CRETONNE COVERS

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 34, 3 November 1933, Page 4

CRETONNE COVERS

Spring, Renovation of Shabby Furniture HOW TO GO ABOUT IT Springtime is' the season lor renewing soft furnishings, and the housewife who is handy with her needle delights in rejuvenating lounge chairs and couches, which are beginning to look shabby, with attractive loose covers. Cretonnes for making loose covers are usually obtainable in two widths, 36 Inches and 48, inches. Generally it la advisable to use the narrower, except .when making covers for large sofas.,, If you have not made loose covers before, choose a cretonne with a simple design or preferably one with an allover floral or conventional design that has no up or down. This will simplify matters when cutting the material. When the material has a decided motif in the pattern the motif must be centred in the middle of the back of the chair, on each arm, and in the middle of the cushion.. To decide the amount of cretonne needed find the aggregate length of the several pieces which make up the cover, and-this,, with what is needed for the frill, is the length of material required. Small pieces such as the sides of the cushions and arms will probably come off the sides of these lengths. Allowance 4or Valance. If you intend to have a plain or pleated valance allow sufficient extra material. For a plain frill allow a few inches for hem and heading. A gathered valance will need to.be half as wide again. Some people cut out a paper patte'rn first, but usually; it is easier to pin the material directly on to the chair, not using a pattern at all. If the material is an expensive one, it is advisable to cut out a lining first in cheap cotton, and then, if the cover is thin, this lining may be stitched In with it. The ordinary armchair cover will need no joins other than seams cut in 36in. cretoone. The measurements will be as follow: — 1. Height of the inside back (seat to top of chair). Push the measure down at the seat as far as it will go to allow for plenty of "play.” 2. Height of back outside. 3. Length of seat (allow plenty of length at back). 4. Length of side piece and arm outside. 5. Length and height of arm inside. 6. Size and shape of front pieces of arm. 7. Allowance for frllh The style of the chair should govern the style of the, cover. It may be straight to the ground or have a- gathered or pleated valance. With "showwood” chairs, where the legs are not covered, the cover is turned underneath and tied in place below the seat with tapes sewn, underneath at each corner. Achieving a Correct Fit. To get a correct fit cut each part of the cover double as each side of the chair is the counterpart of the other. Place the material on the chair double. Pin the centre of the cretonne to the centre of the chair back to ensure that the pattern is properly placed.When the pienes are cut, the cretonne is opened out and pinned securely to the chair with plenty of pins. At the front corners the material should be pleated neatly and folded back square at the back corners. The whole cover is pinned together, tacked firmly, and tried on as a whole before machining. Usually it is necessary to leave an opening in an inconspicuous place, such as the centre back. This should be made neat with a false piece and fastened with press Studs. From the pieces left over cut crossway (bias), pieces about 1} inches wide, to cover the piping cortl, and pipe the seams with this, unless you prefer to have' the seams piped with a contrasting colour. The piping cord should be washed .and shrunk before using, otherwise it may shrink when the covers are laundered and spoil their appearance.