Things You'll Need
Fabric tablecloth
Heavy object
Scissors
Measuring tape
Pins
1/2- inch-wide elastic
Sewing machine
Thread
2 safety pins
Tablecloths help to protect your tables from spills and other mishaps. Tablecloths that hang over the edge of the table are a nuisance sometimes, especially if you have small children. Tablecloths are easy to pull off the table, causing major messes. Fitted tablecloths solve that problem. You can easily make your own custom fitted tablecloth. Make some for every day and some for the holidays.
Step 1
Purchase any tablecloth you desire that fits the décor of your dining room, kitchen or for the holidays. Drape it over your table.
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Step 2
Arrange the tablecloth so it hangs evenly over the table on all sides. Place something heavy in the middle of the table to hold the tablecloth in place.
Step 3
Take your scissors and carefully cut the ends of the tablecloth so that it only hangs down over the sides of the table 4 inches. Throw the excess fabric away.
Step 4
Remove the heavy object and the tablecloth from the table.
Step 5
Measure around the underside of the table with the measuring tape to find out how much elastic you need. Add 2 inches to that measurement to allow for the gathered fabric and seam allowances.
Step 6
Sew pieces of elastic together, if necessary, to make one long piece.
Step 7
Place the tablecloth wrong side up on a large, flat work surface. Turn under the edges of the tablecloth 1-1/2 inches. Use pins to hold the seam in place.
Step 8
Hem around the edges of the tablecloth to make the casing for the elastic. Remove the pins as you go. Leave a 1-inch opening for inserting the elastic.
Step 9
Put one safety pin in one end of the elastic. Put the other safety pin in the other end of the elastic and attach this end to the opening in the casing of the tablecloth.
Step 10
Push the free end of the elastic into the casing. Use the safety pin to help you force it all the way around the casing. Pull the free end of elastic out of the same opening where you started.
Step 11
Remove both safety pins. Sew the ends of the elastic together.
Step 12
Push the sewn ends of the elastic into the casing.
Step 13
Sew the opening in the casing closed.
Step 14
Put the tablecloth on the table. Rearrange the gathers in the fabric, if necessary, to get them evenly distributed.
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