Making a self bordered cushion with envelope back.

Decide on the size of the cushion pad you want to use and measure across the width and length of the pad then add on 10cm (2”) to both measurements.
Front
Cut out the front section to this measurement. Use a cushion template, if possible, to get a square cut, and remember to centralise your chosen pattern.
Back
Cut out the back section the same width as the front, but add on 15 – 20cm (6”- 8”) to the length. This is the section that will form the envelope.
Cut the back into two sections, approx in half, it won’t matter if you are more 1/3 – 2/3 just remember that the bottom 5cm (2”) will be the border.
Turn over a double 1cm turning at the middle edges, pin, tack and machine.
Lay the back two pieces on top of the front section and line up, making both sides the same size by overlapping the two back sections. I usually have the top section overlapping the bottom section as this helps to minimise the ‘envelope’ gaping.
Pin, tack and machine across both back pieces approx 2” (5cm) in from the sides (depending on the width of your border) across the overlap of the opening, making sure you machine in enough to cover the border width.
Lay both sides right sides together and pin, tack and machine the front to the back using a 1cm seam allowance.
Trim the corners and turn the cushion cover right side out, pushing the corners square and ironing out any creases, lay flat on your table.
Pin, tack and machine 2” (5cm) in from the edge all round the cushion cover.
Press your cover and insert pad.

Event Description:

This is a sewing class

Event Date

11/22/2011

Event Time

From: 16:00 – To: 18:00

Event Venue

Millhouse

Event TimeZone

(GMT+0) Europe/London

Cushion making for those with some sewing experience or who have completed the Level 1 Cushion-Making Course.

You will learn how to make piping, and attach it to your cushion and learn how to insert a zip across the centre back of your cushion.

Students will leave with their own cushion cover.

Cost includes selecting fabric from our remnants, (or you can bring your own), but not the cushion pad.

If you have your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you.

Investment: £30.00

If you wish to book both courses the combined investment will be £50.00.

To book, please use the contact form or phone Sandie on 01303 812121

Learn how to make handmade interlined curtains with handmade headings by making a sampler in class to take home for future reference.

The sampler will have mitred corners and will be weighted. Learn how to lock in your interlining and lining for a professional finish.

This course is only really suitable for students who have completed Level 2 Curtain Making as it will utilise many of the skills already taught.

Cost includes selecting fabric from our remnants, (or you can bring your own), and the necessary bits to complete the sampler.

If you have your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you.

Investment: £30.00

Find out more about Curtain Making Level 1
Find out more about Curtain Making Level 2

If you wish to book all 3 courses the combined investment will be £75.00

To book, please use the contact form or phone Sandie on 01303 812121

Learn how to make a handmade lined, curtain sampler with pencil pleat headings and mitred and weighted corners. Students will leave with a sampler for future reference.

We will also discuss pattern matching and how to calculate fabric with a pattern repeat.

This is a good follow on from the Level 1 Curtain Making.

Cost includes selecting fabric from our remnants, (or you can bring your own), and the necessary bits to complete the sampler.

If you have your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you.

Investment: £30.00

Find out more about Curtain Making Level 1
Find out more about Curtain Making Level 3

If you wish to book all 3 courses the combined investment will be £75.00

To book, please use the contact form or phone Sandie on 01303 812121

Learn how to make a machined, lined curtain with pencil pleat headings by making a sampler in the class to take home and use for future reference.

You will learn the basics of curtain making and hints and tips on how to measure your own windows and how to calculate fabric requirements for different headings.

This is a good start for pupils with no experience of curtain making.

Cost includes selecting fabric from our remnants, (or you can bring your own), and the necessary bits to complete the sampler.

If you have your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you.

Investment: £30.00

Find out more about Curtain Making Level 2
Find out more about Curtain Making Level 3

If you wish to book all 3 courses the combined investment will be £75.00

To book, please use the contact form or phone Sandie on 01303 812121

Cushion making for beginners or those with little or no sewing experience.

Learn how to make a simple cushion cover, with a self-border and envelope back opening.

You will learn how to calculate fabric amounts for cushions, sew straight seams, and leave with your own cushion cover.

Cost includes selecting fabric from our remnants, (or you can bring your own), but not the cushion pad.

If you have your own sewing machine, please feel free to bring it with you.

Investment £30.00

To book, please use the contact form or phone Sandie on 01303 812121

In the post war 1950s homes, great changes were taking place.  The post war years brought open plan living, and the fitted kitchen, complete with large colourful fridges and new household appliances was the housewife’s domain.

Houses were smaller than pre-war ones so furniture had to stack or be light enough to move about; trolleys, sofa beds and ironing boards are all 1950s inventions.

The designs of the moment bounced between the American diner look with bubblegum colours, neon and kitsch, or the designer look with furniture and textiles, which have both become design classics. The retro designs of the 1950’s interiors were full of retro fabrics with floral designs, and funky fabrics with geometric designs, full of colour and expression. This is where the age of the consumer began.

In 1951, the festival of Britain opened its doors to showcase all that was new and vibrant in Britain. The aim of the exhibition was to raise the nation’s spirits after the war years and to celebrate the best of British art, 1950’s interior design and industry.

Sanderson fabrics have now launched a 1950’s Collection that is a bold and iconic collection of prints and weaves that celebrates a decade of design, which transformed the boundaries of interior decoration.

