If you’re looking for an easy-to-sew project, try crafting a tablecloth. It doesn’t require a lot of fabric, and you can make it without a pattern. It’s easy to do, and it looks great. A tablecloth can quickly enhance the look of your dining room or kitchen. They can also be used as decorations for various seasons of the year, from autumn designs to Christmas prints during the holiday. They dress up your tables and give your home a more welcoming and pleasant look. Additionally, tablecloths have practical functions, protecting your table from spills or damage from hot serving plates and bowls. They can also hide some defects your tables may have.
While it may be more convenient to purchase tablecloths, choosing those that you feel can complement your colour scheme and crafting your tablecloth are less expensive and can be more enjoyable. You may even discover that the cost of a single tablecloth may be what you spend to make three or four pieces. Also, stores that offer tablecloths may have limited choices or not sell what you have in mind. Making your tablecloth allows you to choose gingham material in the colours you want. You can also have different tablecloths you made year-round to proudly show off.
The following tips will help you craft your tablecloth and create lovely table covers.
1. Measure your table
The first step in crafting a tablecloth is to measure your table, which gives you an idea of how many yards of fabric you need to purchase. Next, measure the table’s dimensions (both the width and the depth), and determine how far you want it to drop. Usually, a tablecloth hangs down about 6-12 inches. Also, ensure that you have extra material for hemming purposes. Hems need about one inch.
2. Choose your material
When choosing material for your tablecloth, pick something that complements your colour scheme. If unsure, you may want to go for more neutral shades, such as grey or white, that can easily match any colour. Linen, cotton, or a cotton-polyester blend works best. They drape the sides of a table easily. If the table is wider than 36 inches, you’ll need to find a fabric wider than 45 inches, which is the most common width. Many decorator fabrics are 60 inches wide.
3. Start sewing
Crafting a tablecloth does not require a lot of sewing except for hemming the fabric to finish the tablecloth edges. It would be best to use a sewing machine for this project to ensure that it is neatly done. Use a hot iron to press the fabric. It makes the sewing process much more manageable.
To use a 45-inch wide material, sew two panels together to create a seam down the middle of the tablecloth.
Fold over the edge 1/4 of an inch and press it with the iron. And then, fold it over again another 1/4 of an inch, pressing it as you go. This created a double-fold hem hiding the raw edge of the fabric. Sew closely along the fold in a straight line.
If you don’t own a sewing machine, you may have someone who does alterations sew the material for you. Since the sewing process is pretty straightforward, you won’t have to spend much, and they can complete your tablecloth quickly. When the sewing is finished, press the completed tablecloth with your hot iron and remove any wrinkles from the fabric.
Crafting a tablecloth is one of the best ways to practice your sewing skills. All you need to do is find the perfect material for your project and start making your tablecloth and table napkins for matching.
