How to Make Tablecloths

It's possible to make simple tablecloths from vintage textiles and collectibles. They are fun and clever ways to get those items you have stashed away in closets, out where they can be enjoyed with your home's decor. These tablecloths will enhance your home, bringing out romance, country cottage and shabby chic touches. Sew these tablecloths economically by using what you have or scavenge at local flea markets, thrift stores or yard sales for those perfect fabrics.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White flat bed sheet
• Iron
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Lace curtain panels
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• 1/4-inch elastic
• Old quilt
• Multiple vintage aprons

Crazy Lace Tablecloth

1. Iron the white flat bed sheet to remove any wrinkles. Place the sheet over your table. Cut the shape of the table top out, adding 6 inches on all sides. Measure and cut several 12 inch squares of lace curtain panels. You will want enough to cover the whole surface of the tablecloth plus extra for overlapping.

2. Place the first square in the center of your tablecloth and pin. Stitch the edges of the square using a zigzag stitch. Place another square at an angle and beside the first, overlapping the edges. Stitch the edges of the square the same as the first one. Repeat by adding additional squares until the entire surface of the tablecloth is covered.

3. Fold the edge of the tablecloth 1/4 inch to the back and press. Fold the edge of the tablecloth 1/4 inch again, press and pin. Top stitch around the pinned edge. Position the 1/4-inch elastic on the back of the hem and attach by top stitching and stretching the elastic at the same time. Sew the elastic around the entire hem of the tablecloth. The tablecloth should now slip over the table top and gather under the edge.

Apron Quilt Tablecloth

4. Iron the old quilt to remove any wrinkles. Place the quilt over your table with the right side up. Position the quilt so that the best possible piece is on the table top. Cut the shape of the table out adding 1/2 inch on all sides. Sew a zigzag stitch around the quilt to give the exposed cut a finished edge.

5. Lay out the aprons you would like to use for the skirt of your tablecloth. The aprons should all be similar in length. If they aren't and their design allows it, you may want to shorten them. Do not use bib aprons. Iron the aprons.

6. Pin the waistbands of the aprons to the tablecloth, starting with one in the middle of each end. Place them with the right side down on the quilt tablecloth and match the waistband with the hem. Place one in the middle of each side in the same way. Fill in the remaining gaps with more aprons. Let the apron ties hang down between the quilt and the aprons. Sew the aprons to the quilt tablecloth using 1/2-inch seam allowance.

7. Flip the aprons so that they hang down around the sides of the table. Tie the ends of each apron together in a bow. If there is too much of an overlap on the aprons, tie individual bows with single apron ties. Excess apron ties that are under the overlap can be cut off.

References

• Cyndee Kromminga, Craft and Interior Designer; Kro Crafts; Winfield, Kan.