cable ties
Submitted by fern_bucket on Sun, 02/10/2008 - 00:59.
in
A while ago i read about cable ties on a website (http://www.modehistorique.com/elizabethan/homedepot.html) and about how they can be used as a substitue for plastic boning. A lot of you have probably already heard of it but i thought i might mention it. For me it has worked very well, i'll never go back to using the official plastic boning, i find that it doesn't kink, for want of a better word, as much as the boning and it's cheaper! It also looks very nice in stays and corsets as you can get thinner ties, depending on what you want.
The cable ties are great for
The cable ties are great for most applications but remember that corseting really needs the stamina of steel - especially in the front busk. We'll be doing an article on corsetry in an upcoming issue with tips on how to properly fit and bone a corset! Stay tuned!
Dina
Honor the cloth! Every inch is made with the blood, sweat and tears of nameless faces. Learn what it has to say to you about it's nature and go after that with your scissors and thread.
The hardware store is your
The hardware store is your friend!
I have used the thicker cable ties in corsets--Tudor style and Georgian style with no problems keeping their shape.
I have used plastic tubing for panniers--good lightweight support.
I have used the metal duct straps for hoop skirts but wouldn't do it again, kept tearing the fabric.
Do you mean cable ties as in
Do you mean cable ties as in larger, wide zip tie type things? I think they're also referred to as "duct ties" (as in tying up duct-work).
I've done that before, definitely, and it's a good substitution, except that they are thicker than plastic boning - about 2x or 3x times as thick. That is the main down-side, but if you're using them in something that is already a heavier fabric (I used mine with a suede bodice) then it's definitely not an issue.
Another down side, though, is that you can't sew through them as you can plastic boning that you purchase in the store, unless you get the thinner, smaller one's ;P
Why watch anime when you can be anime?
BeAnime.com
Taeliac Studio Cosplay - Custom Cosplay for Everyone!
I've used the really thick
I've used the really thick cable ties (able to hold up to 200lbs of pressure or something like that from what I can remember) in a lightweight, cotton pannier I made to go under one of my faire dresses. Then again, the dress was made of a heavy brocade overdress with a satin lined, thick cotton underskirt. I almost needed steel boning in order to keep the pannier from collapsing under all that weight!
Hey, that's a good use for
Hey, that's a good use for cable ties. I'd imagine the thicker ones would also be useful as collar stiffeners.
I've just remembered that a few years ago a friend of mine made himself a pair or trousers entirely out of cable ties. The legs were formed using many horizontal rows of 2 or 3 complete ties together, then the 'codpiece' had a lizard-like spiny crest of ties protruding vertically.
The cable ties were black, so the whole effect was very Sci- Fi and Giger like. He looked great, but I seem to remember they chafed when he tried to walk in them!!
Shame there's no photo, only memories remain:)
I have used cable ties in
I have used cable ties in lieu of boning before, as well. The really thick cable ties work excellently if you need something fairly sturdy but can't find steel boning.
That sounds really nifty,
That sounds really nifty, and now I want to try it. ^^ I've never actually used boning before.. only sewn the casings so it looks like there's bonig. xD