These stays (corset) I made for my 18th century garments (using the Mill Farm  18th Century Jumps or Leather Stays Pattern) in order to achieve the proper silhouette.  I still have not finished binding the edges (I hate that part) and have used the un-period method of a zigzag stitch to keep it from fraying.  These are stiffened with the plastic boning, not steel or reed.