Cutting and draping

by John W. Stephenson

Finish at top and bottom and around windows and doors with a gimp or molding, and the room is complete with continuous pattern and every tack concealed.

AWNINGS · AND · VERANDA · CURTAINS

Awnings are naturally divided into two classes—house awnings and store awnings. Of the first, Figures [139, 140 and 141] illustrate the kinds of windows most frequently met with. Figure [139] is an ordinary square top window, of which Figure [142A] is a side view in skeleton, showing the method of attaching the frame to the window, and also the relative size of the awning to the window.

To measure this window for an awning, measure the width of frame from centre to centre (A—A), and half the distance from the top of the frame to the sill, with three inches added (A—B). These measures are simple, but should be carefully taken to ensure a good fit. Take note also of any projections of stone or brick which would prevent the awning fitting closely to the frame all around, and be sure to allow for these when making the awning.

Figure [141] is measured in like manner, and a record also made of the depth from the top of the centre to the top of the straight side of the frame (C—B). The round top (Figure [140]) is measured for width and height as the foregoing, but the height of the circular sweep must also be taken. Stretch a tape or cord across at B—B, the spring of the arch, and then measure the distance from this to the top of the frame (B—C). If the windows are so constructed or are in such a position that a projection of three inches more than half the height would not be permissible, a measurement must be taken for projection also; but if there is nothing to interfere with this amount of projection the height measurement will be sufficient to determine the amount of projection.

When ready to cut the goods, mark out on your awning table (which should have a top measurement of at least 5.0 x 8.0, and larger if possible) the measurements as follows: On one end of your table (Figure [143]) draw a line across it parallel with the end and eleven inches from it. Now, attaching a tape at A, one end of your line, measure across to B, the projection of your awning (A—B, Figure [139]), which is half the height of the window and three inches extra. Place a tack at B, the point thus determined, and then measure up the table the height of the awning (in this case the same as the projection). Place a tack at this measurement (D) also, and chalk a line across the table; fasten the tape at tack D, draw it across to tack B and down to C, the end of the table, as indicated by the heavy line; add a couple of inches for hems, and this measurement represents the length of the top of the awning.

Plate 155 is a ready-reckoner for quantities required for the sizes therein contained when the projection and height are the same. To find the height required for the top of a given size, take, for instance, 3.0 projection by 3.0 high (3.O x 3.0), the top measurement is 4.3; add 1.0 for curtain and the total 5.3 is reached.

To determine the number of widths required to make the width of the awning, refer to the width table, which gives the finished measurement of different numbers of widths when joined together. Cut a sufficient number of lengths the size needed as measured from D to C and join them up to aggregate the width of the top of the awning. To cut the ends draw another chalk line eleven inches beyond point D on your table and mark the projection on it (F, Figure [143]) and rule from F to C, the end of the table, cutting through B; snap a chalk line from B to D (as heavy line, Figure [143]). Take a flexible slat, and placing it against the tacks at D and B, bend it an inch beyond the chalk line at G; mark the curve thus described as dotted line and repeat on the other side of the line. Cut out along the two curved lines and across at F, which will give you two complete ends, and if the goods are reversible (i. e., the same on both surfaces), by turning one end over these two form a pair.

Should the goods not be reversible, and there are two awnings to make which are the same size, mark one set (as Figure [143]), and the next set biased from A to H, and this will give you two pairs of ends. Or, if only one awning is to be made, and the goods are not reversible, each end is planned out separately by ruling the pattern (as Figure [143]) and piecing the goods out to fill the space outlined by D—B—C and I.