How to Make a Tablecloth Without Sewing

You can make your own tablecloth without sewing a stitch. Using iron-on hemming tape and the fabric of your choice, you can make your table pretty and functional. Sometimes you just can't find the size or print you want. Now you can make it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Measuring tape
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Marker
• Iron-on hemming tape

Instructions

Prepare the Fabric

1. Measure the table to determine the size of the finished table cloth. Add enough length to the table top measurement to allow for desired overhang, or drop, plus 1 inch (to allow for hem) on all sides. For example, if your tabletop is 24 inches on each side and you want the cloth to hang down 8 inches, you need fabric that is 42 inches by 42 inches. The equation is 24 (tabletop) + 8 (drop) +1 (hem) +8 (drop) +1 (hem) =42.

2. Shop for fabric that will match your decor or highlight a special occasion or holiday. Fabric is sold by the yard either 42 to 44 or 60 inches wide. To convert inches to yards, divide the inches needed by 36. In this example you would need 1 yard plus 6 inches of 44 inch wide fabric. If you are unsure, a fabric store clerk can help you compute the yardage you need.

3. If desired, pre-wash the fabric. This will prevent any shrinkage surprises later.

4. Iron the fabric at the correct heat setting for the fabric type.

5. Measure, mark and cut the fabric to the correct size determined in Step 1.

Make the Table Cloth

1. 

   Lay the fabric wrong side up on ironing board. Fold up cloth 1/4 inch on all sides to create the first part of the hem and iron to crease. Fold up and iron a few inches of cloth at a time, working all the way around.

2. 

   Repeat Step 1, but fold up each edge 3/4 inch this time and iron again to crease. This will hide the raw edge of the 1/4 inch fold that you made first. Use a ruler to keep the folded amount consistent.

3. 

   Slip iron-on tape under the 3/4 inch fold so that it is between the double fold you made and what will be the top layer of table cloth fabric. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to adhere tape to the hem you are creating. Iron all the way around.

4. Flip the tablecloth over and iron the whole top to remove any wrinkles. Place the cloth on your table and admire your handiwork.

Tips & Warnings

• A round tablecloth can also be made with this technique. Simply cut your fabric in a circle. Use a pencil or marker tied to a string to scribe the outline just like you would use a compass to draw a circle on paper. Don't forget to add 1 inch to your finished size. Another way to make a no-sew table cloth is to fringe the edges. Choose a loosely woven cotton and pull threads to create a fringe on each side. If your tablecloth is for decoration only such as on a bedside table, you can hot glue trim to the raw edges of fabric for another no-sew look. Such a tablecloth can not be laundered, but is great to make with dry clean only decorator fabrics.