How to Collect Vintage Tablecloths

If someone tells you they collect vintage kitchen textile art, it means they collect vintage tablecloths. Collecting vintage tablecloths is a wonderful way to bring part of the past into your home. Many collectors use their beautiful tablecloths to bring back childhood memories of times past. Vintage tablecloths, made from elegant white damask linen or cotton and have beautiful designs or patterns. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Information on vintage tablecloths

1. Learn about the various types of vintage tablecloths by reading books and websites, such as Gramas Attic. (See link in Resources).

2. Decide if you are going to collect a particular type of vintage tablecloth. Some collectors limit their tablecloth collections to a particular fabric, manufacturer, style or design.

3. Purchase a vintage tablecloth collector's guide, such as The Collector's Guide to Vintage Tablecloths, available at Barnes and Noble website.

4. Visit local antique shops to see if they have vintage tablecloths that you would like to add to your collection.

5. Browse online auction sites and antique shops. There is usually a large assortment of vintage tablecloths for sale.

6. Scour thrift shops, flea markets and garage sales. Many times, you'll find treasures that were packed away in trunks, attics or basements.

7. Join a vintage tablecloth collector's club to share your love of vintage textiles with others with similar interests.

Tips & Warnings

• Create children's clothes and craft items with vintage tablecloths so damaged by holes or stains that they can't be repaired.
• Many collectors enjoy collecting state and landmark souvenir tablecloths. State tablecloths and tea towels were sold by every state at some time from 1930 to the mid 1950s.
• Tablecloths that were manufactured before 1935 may have dyes that are not colorfast.
• Never twist or wring a vintage tablecloth when hand washing it as it could cause damage to the fabric, or stretch it out of shape.

Resources

• Go here for more information on vintage tablecloths.
• Visit this website to join a vintage tablecloth collector's club.
• Go here for collector's books on vintage tablecloths.