Java Jive

Materials

  • Cafetiere
  • Paper
  • Scissors
  • Pins
  • Quilting wool
  • Blunt tapestry needle
  • Gold fabric (jersey backed if possible as it does not fray!)
  • Turquoise fabric
  • Wadding
  • Gold thread
  • White thread or Bobbin Fill
  • Two gold buttons
  • Narrow elastic for button loops

Skill Level

Advanced

Photo 1
Photo 1
  1. First it is important to make a paper pattern to fit around your cafetiere to either side of the handle. Enlarge the template as required and then cut a strip of the gold fabric and muslin adding 1in all round.
  2. As in Photo 1, lay the muslin on the WS of the fabric and pin the pattern on centrally. Wind a bobbin with gold thread and use white or bobbin fill in the top of the machine. Stitch all the lines of the cording pattern to the edge of the fabric, pull the gold threads to the back of the work and secure. Tear away the pieces of the paper pattern as shown in Photo 2.
    Photo 2
    Photo 2
  3. As shown in Photo 3, thread the quilting wool through all the channels with the blunt needle. To prevent the work from puckering or shrinking when washed, bring the wool to the surface frequently and leave a tiny loop of wool for ease. This is particularly important on the points and curved designs. Place the muslin and pattern on the back of the turquoise pieces of fabric. Then stitch and quilt both channels as above.
    Photo 3
    Photo 3
  4. Cut a piece of wadding or thermal insulation 1in larger all round than the finished cover and place the gold section face up in the centre. Lay the turquoise sections face down onto it as shown in Photo 4 and stitch 1⁄4in from the edge or use your presser foot as a guide. Press the turquoise fabric away from the gold section.

    Photo 4
  5. Place your paper pattern over the work and trim it to size adding 1⁄4 – 1⁄2in seam allowance. Stitch the three layers together, all the way around, very close to the edge. Fold two short lengths of elastic in half and stitch to one end and then place the cover face down onto lining fabric. Sew from below one elastic button loop all the way around to the top of the other loop. Trim the corners and then turn through, using a ruler to poke out the corners. Slipstitch the opening.
  6. Sew on two buttons, lining them up with the button loops. See Photo 5. To finish, go and make a fresh pot of coffee, give the cover a trial run and put your feet up!
Photo 5
Photo 5

First published in Popular Patchwork Volume 11 Number 4 - April 2003