Gathered Table Skirt Instructions

Choose a fabric that complements your decor.

Dress up your table, and add hidden storage below with a table skirt. A gathered table skirt is made of fabric that is gathered at the top and affixed to the table along the edge of the tabletop, leaving the tabletop open or covered by another piece of fabric or separate tablecloth. Unlike a tablecloth, most table skirts do not cover the entire table. Instead, they start at the top edge and hang down to the floor. No matter what your decor, you can create a table skirt that will complement any color palette or design theme.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Thread
• Straight pins
• Sewing needle
• 1/2-inch wide sew-on fabric fastener
• 1/2-inch wide stick-on fabric fastener
• Measuring tape
• Sewing machine
• Pinking shears, optional

Instructions

How To Create a Gathered Table Skirt

1. 

   Measure carefully to be sure you get the right amount of fabric.

   Measure the circumference of your table using a measuring tape. Write down the number in inches and multiply by two. For example, if your table circumference is 36 inches, your final number will be 72. This is the number you will want for the length of your fabric. Measure from the edge of the tabletop to the floor. The resulting measure will be for the width of your fabric. Bring these measurements to your fabric store and have them cut the fabric you choose accordingly. Most fabrics come in a certain width so you may have to trim off any excess once you get home.

2. 

   Use a straight pin every few inches to keep your folded hem in place.

   Hem the top and bottom edges of your fabric. Fabric that is left raw at the edge will eventually fray, leaving a stringy edge. Create a hem by laying your fabric on a table with the inside of the fabric facing up; start with one of the long edges, folding it over 1/4 inch and pinning every few inches. Iron the fold, and remove the straight pins. Fold the same edge once more, 1/2 inch this time, and pin every few inches. Iron the edge, and stitch your hem on a sewing machine. Remove the straight pins. Repeat on the other long edge.

3. 

   A gathered edge gives fabric a soft, draped look.

   Insert your threaded sewing needle into the top edge of the fabric about 1 inch below the hem. Make a small knot at the end of your thread. Go down through the top of the fabric and up through the bottom of the fabric, make large, loose, 1-inch stitches from one end of the table skirt to the other end. These loose stitches will be pulled to create the gathered edge at the top of your table skirt. When you finish making these large stitches, don't knot and cut the thread. Gently pull on your sewing needle to create gathers in the fabric. Use your fingers to carefully push the gathers down toward the far edge of the fabric so you have room to create more. You will determine how tight or loose you want the gathered edge to be by pushing the gathers close together or leaving them farther apart. Before you knot the thread to secure the gathers, place your skirt around the table to make sure it fits. Tighten or loosen gathers as needed, then knot the thread.

4. Place the ends of the fabric together with the fabric inside out. Secure the fabric with straight pins. Sew a straight seam 1/2 inch from the edge. Trim the edge of the fabric with pinking shears to prevent fraying, if you like.

5. 

   Use fabric fastener to easily remove your table skirt for washing.

   Affix fabric fastener strips, such as stick-on Velcro, along the edge of your table by placing one every few inches. Do the same with the table skirt, using the side of sew-on fabric fastener that complements the side used for the table. You will use sew-on fabric fastener for the table skirt, since the stick-on fabric fastener would come off in the wash. Slip your table skirt over your table, and secure with the fabric fastener.

Tips & Warnings

• Have all supplies ready and within arm's reach, so you don't have to stop in the middle of a step to go find something.

• Remove all pins when finished with your project. Supervise children, keeping them away from the sewing machine and supplies.

References

• Sewing Answers: How do you sew a rolled hem?

Resources

• Priority Windows: Tablecloths and Skirts