How to Make a Rectangular Burlap Tablecloth

Use sturdy burlap to make a cost-effective, primitive tablecloth.

Burlap is a sturdy, thick, woven fabric that comes in a variety of colors and weights. In its natural state, it is various shades of brown and was traditionally used as sacks for produce and grain. Due to its homespun look, it is often used today in homes with a shabby chic or vintage-style décor. You can use sturdy, inexpensive burlap to sew your own tablecloth, which will give your dining room that shabby chic look at a reasonable price.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• Burlap
• Scissors
• Fray-preventing gel
• 1-inch grosgrain ribbon
• Sewing pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Measure the top of your table at its longest point from edge to edge. Write down this measurement of the table's length. Measure the top of your table at its widest point from edge to edge. Write down this measurement of the table's width.

2. Find your desired drop length for your burlap tablecloth. Measure from the top edge of your table to the length where you want your tablecloth's hem. Multiply this number by two and write this final drop-length measurement down.

3. Figure the cutting length of your fabric by adding the table length measurement to the final drop length measurement and write the final length measurement figure down. Figure the cutting width of your fabric by adding the table width measurement to the final drop-length measurement and write the final width measurement figure down.

4. Cut a piece of burlap as wide as your final width measurement and as long as your final length measurement. Apply fray-preventing gel to the four raw edges to prevent them from fraying.

5. Fold under a short edge of your grosgrain ribbon. Arrange the grosgrain ribbon so the long outer edge of the ribbon lines up with the raw outer edge of the burlap. Pin the grosgrain ribbon into place.

6. Continue pinning the ribbon down all the way around the tablecloth until you get back to the first short edge of the ribbon. Cut off the grosgrain ribbon so it overlaps the folded short edge by about one inch. Fold this ribbon under and pin it into place.

7. Thread your sewing machine with thread that matches your grosgrain ribbon. Set your machine for a very small zigzag stitch. Sew a zigzag seam all the way around both edges of the grosgrain ribbon using a 1/8-inch seam allowance. Remove your pins and place your tablecloth on your table.

References

• Online Fabric Store: Burlap Fabric
• Sewing & Craft Alliance; Table Treatments: Tablecloths; May 2006