How can I Sew a Table Cloth?

A table cloth is perhaps the simplest of sewing projects and is perfect for the beginning seamstress. A table cloth can be an easy and inexpensive way to decorate a kitchen or dining room, and simply changing a table cloth can change the whole look of a room.

To sew a table cloth, first collect all the necessary tools and equipment. Make sure the sewing machine is in good working order and then see that you have several straight pins, an iron and ironing board, measuring tape, a pair of sharp scissors, and of course fabric and thread to match.

When choosing a fabric for your table cloth, any type of cloth will work, but you might want to consider if it is easy to wash and whether or not it is stretchy. Stretchy fabrics are difficult to work with. You will need enough fabric to cover your entire table with 6 inches (15.24 cm) hanging off on each side. Also factor in a one inch (2.54 cm) hem on each side. Therefore, if your table is 4 feet by 3 feet (1.22 m by .91 m), you will need a table cloth which is 5 ft 2 in (1.5 m 5 cm) in length and 4 ft 2 in (1.22 m 5 cm) in width. Most fabrics are sold in yards but many are extra wide. Be sure to measure your fabric at the store when you buy it; if the fabric is wider than what you'll need, you won't have to buy as much, but if it is not wide enough, buy extra and sew the two pieces together.

If two pieces must be sewn together, leave an extra 1 inch (2.54 cm) on each side for the hem when you sew them together. Begin by laying one piece of fabric right side up and then lay the other half of the fabric upside down on top of the first fabric, so they are back to back. On the edge which will be sewn together, pin a one-inch (2.54 cm) hem with several straight pins, about 4 in (10 cm) apart. Using the sewing machine, sew a straight line along the edge of the pins, pulling out pins as you go, and then cut off any frayed pieces with the scissors. Next, the hems of your table cloth can be sewn.

For a project in which the fabric is wide enough, only the hems will have to be sewn. To sew the hems, first measure out the fabric and cut it appropriately, using the measuring tape. Then measure a one-inch (2.54 cm) hem on each side. Pin them with several straight pins, about 4 in (10 cm) apart. For easier sewing, press each hem with your iron. Using the sewing machine, sew a straight line along each hem, pulling out pins as you go.

One the hems are sewn, the entire table cloth can be pressed and then put on the table to give your room a new decorative look!