DIY Tablecloth That Kids Can Make

Kids can decorate tablecloths with fabric markers.

Kids will love designing, illustrating and personalizing tablecloths for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or any other event that calls for decoration. Give your kids the supplies and let them explore their creativity, or get the whole family involved and make it a clan project. These tablecloths are so quick and cheap to make that you can design new ones for each holiday as a family tradition.

Things You'll Need

• Plain cotton bedsheet
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Fabric markers

Instructions

1. Measure the table you plan to cover. Add 10 inches to the length and width. Cut an old, plain cotton bedsheet to fit the dimensions, keeping as many finished edges as possible.

2. Hem any unfinished edges with a sewing machine. If your children are old enough to do this themselves, help them hem the edges.

3. Have your children plan their designs according to the theme of the holiday. Suggest that they practice drawing pictures on paper before they draw them on the fabric.

4. Give your children fabric markers. Let them decorate the material. Have them write their names, ages and the date in one corner, so in future years you'll know when you made this tablecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a white or pale-colored fabric so your children's designs will be visible.

• If the sheet is close enough in size to the dimensions you need, use it as is without cutting and hemming it.

• A hem is a simple beginner project. You can take this opportunity to teach older kids to work a sewing machine.

• Do not leave children unsupervised with a sewing machine or scissors.

References

• Great Group Activities; The Children's Tablecloth Bee; Barbara Adams
• Thanksgiving Fun; Five Great Centerpieces To Make With Kids; Barbara J. Feldman

Resources

• Food and Crafts: Table Talk