How to Make a Tablecloth by Sewing 40-Inch Fabrics

Create an artistic tablecloth from 40-inch fabric scraps.

Use leftover pieces of fabric from old projects to make a unique and interesting tablecloth for your table or to give as a gift. The 40-inch pieces of scrap fabric can be cut down into squares to make a beautiful and inspiring table covering in one afternoon. Even a novice seamstress with no quilting experience will find this tablecloth a cinch to complete. If the pieces of fabric don't match, use embellishments to tie all the colors together or help them coordinate.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring device
• Scissors
• Matching thread

Instructions

1. Measure the table's length, width and height. Decide how far down the side of the table you want the tablecloth to hang and measure the distance from the top of the table to that point. You may want to consider how high the chairs are to avoid the tablecloth interfering with their ability to be stored under the table.

2. Multiply the hanging distance by two and add this number to the width and length measurements of the table. The math will look like this: length + 2(hang) = total length and width + 2(hang) = total width.

3. Calculate how big you want the squares to be in your tablecloth. For a smaller table there may only need to be one square; for a larger table you can have several smaller squares for a patchwork look. Consider how large the overall table is. For a long, rectangular table the squares will be more visually appealing if they are larger, approximately 1-foot wide or more.

   Some ideas for calculating the square sizes are to divide the table top measurement by the number of squares you want on display lengthwise. For example, a 60-inch-long by 48-inch-wide table top with 10 squares lengthwise on display would mean cutting 6-inch wide squares. Then divide the the width by the number you obtained. Both numbers need to be even for the math to work. The math would look like this 60 divided by 10 = 6, 48 divided by 6 = 8.

4. Divide your total length and width, separately, by the length of the squares you want. You will need to come to a whole number for the tablecloth to work. If you get a fraction, adjust the length of the squares until you are able to get a whole number.

5. Add 1 inch to the length and width of each square. This will provide a 1/2-inch seam allowance on each side of the square for sewing them together.

6. Multiply the number of squares needed for the length by the number of squares needed for the width. This will tell you how may squares you need total.

7. Cut the squares from the fabric and lay out in any design you choose. Move the fabric around until you get a look you find appealing for the table. Designs can include random patchwork looks, diagonal stripes, rectangular designs or an "X" pattern, depending on the size of the tablecloth.

8. Begin sewing the squares together using the matching thread. Continue sewing until the squares are all sewn to each other and the tablecloth has taken its shape.

9. Hem 1/2-inch seam allowance around the entire outside of the tablecloth to finish. The tablecloth is now ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• Instead of squares, cut fabric into strips of any width you choose and sew the ends together using the same width and length measurements taken in steps 1 and 2. To finish, hem around all sides and place the tablecloth on the table.

• Decorative borders can be added to the edges of the tablecloth during the hemming step for a more decorative look.

• The tablecloth can be lined with a solid piece of fabric on the back to protect the seams.

References

• Marcus Fabrics; Sew an Easy Circular Tablecloth; Lisa Shepherd
• Sewing.org: Making Tablecloths of Any Size
• JoAnn Fabrics: Patchwork Tablecloth and Napkins