How to Select the Correct type of Boning.
Here is a detailed description of the types of corset boning that we stock giving their uses etc. For quick reference here is a chart comparing the different boning materials with their possible uses. 
Boning Comparison Chart
Our sample packs contain examples of all of our boning to aid your selection.
CONTINUOUS STEEL BONING 
Continuous Steel Boning
This type of boning is used both for corsetry and other foundation garments such as crinolines and farthingales. It is flexible in one direction only and is made from plastic coated spring steel.
It is an economic and convenient way of boning corsets but you do have to be prepared to cut and finish the boning which takes a little time and effort.
The various widths available are sometimes used in combination in a single corset providing varying degrees of support.
Mark the lengths of bone required using a marker pen and carefully cut the steel with aviation snips or bolt cutters, your local hardware store should be able to help you here.
You will be left with sharp ends to your boning which if not smoothed will work their way through the fabric of your corset. We normally round the ends using a grinder or file (do wear eye protection). The ends can then be finished with spiral wire end caps or dipped in silicone bathroom sealant (takes a while to dry but works well and is safe), we have heard of PVA and latex being used as an alternative.
We now stock some easy to use metal clips to join the ends of the steel when making hooped petticoats.
Many people find it more convenient to use the pre-finished steel bones.
This boning can be dry cleaned.
STEEL BONES (FINISHED) 
7mm Steel Bones
13mm Steel Bones
Rigid Steel Bones
Finished steel bones are available in several widths and finishes and are now standard in most corsetry with the 7mm width being the most popular. The 13mm size is used where more support is required and the rigid bones used in tight lacing corsetry and as a method of reinforcing behind a busk.
Comfortable, easy to use and made of high quality plastic coated spring steel.
Buy boning that is approximately 1 inch shorter than the length of the placement point or seam on your pattern.
Both the continuous steel and the pre-finished boning needs a channel in the corset to hold it in place. It is important to keep these channels precise to prevent the bones from twisting whilst the corset is being worn.
The channels can be formed in various ways but we find the most convenient is to use boning tape. If you are making a corset where you are treating the outer fabric and lining as seperate layers this tape can be sewn inside the lining and be completely hidden from view. If you are treating all of the layers as