Notions are everything you need to complete a garment besides the fabric itself — zippers, buttons, boning, interfacing, thread, hooks, eyes, and more. Choosing the right notions is just as important as choosing the right fabric.
Zippers
- Invisible zipper — the gold standard for formal wear and costumes. When properly installed, completely invisible in the finished seam. Requires a special presser foot.
- Lapped zipper — traditional construction. Slightly visible but very durable. Appropriate for historical garments where authenticity matters.
- Separating zipper — for jackets, cloaks, and bodysuits that need to open completely.
Boning
- Flat steel boning — rigid, for stays and the back of corsets where you need a firm structure. Does not flex side-to-side.
- Spiral steel boning — flexible in all directions. Best for curved seams and the body of corsets where you need some give as you breathe and move.
- Rigilene / polyester boning — lightweight and inexpensive. Suitable for light bodice support but not for serious corsetry.
- Cable ties (hardware store) — Heidi's secret weapon for mockup corsets. Wrap the ends in electrical tape to prevent poking through the fabric.
Interfacing
- Fusible woven interfacing — iron-on, adds structure to bodice pieces. Choose the weight to match your fashion fabric.
- Sew-in canvas — the professional choice for structured bodices and tailored garments. Does not shrink or bubble as fusible interfacings can.
- Hair canvas — for tailored jackets and structured historical outer garments.
Closures
- Hook and eye tape — for corset closures and boned bodice fronts. Much faster than individual hooks.
- Grommets / eyelets — for corset lacing. Require a grommet punch tool and die. Always punch from the right side for cleaner holes.
- Snap tape — for fast, secure closures on children's costumes and theatrical garments that need quick changes.