For her costumes and her charming creepiness, Drusilla, the prim reaper, was always my favorite Buffy baddie. I coveted her clothing: that sleeveless blood-colored satin sheath, the demure white cap-sleeved gown, that long red velveteen jacket with the deep cuffs! Even her underwear was fetching. This waist corset was inspired by the sweet nothings she wore in “Destiny” (Angel Season 5). Unlike the creamy original, this one has a rich, Victorian color scheme, making it equally striking as outerwear.

The corset is knit side-to-side of two strands of Louet MerLin Sport, a linen/merino blend that produces a strong fabric with a soft hand and fluid drape. It is knit at a tight tension for a fairly firm fabric, and then further enforced with twill-covered boning sewn inside for support. You’ll use the larger needles only for the linen stitch and binding off, and the smaller needles for everything else. The three-dimensional hip shaping is done with intense short rows in the side panels, with less dramatic short rows in the other direction tapering the front and back panels. Wear it on its own as an undergarment, or over a filmy cotton camisole or silky satin slip dress or tailored skirt and blouse as outerwear.

General construction notesCorset is worked sideways in a combination of linen stitch and stockinette. Corset panels and boning are worked by binding off then immediately picking up stitches to create firm edges to each panel. Shaped with short rows. Includes a Victorian-inspired eyelet and colorwork panel in front.