How To Make A Tablecloth

While decorating a table, the first thing that comes to mind is the tablecloth. It serves as the basis of an attractive table décor, apart from serving as a protective covering for the table. Though usually made from cotton or artificial fabrics, tablecloths might involve the use of silk, linen or lace as well, especially when the gathering is very formal. Though a large variety of tablecloths is available in the market, you can make one at home as well, suiting your taste, need and preference. In case you need any help, the instructions given below will come handy. Read on to explore how to make a tablecloth.

Making Tablecloths

Supplies Needed

Measuring Tape/ Yardstick
Fabrics
Fabric-marking Pen
Ironing Board
Iron
Pins
Thread
Sewing Machine/ Sewing Needle

Instructions

For making a tablecloth, you first need to measure the tabletop, with the help of a yardstick or tape measure. To make sure that you remember the dimensions, write them down on a piece of paper.
Next, you need to determine the drop of your tablecloth i.e. the amount of extra cloth that you want to hang along the sides of the table. Add the length of the drop, usually 8 to 10 inches, along with 1 extra inch to the dimensions of the tabletop.
Go to the nearest home store and choose fabric for your tablecloth, which is at least 54 inches wide. Cotton or cotton-polyester blends work best in case of tablecloths. After choosing the fabric, get it cut as per the dimensions determined in the previous step.
After getting the fabric home, give it a wash and press it. This will ensure that the fabric does not shrink later on.
Place the fabric on a flat surface, wrong side up. Press each raw fabric edge under ½-inch. Press that edge under once more.
After ironing the edges, pin the tablecloth hem into place. Use the pins in such a way that they are perpendicular to the edges of the fabric.
Next, stitch the tablecloth hem, put in place with pins, and sew them with a sewing machine. In case you do not have a sewing machine, you can use a backstitch to sew the hem in place.
Your tablecloth is ready. You can add a decorative touch by sewing decorative stitch on the right side of the fabric, along the edge of the tablecloth.

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