Cable Ties
In my search for cheaper boning alternatives I came across the idea of using cable ties. Cable ties, used to bundle together electronial cords,
can be found in the Electrical section of stores such as Home Depot. There are two differnt sizes, one about ¼" wide and thin and the other approx 3/8" wide by 1/8" thick. I have only ever used the larger versions.
How you find the cable ties hold up after multiple wearings? Do they start to bend/mold into a non-18c form at all?
I've found the cable ties to work quite well. They have just enough give to be comfortable but not so much that they form to your natural shape. I have had them begin to mould to me after hours of wear (I'm talking 7+ hours, dancing and in the heat) but after laying flat again overnight they are back to normal (remember whalebone had give to it and would mould a bit after time so I think that is a good thing). My horizontal bands have stayed kind of curved but that is because that is how I store them most of the time, my bin not being quite big enough.
I've heard that the ties wear similarly to 'German whalebone'. The advantages of German whalebone seem to be (not having actually used them) is that the German is smaller in width, it's more finished (smoother edges) and comes in a roll (less wastage). Cable ties on the other hand can be found locally and are a fraction of the price. I’ll be able to bone my whole stays for $10-12 – it’s hard to beat that!
I don't exactly understand why you're using cable ties instead of boning... is there some sort of hidden benefit to doing this?
There are really two advantages to the ties: 1. They are cheap and 2. I can obtain them locally. I can also cut them to fit whatever size I want with scissors (yay no pre-planning and measuring) which is nice. Check out Sarah's Guide to Modern Boning Materials for more info.
What about those smaller, whimpy cable ties I've seen?
I have seen those "wimpy" ties used but with multiple ties per channel. (Jessamyn used them here) I think you really have to fully bone for the little ones to work and I would also add steel or large ties to the seams in that case. But I'm not a stick figure and need sturdy boning. :> I’d like to try it someday, as I love the look of all those little baby channels.
Hemp Cord
I have used hemp cording in serval projects, mostly Italian ren bodices and Regency stays. I've been extermly pleased with the results. Hemp is a natural fiber so it breaths, is lighter than steel boning but sturdier than cotton cord.
I won't reccamend hemp for bodices/corsets requiring a stiff, retrictive result - such as the 18th century cone, the victorian cinched waist or the Edwardian long line corset. I have seen 18th century stays with combinations of hemp and steel/reed but have yet to experiment with that myself.
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