HOW TO MAKE A BEDSPREAD.

Otago Witness, Issue 3882, 7 August 1928, Page 66

HOW TO MAKE A BEDSPREAD.

Just about this time of the year spring fever and house cleaning suddenly take the centre of the stage and every housewife is working overtime in changing the furniture about and brightening old and familiar rooms with fresh and colourful new draperies. It is a perfectly natural and legitimate urge, but lack of means too often proves a stumbling block to its gratification. But with the exercise of a little ingenuity backed by a certain amount of knowledge much of the difficulty may be overcome. Here and now I propose to show the manner in which you can commence operations. Let us start with the bedroom. By the introduction of a new bedspread, or to give it its old-fashioned term, quilt, and fresh window drapings to tone, much may be accomplished. The bedspread is the important feature, however, as it is from this that the keynote for the whole colour scheme springs. Having decided on your colour the next important matter is to choose a material suitable in weight and texture. In this respect you have an almost unlimited field in which to make your selection. Chintz, poplin, taffeta, fuji, linen and the lighter cottons, such as gingham and linen-lawn, to say nothing of jap silk, crepe de chine, satin, and other equally expensive materials each have their individual appeal. But for everyday requirements brightly coloured poplin combining attractiveness with durability is the most practical solution for the housewife with a limited income.

Poplin for furnishing is mostly sold in 50in widths and for the purpose of bedspreads for double or three-quarter beds, this fact simplifies their making. Now, there are three sizes in which bedspreads are sold—double, three-quarter and single, the measurements of which vary from 4ft 6in to sft across by 6ft 6in in length for double beds, 4ft by 6ft 6in in length for three-quarters, and 3ft across by 6ft 6in in length for single beds. Seven and one-quarter yards of 40in or 50in width poplin will make a bedspread and bolster pillow for a double or a three-quarter bed. For a single bed 3|yds of the 50in width will be needed. If the material is . only 36in wide it will take 104yds to make a satisfactory quilt for either a double or bed and sJyds for a single bed.

Where the material is 40in or 50in wide ,■■oll will require to cut into lengths two pieces, each measuring 93in. Take one of these lengths and divide again in half, each Jo be 25in in width by 93in in length, from one end of each strip cut a square measuring 12in_. 'This is to allow for Hie “ sit ” of the quilt at the foot of the bed where the leg separates the bottom from the side. Now. join these narrow panels (one on either side of the centre‘panel) by simple machining, handfaggoting or an insertion. After joining these pieces all that is left to do is to make a hem all round of 4in. But with a material of 36in, the process is not such a simple matter. The lengths of the cut panels will still be 93in, but you will require to cut one 93in length measuring 36in wide, two of the same length measuring Bin across and two pieces 20in wide. From these lastmentioned panels are to be cut the 12in squares referred to earlier. Now proceed to join on either side of the centre panel one Bin strip and on to this again the 20in strip. These strips may be piped in a contrasting shade with a corresponding hem, or the Bin strips may be embroidered in the same colours as those in which the centre motif is worked. If the material to be used is a silk, crepe de chine, or other light-weight material the side panels should be gathered on to the centre panel or Bin panels as in the illustration. In this case the amount of material required to make the bedspread should be increased 2yds, and the length of the two side panels should measure when cut 140 in. These 140 in are to be gathered into 93in. Next week I shall tell you how to make a ‘ humpy ” or “ pouf.”