How to Add Pleats to a Table Skirt With Table Clips

Apply a pleated table skirt to add interest to your table design.

Creating a custom look to your table linens will add luxury and distinction to the decor of your next important event. Adding pleats to your table skirt adds depth and interest to standard table linens. Using table linen clips, you can fashion unique pleats to your table design without having to purchase pleated skirting. Properly preparing the linens will improve the final look of your custom-pleated table skirt.

Things You'll Need

• Tablecloth
• Table skirt
• Table linen clips

Instructions

1. Select your table linens thoughtfully to achieve the optimal outcome. Look for fabrics that contain mostly polyester fibers, as these linens are less likely to wrinkle. Choose a thick linen that flows and is not overly starched. Form simple pleats in the fabric to see if it will lay smoothly. Avoid sheer fabrics for this application, as they will puff out rather than pleat.

2. Iron your linens on medium-high heat, unless otherwise indicated on the laundry tag. Lay your linens on a table that is covered with several blankets to protect the table while you are ironing. Avoid using a standard ironing board, as the ironed fabric will wrinkle when it hits the floor. Transfer the ironed linens to another table until you are ready to begin dressing your tables.

3. Lay the top tablecloth on the top of the table. Center the linen and affix it to the table using rolls of clear duct tape with the adhesive side facing outward. Place the tape on the side edges of the table or just underneath the outside edge of the underside of the table.

4. Place several clips on top of your table to keep them easily accessible during the pleating process. Start at one corner of table and place the table skirt along the edge of the table and affix it into place using a clip. Form a pleats of one to three inches and lay it flat against the table edge. Hold the pleats in place by putting a table linen clip over the edge of the pleat. Repeat the pleating process along the entire edge of your table, keeping all pleats equal, using a ruler or tape measure if necessary to make even pleats.

References

• Overstock:Best Ideas for Wedding Table Linens
• Home Ec 101: How To Iron A Great Big Ol’ Tablecloth