How to Make a Box Table Skirt
Tablecloths with box pleated skirts are a classic way to dress up any table setting. They are often used at weddings and other formal events due to their timeless and classy look. Fortunately, this pleating method is simple and easy to master.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Fabric
- Dressmaker's chalk pencil
- Straight pins
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Thread that matches material
Instructions
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Measurements
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1
Measure the edge of the table using measuring tape. Write down the measurement to keep on hand. If the table is rectangular, write down the length, width and total perimeter. For a circular table, all you need is the circumference.
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2
Find the length of needed fabric. Add 1 inch to the total perimeter or circumference measurement and then multiply by three.
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3
Determine fabric length for tablecloth skirt. The length of your fabric will equal the length from the top edge of the table to the floor plus 1 1/4 inches. This leaves a 1-inch seam allowance at the bottom and 1/4-inch seam allowance at the top where the tablecloth and skirt will be joined.
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4
Determine the fabric dimensions of the top portion of the tablecloth. To do this add a 1/4-inch seam allowance all the way around the table edge measurement. For a rectangular table, simply add 1/2 inch to the length and width measurements. Circular tables are slightly more complex. Add 1/2 inch to the diameter of the table and multiply that number by pi, or 3.14. This will give you the circumference of the circle you need to cut from your fabric.
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5
Cut fabric. Cut one piece for the table top and one piece for the skirt according to your measurements and calculations.
Make the Pleats
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6
Put the hem into the bottom of the skirt. Fold the fabric under 1/2 inch and press in place; repeat this process and top stitch the hem in place.
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7
Mark the fabric for box pleats. Using the chalk pencil and measuring tape or ruler, place a small mark along the top edge of the skirt every 1 inch. Each pleat will use five of these marks.
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8
Form and pin pleats in place. Working from the underside of the material, bring the first mark in to meet the third mark. Pin this in place using a straight pin. Now bring the fifth mark in to meet the third mark and pin in the same manner. This will give you two face-to-face pleats which form one box. Continue in this manner until all fabric is pinned into pleats, all the way around the skirt.
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9
Press pleats in place. When pressed, the pleats will look like neat, geometric boxes, giving the pleat its name.
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10
Stitch pleats in place along the top edge.
Putting it All Together
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11
Stitch the skirt together. With right sides facing, stitch the short edges of the skirt together. These will be the two edges that have not been hemmed or pleated. You now have a loop of material that has been hemmed on the bottom and pleated on top.
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12
Press the seam from Step 1 so that it is open.
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13
Pin the table top portion of the tablecloth to the skirt portion. Pin right sides together. If your table is a rectangle, place the seam from Step 1 so that it is centered along one of the long sides. This will allow you to hide the seam on the back side of the table.
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14
Stitch the table top portion to the skirt portion.
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15
Press the seam in toward the table top and top stitch seam in place. For not noticeable topstitching use a small straight stitch close to the seam; alternatively, use a decorative stitch in a contrasting thread to add a bit of flair.
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1
Tips & Warnings
When cutting your fabric pieces it may be helpful to mark them first with the chalk pencil in order to keep lines straight. If you are unable to draw a perfect circle with the circumference measurement, try this method: Trace the table top onto the fabric using the chalk pencil. Using a ruler, mark the 1/4-inch seam allowance with the chalk every inch, and then connect the dots.
