Are you struggling with high unemployment in an area? Working in an area with people desperate for work, and few options? Why not start a sewing circle? Lumiere Charity has assisted in the founding of numerous sewing circles, which have all been successful without exception.
Here's how we did it. Fundraise among friends, your church group and at coffee mornings. With the funds collected, purchase donations of sewing machines, material, scissors, sewing needles, cottons, tape measures, rulers, pins, unpickers, sewing needles. If the area where you are starting has no electricity, try and get the old fashioned style of treadle machines. We will be writing a number of blogs giving ideas on items to make for sale. Items which have proved popular and always in demand include duvets, pillow slips, sheets, dresses, trousers, clothing for adults and children, clothing for services in churches.
Today we will pass on some tips to make duvet covers. Remember, the two main stitches always needed in any kind of sewing are straight stitching and zigzag stitching. Always helpful in sewing items are zips and buttonholes. A very simple duvet cover can be made as follows;
For a single duvet cover, cut two rectangles of fabric, the breadth 150 centimetres, and the length 213 centimetres (or 59 inches in breadth, and 83 inches in length). For a double duvet cover, cut two rectangles of fabric 213 centimetres in length, and 213 centimetres in breadth (or 83 inches in breadth, and 83 inches in length). Prepare the bottom end of the cover to take the Velcro fastening. Do this by neatening the two raw material edges with zigzag stitch. Turn back a hem of 2.5 centimetres (two and a half centimetres) or 1 inch (one inch). The hem needs to be turned to the 'wrong'side. (The wrong side is the side of the material which is less brightly patterned, the side which will not be facing outwards when the duvet is put on the bed). Iron or press the seam down. Remember, if you iron or press each seam while you are sewing your duvet, the finish will always be professional.
The next step is to place the right sides of the fabric together. Pin the fabric, and then tack it. Tacking is when you sew large stitches by hand with needle and thread to hold the material firmly in place, so that when you sew your duvet with the sewing machine, it will not move but stay firmly in place. The tacking is taking out after the seams have been sewn on the sewing machine.
So; with right sides of the fabric together, stitch the two bottom edges of the cover together along the crease line, leaving an opening in the centre large enough to insert the duvet later. Cut the Velcro strips to length.
Now stitch the Velcro to each side of the opening. Iron or press the turnings in. With the right sides of the fabric facing, sew the remaining three sides together with straight stitch on the machine. Remember to take 1.5centimetres (one and a half centimetres or half inch) turnings at the corners. Neaten the corners with a zigzag stitch. Turn the cover through the the right side and iron or press.
Another way to get a pattern for a duvet is to get a duvet cover, and unpick the stitching. Look carefully how it is made, and use the unpicked pieces as a pattern. A good plan is to ask a trained seamstress or tailor to volunteer their time to the new sewing group in order to teach them how to sew the duvet cover without hurting themselves on the sewing machine. Whenever you sew, keep your fingers away from the sewing machine needles which flashes up and down and can go into and through your finger (yes, I have done that when I was learning sewing. It is really sore, and not a good idea...) Another risk is if you pull on the needles while the fabric is still under the needle. The needle can break, and fly outwards. Be careful of your eyes.
Do not sew while children, babies or animals are nearby. Always close up your sewing machine carefully afterwards. If you are using electricity, switch the machine off, and pull the plug out. Don't leave scissors, needles and other sharp objects where children can get at them.
Good luck with your sewing circle! Sell your items and you can make funds to pay your and your family's needs again.
*Photograph taken by Catherine Nicolette. Please feel free to use copyright free for any worthy purpose
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