boning into the seam allowance on the fashion fabric, or do I attach it elsewhere?

[MartySews2]

SmilieFace, I'm thinking in looking at the line drawings of your pattern, you need the boning in the princess seams front & back plus the side seams. You just sew it down on each side of the seam allowance & this will give the dress structure. I don't think that you need to sew it across the back, just my thoughts. Hope this helps.
Marty

[kaitlinnegan]

Thanks for all the tips. If only need to sew the boning into the seam allowance of my fashion fabric, that seems easy enough. I am making the halter top version of the dress. The pattern called for 1 1/4 yards of boning. Do you think I just need boning on the front princess seams, or should I put it in the back as well? Am I correct that I just sew the boning into the seam allowance on the fashion fabric, or do I attach it elsewhere?

I think you can do boning either in the seam allowance, or over the seams on the lining. I've only ever done it on the lining, but then I think I've only done boning on my wedding dress. You could do boning in pretty much all the vertical seams of the bodice, like Marty said.

One caveat is that if your boned bodice isn't pretty close fitting, it might stand away from the body weirdly. Ask me how I know...! That's the reason I might suggest trying it without the boning, but of course it's up to you. It's a good idea to check if any fitting adjustments are needed before applying the boning so you don't have extra unsewing to do.