How to Make Elasticized Round Tablecloths
Blowing tablecloths on outdoor tables can be frustrating for those trying to enjoy their dining experiences. To help you avoid such aggravations caused by tablecloths blowing in the wind, some stores sell elasticized tablecloths. Elasticized tablecloths are designed to fit snugly around the edges of a table, preventing the cloth from blowing around. Using some basic supplies and a sewing machine, you can create your own elasticized tablecloth to fit your round table. By making your own, you will be able to custom-design a tablecloth that matches your decor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Chalk
- Pencil
- String
- Sewing pins
- Sewing machine
- 2 safety pins
- Elastic cord
Instructions
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1
Stretch your measuring tape across the diameter of your table. Write this number down for reference.
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2
Measure the vertical height of the tabletop. Multiply this number by two. Add 2 inches to your result. Write down this number for reference.
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3
Add your written-down numbers together to find the diameter you will need for your tablecloth. Write down this number.
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4
Lay your fabric on the floor. Measure a square of fabric that has a width and length equal to the number you wrote down in Step 3.
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5
Fold the square of fabric in half, right sides together. Make sure the ends are aligned. Fold the fabric one more time. The innermost corner of the folded fabric will be the exact center of your square of fabric. Mark this area with your chalk.
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6
Unfold your fabric on the floor, and flatten out any wrinkles. Tie a long string to the end of a pencil. Hold the pencil tip in the center of one of the edges of the square of fabric. Find the chalk mark that you made to mark the center of the square. Pull the string that is attached to the pencil toward the middle of the square. Pull the string taut, and hold the end of the string so it is in the center of the chalk mark.
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7
Hold the pencil in one hand and the end of the string in the center of the circle with the other, while still keeping the string taut. Move the pencil, without moving the string in the center, from the starting edge toward the edge on a joining side. You will see an arc shape forming as you draw a pencil line from one edge to the next. Repeat this step for the three remaining sides. You will notice you have drawn a large circle on the fabric.
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8
Cut out the large circle of fabric. Using your measuring tape, approximate the distance around your circle. Measure and cut your elastic at this length.
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9
Lay your circle of fabric on the floor, wrong side up. Fold the edges of the fabric inward, so about 1 inch of fabric is overlapped. Pin the edges in place with your sewing pins. Sew across the length of the pinned edges of your tablecloth, leaving about 2 inches. The section that is not sewn will serve as the opening for threading the elastic.
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10
Stick a safety pin through the elastic cord, and close the safety pin. Repeat with another safety pin for the other end of the elastic cord. Open one of the safety pins, and pin the elastic to one side of the opening in the edge of the tablecloth. Thread the other end of the elastic through the open section of fabric. When the elastic has been completely threaded through, tie the ends of the elastic together.
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11
Sew the open section of fabric closed, enclosing the inner elastic. Arrange the fabric evenly around the elastic. Arrange the finished elasticized tablecloth on your table.
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