How to Serge a Tablecloth

Serger

Decorating with tablecloths adds beauty and color to plain tables. Make your own tablecloths out of beautiful fabrics to match your decorating themes. You can even mix and match solid tablecloths and patterned tablecloths for additional variety in the décor. Use a serger to finish the tablecloth edges. This technique is ideally suited for tablecloths, especially when the thread colors you use in the serger contrast or coordinate with the fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• Serger
• Serger thread
• Scissors
• Tablecloth fabric
• Tape measure
• String
• Fabric pen

Instructions

1. Determine the size the tablecloth should be. Measure the diameter of the table. Then measure from the side to the table to the point you want the tablecloth to hang down to. Double that measurement and add it to the diameter. For example, if the table is 50 inches in diameter and you want the tablecloth to extend 20 inches down the side from the top of the table, add 50 + 20 + 20. The result is a 90-inche tablecloth.

2. Cut a piece of fabric to this dimension. If the dimension is larger than the entire fabric width, sew pieces of fabric together to create the tablecloth.

3. 

   Determine the shape of the tablecloth. Leave the tablecloth as a square or rectangle or cut it into a circle or oval.
   To create a circular tablecloth, fold the tablecloth into quarters. Cut a piece of string to the dimension figured in step 1 plus 1/2 inch. Attach one end of the string to the folded corner of the tablecloth and extend it across the tablecloth fabric. Use the string as a compass to determine the necessary circular edge of the tablecloth. Draw along this line with a fabric pen and cut.

4. Set the serger to sew a narrow rolled hem. Place a coordinating or contrasting thread in both the upper and lower looper threads. Place general sewing thread into the needle thread. Set the serger stitch length to 2.5. Sew testing stitches to make sure the serger is set properly.

5. Place the tablecloth into the serger after testing the stitches. Sew a rolled hem around the edges of the tablecloth. Remove the tablecloth and clip the threads.

Tips & Warnings

• For best results, avoid placing a seam down the center of a tablecloth. If it is necessary to piece a tablecloth, construct the tablecloth in thirds rather than halves.

References

• Serge a Tablecloth

Resources

• Taffeta Fabric