How to Sew a Rectangular Tablecloth

Why spend a ton of money at the store when you can make your own tablecloths at home? Rectangular tablecloths are one of the simplest sewing projects you can undertake, with minimal experience needed. Add color and pizzazz to your dining table with your own creation, and easily change the look of the room in less than an hour's time.

Things You'll Need

• Medium-weight fabric
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Decide what type of fabric you want to use. Choose from vinyl, cotton or polyester compositions. Then decide on the patterns--either screen-printed onto the material or woven into it, such as damask. Finally, select a hue or color combination that matches or complements your decor.

2. Cut the material, leaving an extra 2 inches on each side, so the dimensions are 74 inches long and 54 inches wide. The typical finished rectangular tablecloth for a table that seats four to six people is 70 inches by 50 inches.

3. Hem the raw edges. Starting with one side, fold up the fabric 1 inch and press the seam with an iron heated to the setting appropriate for the type of material being used. Then fold over again another 1 inch to hide the ragged edge and press again with the iron. Using straight pins, tack down the folded edge every six inches or so to secure the hem. Repeat this process for each of the remaining three sides.

4. Sew the hemmed edges. Using the straight-stitch setting on a sewing machine and color-coordinated thread, sew across the entire hem and triple-stitch the ends to make sure the thread doesn't unravel. Do the same for each of the other three sides of the rectangular tablecloth.

Tips & Warnings

• For rectangular tablecloths that will be used on outdoor picnic tables, use easy-to-clean vinyl fabric.

• Use sturdy, medium-weight fabrics.

• To protect the tablecloth from stains, cover it with a piece of clear plastic.