Fitted Bedspread Instructions
A fitted bedspread gives a more tailored look than a throwover bedspread
and can be made to match, co-ordinate or contrast with your colour scheme.
They
are made in two sections, the top and the skirt. The top is the same
size as the top of a made up bed, is lined and can be quilted or interlined
for extra warmth. It goes under the pillows that usually have matching
pillow shams.
The unlined skirt, which covers the sides of the bed down to the floor,
can be gathered on to the top for a feminine look or can have inverted
pleats at the corners.
However, if teamed up with a bed valance, the skirt can be shorter to
give a layered look.
Some plain fabrics without nap or fabrics with small designs can be
railroaded (turned through 90 degrees) to avoid the need for seams.
For four-poster and beds with corner posts, the skirt sides and end
sections can be made separately to go either side of the legs of the
bed and the pleats would be placed in the centre of each skirt section
for pleated skirts.
The instructions below are for a fitted bedspread with a gathered
skirt.
Requirements:
Fabric of your choice.
Lining for the top section. Twice the amount will be required if the
top is to be quilted.
Interlining, if required, for the top section.
Matching thread.
Measuring for a Fitted Bedspread:
- Width of the top (W): measure the width of the top of the made up
bed and add 1" (2.5 cms) for seams. If more than 1 width of fabric
and lining are required, position a full width in the centre and add
equal part widths on each side. Join the seams in the fabric and lining
with a flat seam and press open.
Length
of the top (L): measure the length of the top of the made up bed without
the pillows and add 1.5" (3.75 cms) for seams.- Depth of the skirt (D): measure from the top edge of the made up
bed to the floor, or the depth required, and add 1.5" (3.75 cms)
for seams.
- A gathered skirt will need between 1.5 and twice the measurement
of the 2 sides and bottom edge (2L+W) of the top section to allow
for fullness. The fullness ratio does not need to be exact, so work
to the nearest width of fabric. Widths of fabric need to be joined
together with a French seam to achieve this measurement unless the
fabric is railroaded.
Preparing a Gathered Skirt:
- Turn up a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at the lower edge and pin.
- Turn in a double 0.5" (12 mm) hem at each short edge and pin.
- Machine stitch the hems on these 3 sides and press.
- Work 2 rows of gathering stitches along the top edge. To make this
easier work in sections.
- Pull up the gathering threads, adjusting the gathers evenly, so
that the skirt fits the sides and bottom edges of the top section
minus 2" (5 cms).
Making a Fitted Bedspread:
- Attach the interlining to the wrong side of the face fabric, if
required. Traditional interlinings can be used such as domette or
bump as well as synthetic ones such as wadding. As interlining is
bulky join the widths together by hand using herringbone stitch and
then attach it to the back of the face fabric using lock stitch. Once
it is in place treat these two layers as one. Alternatively, quilt
the top section.
With
the right sides together and matching the raw edges, pin the skirt
to the sides and bottom edge of the top section, leaving 1" (2.5
cms) seam allowance at the top edge. Make sure that the gathers are
evenly spaced and adjust if necessary.- Machine stitch the skirt to the top section, 0.5" (12 mm) in
from the raw edge.
- Place the bedspread on a flat surface with the right side facing
and the skirt inwards. Place the lining on top with the wrong side
facing and matching the raw edges. Pin and stitch around 3 sides.
- Turn right side out through the top edge and press.
- Turn in 1" (2.5 cms) at the top edge and slip stitch.
Remember that the Bedding
and Bed Drapes ebook contains many more detailed projects which
go much further that these web pages will permit. All the ebook instructions
are interactively linked to the comprehensive Sewing Guide. 48 bedding
and bed drape projects with over 260 colour diagrams.
Each E-Book is priced at only £10.00 with fantastic savings
(up to 60%) when purchasing the bundle/package.
Basics