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The Encyclopaedia of Curtains, page 118 © Copyright Merrick & Day
CUTTING PLAIN AND PATTERNED FABRIC Now that most of the preparation has been done, it is finally time to start making up! But before you wield the scissors for the first time, read through these important notes: As soon as you unpack the fabric, check the reference number and the colourway with your original sample and order. This is especially vital if you ordered by telephone or by post. Many companies make similar designs in the same or slightly varied colours, but once you have cut into the fabric they are very reluctant to change it. Roll out the fabric right to the end and check for flaws, and that the correct quantity has been sent. Again, manufacturers will not replace fabric once it has been cut. Rernember to work in either centimetres or inches! CUTTING PLAIN FABRIC 1 Calculate the cut drop by adding a heading and hem. allowance to the finished length. See table on pll6 for the fabric quantities you will need. The diagram, right, shows how you lay out the roll to begin cutting. 2 Always cut out the fabric using a metal ruler and an L or a set square, otherwise the curtains will never hang straight. Keep the ruler firm and, with a fabric marker pencil, draw right across the width below it. 3 Check that you recognise the right and wrong side of the fabric, and as soon as you have finished cutting each drop, mark the top of the length and the right side of the fabric with a fabric marker pencil. 4 Before cutting linings and interlinings, check that they are the same width as the fabric; if not, you will have to cut more or less to match up the total width. 5 Ideally, you should cut each fabric or lining for a pair of curtains from the same batch, as colours do vary. 6 If the selvedges are tight before you cut out the lengths, release any puckering by snipping to just within the seam allowance. If this is not done, the fabric will not lie straight and you will find it difficult to cut straight lines. 7 The cut panels of fabric are joined together with a plain seam. NOTE: If you are working on a patterned fabric it will make it more accurate if you match the pattern on the cut lengths, and then quickly slip-tack the seams before you machine them. FABRIC WITH BORDERS If you have a border printed down each selvedge, you should cut away one border per seam. This will show off the design, but will also reduce the usable width; so bear this in mind when you calculate fabric quantities.
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