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Coutil • Coutil Fabric • Cotton Coutil • Corset • Corset Fabric


About Coutil Corset Fabric

From Feather Tippetts,
Grand Gestures Historical Costume Design

Coutil is a traditional fabric used primarily to make corsets. It is suitable for structural undergarments where a tightly woven, breathable fabric is needed. I recommend that you wash your coutil before working with it. If you are planning on dyeing the coutil, wash it in a small amount of gentle detergent (such as Woolite) and rinse it well. Unless you plan on dyeing the coutil, dry it on medium heat and press before cutting your pattern pieces out. If you are dyeing the coutil, put it wet into the dye bath and follow the dye manufacturer’s instructions. When finished with the dye process, dry on medium heat and press before cutting your pattern pieces out.

Your coutil will shrink when washed. In my washing test of coutil from denverfabrics.com, shrinkage on one yard measured approximately 2” in length and 1” in width. This coutil is 54” wide, so one yard (measured before washing) should be sufficient for the outer layer of most corsets, stays or pair of bodyes [16th century stays]. Stays from the Regency period are usually longer in length and may require more fabric. Check your pattern requirements carefully before ordering and remember to allow for shrinkage amount.

 

For two layer corsets, I recommend that you make the outer layer of coutil and the lining of 100% cotton fabric or fine weave linen (slightly heavier than broadcloth works well.) For three layer corsets, use coutil for the outer layer, 100% cotton canvas or medium weight denim cloth for the inner layer and 100% cotton or linen for the lining. Be sure to wash all fabrics before cutting.

If you use a shift or chemise under your corset, you should not need to wash the corset. Many historical costumers use handkerchief linen for creating period correct shifts and chemises. Whatever fabric you choose, make sure that it is thin and breathable. We do not recommend that you wear your corset without a shift or chemise.

This information graciously provided to denverfabrics.com by

Feather Tippetts,
Grand Gestures
Historical Costume Design
Morgan Hill, California

ftippetts@equineperformance.com