I often get asked by newbie corset makers how many corset pattern pieces a corset training pattern should have per side (because corset sewing patterns come as one half a corset and you cut one side of the corset out, then flip the pattern to cut the other).
There is no hard and fast rule for the number of pieces a corset pattern should have when you come to make a corset, but a general rule is that the more pieces per side, the more advanced/higher the quality of the corset design. The same goes for your boning channels. Although watch out for very curvy bone channels on more advanced corset designs, as you’ll need to use spiral steel boning here rather than having a choice between sprung and spiral boning.
I recommend staying away from anything less than four panels per side, especially if your making a corset training corset (for these I really recommend five or more). If your just learning how to make a corset for the very first time you’d have your hands full with a six piece corset sewing pattern so don’t go above this. Bodice patterns (like the Elizabethan bodice pattern I made) are slightly different. Boning channels and detailing will indicate quality and if your making a historical pattern be aware that the earlier you go the more basic the structure will be.
