|
Oilcloth
By Rabia Nisar
A
century ago, oilcloth was a staple in middle-class kitchens.
The durable, easy-to-clean
and inexpensive fabric was a boon for homemakers, who
used it to make tablecloths, drawer liners and coverings
for just about any surface that needed protection and
a bit of color.
|
Early oilcloth looked quite stylish. It
came in solid colors as well as in geometric patterns
and ornate designs that mimicked fancy damasks. But it
wasn't fancy at all. It was made from heavy canvas or
cotton fabric that was rendered waterproof with coatings
of linseed oil and paint. Today, it is difficult to find
true oilcloth. When it fell out of style, most of what
remained was discarded. But modern versions made of plastic
or vinyl woven with cotton are just as versatile and long-lasting.
Their cut edges won't fray, which makes them especially
easy to work with.
You can find oilcloth in fabric stores. Use it for any
number of simple projects. Here are some ideas.
Lunch bags Oilcloth is the perfect material for transporting
your children's lunches, or your own, without risking
leaks. These reusable bags will cut down on waste, because
they can be cleaned with a damp sponge. Oilcloth is not
machine washable. Use a single pattern for the whole bag
or cut out complementary patterns or solid colors for
the side panels.
First, cut out the main piece, 291/2 inches by 8 inches,
and two side panels, each 121/4 inches by 5 inches. Then
fold the long panel inside out, into a U shape, with a
flat, 5-inch bottom. Make a 1/4-inch cut at the bottom
corners of the side and middle pieces, so the bag will
fold smoothly. Sew in the side panels, leaving a 1/4-
inch seam allowance. Turn right- side-out and topstitch
all around, -inch from edge.
If you like, attach small Velcro tabs to hold the bag
closed, or clip the top with a colorful clothespin.
Table lines Oilcloth's colorful designs make cheerful
backgrounds for casual summer meals. Use a length of it
as an easy-care tablecloth (you can use picnic clips to
keep a swath of fabric in place), or make a few pretty
place mats. Make place mats double-sided for extra durability.
You can choose one pattern for both sides or mix and match.
Use an existing place mat as a template and trace its
outline onto a length of oilcloth. Then cut two pieces
of cloth for each mat, just larger than the desired size.
Spray reverse sides lightly with spray mount, and press
them together with your hands.
Next, cut out the final shape and machine-stitch around
the edges, leaving a small seam allowance. Trim edges
with scalloped fabric shears for an attractive border,
or finish a straight edge with bias tape.
Coasters Oilcloth coasters are perfect for catching drips
from icy cocktails.
Like miniature versions of the place mats, they should
be two-sided for extra durability. Choose a cloth with
a large colorful pattern, such as a floral print, and
let the pattern dictate the shape of the coasters.
Simply cut along the outline of a single bloom or other
bold shape; this will be the top image on your coaster.
Then trace the image onto a piece of solid- colored cloth,
cut out that shape and use it as a backing. Secure the
two pieces as described for place mats. Shelf and drawer
liners Lining shelves with oilcloth adds color to a work
space -- with no sewing required.
Simply cut a length of fabric to fit your shelf, allowing
extra width for overhang. Fold and iron the edge to create
a flap that will hang over the edge of the shelf, then
lay the fabric in place. If desired, finish the edge that
hangs over with a jagged or scalloped border before placing
on the shelf. A sleeve of oilcloth can also brighten a
kitchen utility drawer, keeping it easy to clean, and
is more substantial than shelf paper.
Cut a piece 5 inches longer and wider than the bottom
of your drawer (for example, use a 20-by-17-inch piece
to line a 15-by-12-inch drawer). Cut a 21/2-inch square
tab from each corner. Sew a 1/4-inch hem along sides.
Fold sides to make a shallow box; sew corners, with 1/4-inch
seam allowance.
Topstitch along outside of folds, - inch from edge, to
reinforce. Place in drawer. A heavy cloth liner will stay
in place on its own; secure a lighter-weight cloth with
double-sided tape. |
|
|
|
|
|
.........................
|
