How to Make Altar Linens

Various cloths cover the altar and other worship area furniture.

Altar linens cover the top of the church altar and may include more than one cloth. The main cloth covers the altar, and additional cloths provide covering for communion elements and as a center runner to provide contrast. The colors of the cloths typically match drapes on the pulpit and other worship space furniture. The liturgical calendar tells church staff what color of cloths should hang on the altar each Sunday. Colors for the cloths include green, purple, blue, black, scarlet or red, rose and white. Different denominations have different styles of altar cloths.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Fabric
• Lace trim
• Scissors
• Embroidery machine (optional)

Instructions

Making Your Main Cloth

1. Measure your altar for proper dimensions for your altar cloth. Make note of the height, length and width of your altar. Multiply the height of the altar by 0.67, and add this number to the length and the width of your altar. This provides you with the dimensions for your altar cloth. For example, if your length is 48 inches, the width is 28 inches and the height is 36 inches, the dimensions for your altar cloth are 62 inches by 50 inches.

2. Add the total number of inches around the edges to determine how much trim you need. For example, using the previous dimensions, you will need approximately 6 1/2 yards of the same color lace edging.

3. Purchase enough linen material in the proper colors to make the main cloth and sufficient quantities of lace trim.

4. Hem the cloth with a quarter-inch trim all around the edge.

5. Sew the lace trim around the edge over the hem. Add decorative embroidery in the form of a cross or other religious symbols.

Communion Altar Cloth Pieces

1. Purchase 1 1/2 yards of white linen material for the center runner.

2. Cut a 24-inch wide piece from the material.

3. Hem the cloth, and embroider any liturgical symbol on one end of the cloth you desire.

4. Cut linen pieces for any of the other altar cloths you desire. The dimensions for the cloth under the chalice are 18 inches by 18 inches. The pall that covers the chalice is 7 inches square. The purification cloth is 1 foot square. The communion veil is 2 foot square.

5. Hem each piece of linen. Embroider any desired religious symbols on the cloth.

References

• Evangelical Lutheran Church of America: Liturgical Colors
• Cyberfaith: Liturgical Colors
• Eternal Word Television Network: Altar Cloths