Cutting and draping

by John W. Stephenson

In planning for styles similar to Figure [I] the general rule is to allow the lowest point of the tails to drop one half the distance to the floor and the lowest festoon one half the length of the tail. Having determined the style and size of the drapery on the plan, correct the general outline till it conforms nicely to your idea and the requirements of the space, and measure it as follows: Take a flexible rule (a six-inch celluloid pocket rule makes a splendid article for this purpose, and can be obtained from celluloid novelty manufacturers) and, making it conform to the shape of the bottom line of the festoon, note the measurement A to B (Figure [I]), and record it as also the line C to D; measure all the curved outlines on the plan in like manner and record the various distances.

Now measure the space covered by the pleated ends of the festoons and the distances between, as one to two, two to three, three to four, Figure [I], and the distance from X, the lowest point of the line C—— D to X, the lowest point of the line A—— B, record the distance in feet and inches (two and one-half inches on the plan representing two feet six inches), for convenience in cutting later on; for the tails measure only the straight lines represented by the points E to F, G to H, E to G and I to H.

You are now ready to cut the festoons, and unless there is a likelihood of a number of festoons being needed exactly the same size, we can dispense with a pattern and cut direct from the measurement; but I would advise the novice to start on inexpensive material, like shaker or canton flannel, until he is sure of his ground.

Lay the goods on the table, face down, with the end to—and even with—the side of the table, in front of you. The pattern, if any, should run from you, and in the case of pile goods the nap should run toward you. Smooth the goods out sufficiently to transfer the complete measurements without readjusting. Take a piece of soft white crayon, and mark off on the end of the goods nearest you the distance between the points A—— B on your scale plan, using the end of the goods as your line (Figure [2]). If the width of the goods is not sufficient, as in this case, mark the points on the table, at equal distance from each selvage. (See A—— B, Figure [2].) Now at X the centre of the line or end of goods, strike a perpendicular line X—— X at right angles to the edge of table and end of goods and as long as twice the distance from A—— B to C—— D in Figure [1]. This allows as much again for fulness—a safe allowance for nearly all purposes, but governed to some extent by the nature of the goods. Soft materials like art silks, silkolines and other light-weight drapery stuffs require a little more.

At the top of this perpendicular line X—— X, Figure [2], draw a horizontal line parallel to the bottom line and nearly as long (or, if it is the last cut in the goods, right across the goods, leaving a straight end), and on it, with X as a centre, mark the points C—— D equidistant.

With one point of a pair of dividers at A and one-third of the distance from A to X as a radius describe a quarter circle from the line, 1—— 1 Figure [2], and repeat at B, 2—— 2 Figure [2]. Then with point of dividers at X and A—— B as radii strike a semi-circle to bisect the two smaller circles at points E—— E, rule from these two points to X on the bottom line and also to points C and D on the top line. This gives us the general shape of the festoon, but the lines must be rounded a little at the bottom and sides and allowance left for straightening the pleated ends. (See dotted lines, Figure [2].) And if, as is the case in Figure [2], the width of the goods is less than the distance between the points E—— E, the corners must be pieced out of the pieces F——F.

In cutting the sides, as dotted lines Figure [2], allow about three inches extra at top and bottom and hollow at centre to one and one-half inches from straight lines E—— D and E—— C, round the bottom as curved dotted line, with greatest swell at about one-third of the distance from X. This gives us our perfect festoon pattern, with three inches allowance at each side for trimming off after pleating.

To lay out the plan for the tail it is more economical to use a paper pattern; take a large piece of paper and lay on the table with the longest edge parallel with the edge of the table nearest you. From the end, as point F, which should be at the corner of the table, mark the point E the same distance as on the scale drawing you have, also the point I about half way between. With this as a basis locate the points G and H according to measurement and draw the full sized plan of tail as defined by these points, Figure [3], solid lines.