How to Sew and Make Curtains, Duvet Covers and Pillow Cases in kidsfabrics

Fabric is 100% cotton unless otherwise stated, and must be washed at a low temperature. Fabric will shrink approximately 2.5 cms per metre so it is recommended that the item made should be made slightly longer than required or alternatively pre shrunk before sewing.

To make up Duvet Cover for child's bed

Please measure your duvet length/width and allow for shrinkage with 1.5 cms seam allowances on three sides and 8 cm for base opening.
Sew the base opening first by turning under the opening edge of each piece to form a double 2.5 cm wide hem. Stitch both base opening hems in place separately. Then place right sides of the fabric pieces together and stitch the fabric pieces together along the base hem for 15 cm approximately on each side. Then attach press-studs or fastening tape to the base.

If using fastening tape - make sure press studs correspond and use a zipper foot to sew in place. Then sew a few stitches across the hem either side of the opening to enclose the raw edges.

Next sew the two long edges of the cover and the top edge last. Zig zag raw edges. Turn duvet right side out.

NB There is no need to match patterns on a duvet cover but fabric pattern should run in the same direction.

To Make up Curtains for kids rooms

1. Turn a double hem (2cm) on each curtain side (selvedge).
2. Make a double hem along base of each curtain (7cm).
3. Use points 1 and 2 to make up lining sides and hem.
4. Position the lining over the curtain fabric with wrong sides together and matching top raw edges (this is easier if you lay both flat).
5. Pin the curtain and lining together (down the centre and sides)
6. Fold down and press hem for top of curtain.

You may want to lessen bulk at the top of the curtain by trimming some of the lining under the top fold before attaching the heading tape.
Also at this point you may prefer to attach the sides of the curtain and lining together with small hemming stitches.

Attaching the heading tape

7. Treating the top fabric and lining as one at the top edge, pin the heading tape in position (at the top edge) and then stitch along the top and bottom edge of the tape. Tuck in the raw edges at either side of the tape before stitching.

Position curtain hooks and pull threads to correct width.

Arrange curtain lengths as shown alongside. Pin before sewing lengths to ensure pattern match. Sew lining in the same manner.

Zig Zag raw edges on the curtain and lining seams.

To Make up Pillow Covers for kids rooms

Pillow Sham

Measure Length and width of pillow over the fullest parts. Add to both measurements (to allow for shrinkage etc).

For top pillow section cut to measured length and width.
For bottom section cut to measured width but add 6 cms to length. Fold section in half lengthwise. Cut on fold. Make 2.5 cm hem on both cut edges.

Overlap hems 3 cms. Pin overlap together on wrong side.

Pin top and bottom sections together, right sides facing. Stitch around edges. Take pins from overlapped hems at centre of bottom section. Over lock raw edges. And turn case right side out. If desired, snap fasteners may be sewn on overlapped opening, but it may not be necessary.

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