Annabelle Shapewear Waspie + Underbust Variation

At the beginning of the year, a lovely student scheduled a shopping appointment. It had been a few years since I had seen her and I was excited to catch up. During her appointment, she asked if we carried a firm powernet. Coincidentally, we had just received fabric swatches from our vendor, and one in particular—a high-compression fabric—immediately caught my eye. It isn’t your average powernet; it is so much more. As we chatted, we started brainstorming how incredible this fabric would be in a Madalynne pattern. 

What is compression fabric and how is it different than powernet or a stretch mesh? Compression fabric is designed to provide controlled pressure and support to the body. It’s like powernet on steroids. It’s typically made from a blend of spandex, nylon, or polyester, giving it high stretch and recovery properties. The level of compression varies depending on the fabric’s weight, fiber content, and knit structure. Compression fabric is commonly used in athletic wear, maternity wear, swimwear, and medical garments (post-surgical garments, compression socks, and braces to aid recovery, improve blood flow, and reduce swelling),

So back to that shopping appointment – our conversation sparked the idea of the Annabelle Shapewear Waspie & Underbust Kit—a variation of Madalynne’s corset pattern that includes a high-end compression fabric designed to blend compression and comfort for a sleek, sculpted silhouette. We are also showing before and after photos on Maddie to show what a difference it can make! 

✔ Prevent bra bands from rolling up

✔ Keep activewear shorts’ waistbands from rolling down

✔ Smooth back rolls

✔ Offer natural-looking waist cinching and shaping

Key Modifications to the Original Annabelle Pattern:

Instead of traditional binding, fold over elastic is used along the top and bottom edges for a clean finish.

Hook and eye tape replaces grommets and lacing for easy wear.

All seams are sewn with right sides together, keeping boning channels hidden for a smooth look under clothing.

Because this garment is designed for regular wear and washing, the kits include plastic boning—a durable, flexible alternative to steel that won’t rust over time.