Materials

Muslin (Chap. I, Par. 27).

2 yards muslin (unbleached).

4 yards tape.

White thread No. 70.

Needle No. 8.

1 piece drafting paper, 30"x62".

Introductory Statement

It is very important that the cover on an ironing board should be kept clean. If it is not it will soil the clothes that are ironed on it. With care, the cover on an ironing board can be kept clean for some time, but on account of dirt and the occasional scorching which ironing boards are almost sure to get, it will eventually need to be removed; if it is tacked to the board permanently this is quite a task.'

A cover which can be easily removed and replaced will be found much more satisfactory. Before this cover is placed on it, the ironing board should be properly padded with several thicknesses of canton flannel, heavy outing flannel or felt (a discarded blanket or bed spread will answer this purpose).

The removable cover shown in this lesson is provided with tape strings placed at frequent intervals. These tapes are to be tied together under the board, thus making it possible to adjust this cover to different sized ironing boards, also to draw it perfectly smooth.

Unbleached muslin makes a very satisfactory cover, and since it is not expensive, it is very commonly used for this purpose.

References:

Approved Methods for Home Laundering. Proctor and Gamble Co., Cin., O. Laundry Manual, Balderston & Lemerick. Whitcomb & Barrows. Laundry Manual, Mrs. Lord. Nelson & Son, N. Y.

Suggestions For Optional Modification

Large Ironing Board Cover

No. 1. No. 1 is a large ironing board cover, very similar to the one in the lesson. It is provided with rings so as to lace around the board with tape. The top portion of the ironing board cover is a sort of pocket or hood that fits securely over the end of the board.

Pressing Pad

No. 2. No. 2 is a pressing pad made of heavy unbleached muslin of two or more thicknesses. It is provided with tapes with which it may be fastened in place. It is used in pressing laces and very dainty fabrics.

Pressing Cloth

No. 3. No. 3 is a large rectangular piece of heavy unbleached muslin hemmed on all sides. It is used in pressing garments.

Ironing Board Cover

No. 4. This is a large ironing board cover gathered at one end and held in place by ties of tape.

Working Directions For Ironing Board Cover

Preparing Material

If desired you may make a pattern and cut the ironing board cover from it, using the following directions, or you may apply the directions directly to the muslin. Straighten one end of the material first (Chap. II, Par. 102), then fold it in the center lengthwise.

Laying Out The Cover

As the dimensions are given for one-half of the ironing board cover folded lengthwise, first find the center of the paper by folding the long edges together evenly. On the straightened end measure out from the center fold 15" (half the width of the cover at the wide end). Mark this with a dot and call it number 1. From dot 1 measure up on the fold 45" (the place where the flap begins); mark with a dot, call it number 2. From dot 2 measure out 12" (the width of the ironing board cover at this point); mark with a dot and call it number 3. Connect dots 3 and 1 with a straight line, using a yard stick and pencil. As half the flap is 5" narrower than half the ironing board cover at this point, measure back toward the fold from dot 3, mark with a dot, call this number 4. Connect dots 3 and 4 with a straight line. From the folded corner at the wide end of the cover measure up on the fold 60", the full length of the cover, mark with a dot and call it number 5; from dot 5 measure out 6" toward the unfolded edge (this is half the width of the narrow end of the flap); mark with a dot; call this number 6. Connect dots 6 and 4 with a straight line; cut out the pattern for the cover, making it the shape shown in the illustration. As the flap is to be made double in order to fit over the end of the ironing board, an extra piece must be cut out for this purpose. Open the paper and pin the flap end over another piece of paper large enough to cut the piece exactly like the flap, allowing 1/2" extra on the wide end for a hem. Cut out the extra piece. Fold the long edges of the material for the cover together evenly; crease on the fold; lay the straight edge of the pattern on the fold of the material; pin it in several places to keep it from slipping; cut out the cover.

Setting On Tapes

The ends of the tapes to be used to tie the cover to the ironing board are to be folded under with the hems. They should be prepared first. To do this, cut 18 pieces of tape each 8" long. On the right side of the cover, beginning at the wide end, lay 9 of these strips on the cloth with one end of each even with the edge of the cover at equal intervals of 5". Fold, baste with even basting (Chap. II, Par. 103) and stitch a hem 1/4" wide along this edge of the cover and the end next to the flap, stitching the tapes under edge of the hem. Finish the end of the hem next to the flap by turning in the raw edge and sewing it down with hemming stitches (Chap. II, Par. 114). Fasten the tapes and make a hem on the opposite edge and end of the cover in exactly the same manner.

Finish the wide end of the cover with a 1/4" hem, the same as the hems on the edges.

To Make The Flap

Make a 1/4" hem on the wide end of the extra piece which is to be sewed on to the flap end of the ironing board; turning the seam toward the wrong side, make the edges even and baste this piece to the flap with a 1/4" seam. Stitch it in place on the sewing machine (Chap. II, Par. 164); turn right side out; remove all bastings.