Hi Lucy! I have a new corset on which I would like to bend the busk just a bit to fit my abdomen better. Is there any reason I couldn't do this? And, if it won't ruin the corset, what would be the best way to go about making the bends? Thanks!
I know a few people who bend their busks. :) I have curved busks/ underbusks slightly in the past so the top edge wouldn’t dig into my sternum. Others will curve the bottom of the busk to cup under a bit of a tummy. It’s not quite “all you need to do” to get a really good contour around a tummy, because preferably the couple of panels in the front would be drafted/ cut to taper and curve under the tummy too, but bending the busk or front flat bones would be better than nothing - kind of like for someone with lordosis, the best case scenario is to actually draft for it, but if you’re limited to OTR, curving the back bones can certainly help.
For curving a busk, I would recommend using a similar technique as I showed in the video linked above for curving the back steels. Mark out exactly where you need the curve, gently manipulate it with your hands a little at a time, and keep trying on the corset again and again. Avoid going too quick with it or causing kinks.
As you’re curving the busk, keep the clasps closed so you make sure both sides are being curved to the same degree, which will make sure that the loops and knobs line up properly.