The Sanderson 50’s collection combines original 1950’s designs from the Sanderson archive with designs from contemporary artists who have taken great inspiration from this era.

‘Festival’ is a reproduction of a design specially created for the Festival of Britain. The design is typical of the era with bold abstract shapes and blocks of colour, and is available in fabrics and wallpaper.

Another design from the Sanderson 1950’s collection is Hayward.  This design takes it’s inspiration from the very popular 1950’s Poole pottery, and was designed in the Sanderson studio, inspired by the incised textures and intense glazes used on the pottery, some if which is

One of the original 1950 designs in the collection is Mobiles, which was originally printed on rayon, which at the time was a newly developed fabric, which was affordable and  popular with the younger more sophisticated generation.

Another original design from 1953 is Perpetua, which has been taken from the Sanderson archives. This floral fabric was again, originally printed on rayon, but has been given a more up to date revival and is now available in 100% cotton or a cotton/nylon mix. The simple, stylised shapes represent flower heads and stems. It has been recreated as closely as possible to the original design and is now rotary printed in four colourways.

Finally the collection includes ‘Seaweed’ which has also been taken from a document in the Sanderson archives, which was designed in 1954. Originally printed on cotton crepe it has been reproduced on a similar 100% cotton fabric in four colourways. This design depicts seaweed and plants within rectangular blocks with textured dotting and abstract shapes.

Have a look and see what you think of this new retro collection from Sanderson fabrics, and then give us a call and let us see how we can help bring these new ranges into your home.

MEASURING FOR A RECESS FITTING:

Measure the width and the drop in 3 positions noting any protrusions using a metal tape.

Make a note of the smallest width and drop measurement.

Take note of which way the window opens and any handles that may impede on the operating.

MEASURING OUTSIDE A WINDOW RECESS:

Allow the blind to extend approximately 10cm either side, and 10cm above and below the window.

Make a note of the required width and drop measurement.

The above instructions also apply for roller and venetian blinds.

WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF ROLLER BLINDS, ROMAN BLINDS, ALLUMINIUM AND WOODEN VENETIAN BLINDS, PLEATED BLINDS, CONSERVATORY BLINDS, VERTICAL BLINDS AND SHUTTERS.

WE CAN MAKE ROMAN BLINDS OUT OF ANY OF OUR FABRIC RANGES, SO HAVE A LOOK AT WHAT WE HAVE ON OFFER, MAKE YOUR SELECTION AND LET US GIVE YOU AN ESTIMATE FOR MAKING THEM UP FOR YOU.

Machine-sewn curtains (also known as ‘bag lining’)

This is the easiest method of lining curtains and uses little or no hand sewing.

When calculating the amount of lining fabric you need to purchase, you should allow the same amount as for your curtain fabric. but do not add any extra for pattern matching.

1. Begin by cutting out the required widths of fabric, (see how to measure for curtains).

2. Press each width before you start, so that they are easier to work with.

3. Join the side seams on both the main fabric and the linings, taking care to match any pattern where necessary.

4. Hem the main curtain fabric by turning a double 7.5cm (3″) hem and machining accross the bottom as close to the top of the hem as possible.

5. Hem the lining fabric in the same way by turning up a double 5cm (2″) hem and machining along the hem line as close to the top edge as possible.

6. Ensure the full width of the made up lining is 13 cm narrower than the full width of the main curtain fabric. This gives you a facing along the inside of the curtains.

7. With the right sides of both curtains together, and the top of the lining hem in line with the top of the curtain hem,  stitch down the side seams. Try to stitch in the same direction for both seams.

8. Turn the curtain right side out and lay on the table. The facing at the side of the curtain should be approx 3cm.

9. Now measure the finished length of the curtain and turn over a 5cm turning at the top, cutting off any excess fabric. Machine stitch your heading tape along the top, making sure you machine in the same direction for both top and bottom stitching.

10. If you are using them, hand sew weights into the corners of each curtain and neaten by hand. Draw up your tape cords to the required width and insert your hooks.

Your curtains are finished and ready to hang.
Join your widths of curtain fabric and linings together to obtain the required fullness for your chosen curtain style.
The finished width of your lining should be 13cm less than the finished width of the curtain fabric.

Hem your curtain fabric, the usual hem allowance is a double 7.5cm hem (3inches)

Hem your lining widths, the usual hem allowance is a double 5cm hem (2 inches)

Place the lining fabric on top of your curtain fabric, right sides together, and have the lining 2.5 cm (1 inch) up from the bottom of the curtain fabric. This ensures that the lining cannot be seen from the front.

Pin or tack the sides together ready to machine.

Machine up the sides, from bottom to top, about ½ inch in from the edge, more if you have a heavy selvedge.

Turn your curtain right side out and press.

Measure up for your finished length and turn the excess fabric over at the top.

Pin your heading tape along the top and machine top and bottom, ensuring that you follow the same direction for both rows of stitching to avoid puckering.

Tie up the draw cords at one end and tuck them into the back of the heading tape, them pull up the cords from the other end to your required width and tuck them into the tape.

Your curtain is now ready to insert your curtain hooks and hang up.

If this all seems just a little too complicated, let us make your curtains for you.

We can organise all the fabrics, linings and have them couriered to you once complete.

Contact us for more information and costs.