UPHOLSTERING HINTS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 9273, 27 June 1908, Page 3

UPHOLSTERING HINTS.

Upholstery can by no means be looked upon in the light of easy amateur home occupation, and whether fitted or loose ,covers are in question, first attempts are often apt to prove disappointing. Where loose covers are concerned a stool is the best article of furniture with which to commence operations, the material being laid over it, and cut round to the desired shape. An inch shoiw be allowed for a hem, as well as an inch and a half for shrinking in cases where the covers are to be washed. No beginner should dispense with the frill round the foot of a chair or sofa cover, as this ornamentation, besides forming a neat finish, conceals the irregularities of the hem, nothing being more difficult hha,n to secure an even ,line at the base. As regards fitted covers, the tacks which secure the gimp should first be removed, and the basting threads cut, whioh will be found beneath, while the cover should then be removed. This should first be ironed, and then folded over lengthways, and laid on the new material, which should also be doubled in such a manner as to occasion the least waste. If the material is to be drawn in and fastened with buttons, after the 6tyle of a mattress, it should be first laid somewhat loosely over the seat of the etool or chair and tacked temporarily all round. An upholsterer's long needle should be threaded with string and used double In order to fasten the new cover according to the original indentations, these being made by passing the needle through from back to front, arranging the folds correctly meanwhile, and finishing each with a button covered with the new material. A firm slip-stitoh must be made each time the needle is shifted from tuft to tuft, and also before threading a N button, while the needle must always be inserted perpendicularly, a slanting stitch resulting iri a crooked cover,. When the tufting is finished the spare fullness of the material should be pleated and nailed round- the wooden frame of the piece of furniture, the edge cut neatly, and gimp to match nailed on over the top.