How to Make a Tablecloth
How to select a fabric
When selecting a fabric for a table covering look for a durable stain resistant fabric.
Make sure that the fabric does not crease if you are one of those people who don't have the time or energy to iron table cloths.
How to protect the table and tablecloth
Use a table pad under the cloth to protect delicate tables. The table pad should be the size of the table.
If you place a thick transparent plastic sheet the same size as the table cloth over it you won't have to wash your table cloth as often. This will save you some time and effort.
How to work out how much fabric you will need
The length of the tablecloth from the edge of the table to the bottom of the cloth is called "the drop". Don't forget to add the drop length to your table cloth measurements.
Allow
Calculate the following measurements to work out the required width of fabric:
1) The width of the table (or the diameter if it is round)
2) The length of the drop – double this measurement
3) The hem allowance – double this measurement
The sum will give you the width of fabric that you will need for your table cloth.
Calculate the following measurements to work out the required length of fabric:
1) The length of the table (or the diameter if it is round)
2) The length of the drop – double this measurement
3) The hem allowance – double this measurement
The sum will give you the length of fabric that you will need for your table cloth.
How to cut the fabric
For a square or rectangle shaped table measure the width and length of the fabric. Mark the lines using a fabric marking pencil. Cut on the line that you have marked.
Cutting a round tablecloth is more complicated: Once you have measured the fabric you need (as per instructions above) you will have a square piece of fabric. Fold the square into fourths (with the right sides together). Pin the layers together to prevent them from moving. Cut a piece of string and tie it to a fabric marking pencil. Attach the other end of the string to a safety pin. The length between the pencil and the safety pin should be half the required width of fabric. Connect the safety pin to the folded corner of fabric (i.e. the corner which has no open ends). Mark the outer edge of the circle using the marking pencil as a compass. Cut on the line that you have marked. Remove the pins.
How to sew the tablecloth
- Zigzag or overlock
the raw edges of the fabric.
- Press under hem.
- Pin in place.
- Edgestitch or
blindstitch the hems in place.
- Remove
pins.