This quick sewing tutorial will show you a cute way to make a tablecloth that will stay in place. It has ties on all the corners to keep it from sliding around or being pulled right off.
This is actually only the second tablecloth I’ve ever owned, and the first one was when I was single. I don’t remember our family ever using them growing up, and I’m sure it was for the same reasons that I haven’t been using them.
The first reason is that they just seem so hazardous with young kids! Whenever we go to people’s homes who have them, I’m always worried that my kids will pull them and either make a mess or break something. Or much worse, pull something hot or heavy down on themselves.
Other reasons are that my table is an extension of my kitchen workspace, as well as sewing space, so a tablecloth just doesn’t seem that practical. But the finish on our table has been getting so bad lately, and I’ve always been a bit curious if I would like having one more than I think I would. So I decided to give it a try, but without all the risks!
This is our table. I actually love how it looks, but as you can see, the finish is really wearing off.
I used some off white, 100% cotton dropcloth. I’m not sure if that was a good idea or not yet, but I have an extra wide table, so this was an affordable way to get some fabric that was wide enough and made of natural fibers. I know some people do prefer white because you can bleach it, so we’ll see!
Supplies and materials
- Sewing machine
- Heavy fabric like linen, canvas, dropcloth (I used this 100% cotton one from Amazon), etc
- Matching thread
- Heavy duty needle (I used 90/14)
- Scissors
- Pins
- Measuring tape
- Ruler
- Iron and ironing board
Step 1 – Measure your table and add drop and seam allowances
Use a measuring tape to measure your table’s dimensions. Write it down, then add how much of a drop you want for all sides, as well as hem allowance. I did a drop of 10 inches, and a hem allowance of 1 1/2 inches (folded 1/2 inch first, then 1 inch).
Step 2 – Cut out your tablecloth
Cut out your main piece according to the dimensions you calculated. I took my time with this step, really making sure to cut along the grainline so I didn’t end up with a warped tablecloth.
Step 3 – Cut out your ties
Cut 8 ties according to the length you want. I cut mine 14 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. I only used a 1/4 inch seam allowance for these, so that gave me ties that were 14 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches once they were done. This is on the short side, you could definitely go longer and have actual bows!
Step 4 – Sew your ties
Fold in half lengthwise, right sides together, and sew along the long edge and one short edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Use your scissors to help turn them to the right side and then iron.
Step 5 – Cut out your mitered corners
I have a detailed blog post on how to sew mitered corners, so if you’d like more help with the mitering portion of this tutorial, you can check it out here.
Mark the depth of your diagonal cut. For a hem allowance of 1 1/2 inches, I marked 1 7/8 inches (this number comes from the blog post linked above).
Then cut it off and use the little corner piece to cut your remaining corners.
Step 6 – Iron the tablecloth edges to the wrong side once
Iron 1/2 inch to the wrong side, or whatever amount you decided on.
Step 7 – Sew your mitered corners
Fold the corners, right sides together, and sew with a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
Press the seam open with your thumb and turn to the right side, using your scissors to help get it nice and pointy.
Repeat on all the corners.
Step 8 – Iron edges again and pin
Iron your edges again to the wrong side by 1 inch (or whatever you decided) and pin. I actually didn’t iron because I was short on time. It still turned out really nice, but I would recommend ironing for the best results!
Step 9 – Edge stitch to complete the hem
Edge stitch all along the inner fold, pivoting at the miters.
Step 10 – Try your tablecloth on and determine tie placement
At this point you’ve sewed a regular tablecloth. Try it on your table, making sure it’s sitting evenly, and use a pencil or something that will wash away to mark where you think the ties should go.
Then lay it flat and measure both your marks from both sides to make sure they are even with each other.
Pin your ties on in the following way.
Then try it on again to make sure it looks good with a knot in it. I went back and forth a couple times to get everything perfect.
Once you’ve figured one corner out, just mark all the other corners using the same measurements and pin your ties on in the same way.
Step 11 – Sew ties in place with a 1/4 inch seam allowance
Step 12 – Fold ties over and sew again with a 1/2 inch seam allowance
This will nicely encase your raw edges. Repeat on all ties, and you’re done!
Your tablecloth that will actually stay in place is complete!
Tie square knots or bows on all your corners and enjoy your new, worry-free tablecloth! I think it looks pretty cute. Now I just have to learn all the ins and outs of using a tablecloth regularly. It occurred to me that I really don’t know much about them. Do people with young kids leave them on all the time, or just when they make the table for dinner and then take it off right after? I can’t imagine using placemats, because then we would just be back at square 1 hazard-wise. But they would help with messes. I also feel like it’s very white and really needs a centerpiece now. So many things to wonder about! What about you? Do you use a tablecloth? Do you think this is something you would try to make the experience a little less stressful?
Leave a Reply