A SKIRT WITH INVERTED PLEATS
This method of measuring and folding pleats in a skirt gives a crisp finish. It can be used on a simple arm less chair, with pleats falling from each corner of the seat to the floor, or on a skirt around the lower edge of an easy chair or sofa. There is no need to hem the bottom as the fabric is doubled. Cut a strip of fabric for each side of the skirt, adding 11 cm at each end for the pleat and scam allowances. The fabric should be twice the depth of the finished skirt, plus a 2.5cm seam allowance.
For three of the corners, cut an underlay of fabric 22 cm wide, and the same depth as the main part of the skirt. For the corner where the opening is to be, make the underlay from two separate panels, allowing an extra seam allowance where the fastening is to be attached. Fold the side panels in half along the line of the hem, wrong sides together, and press. Repeat for the underlays.
Turn under and press the 11 cm turnings at each end of the side strips. But the folded edges of the side panels together, and position the turnings over the underlays, so that raw edges match. Pin and stitch the raw edges together, taking 12 mm scams, and trim seam allowances. Neaten raw edges together. Leave one seam not stitched at the corner where the opening is positioned.
Tack across the top of the pleats. Fit the skirt around the lower edge of the scat panel or cover, and stitch in place. Layer the seam allowances and press them upwards. Fit the zip or hook-and-eye tape down the opening. On a simple arm less chair, continue the fastening down the opening in the skirt. On an easy chair or sofa with an applied, short skirt, fit the fastening to the main part of the chair, and turn under and neaten the allowances down the center of the corner pleat.