How to make a tablecloth

Tablecloths are quick and easy to make. Knowing how to make your own is a great way to get the look you want without a lot of hassle. These are so much fun to make for different seasons or the holidays. I like to make them in sets of two in order to swap them out when messes happen. This tutorial will cover making a simple round tablecloth out of linen.

Materials needed: scissors, fabric pins, chalk, measuring tape, thread, and fabric
Materials needed: scissors, fabric pins, chalk, measuring tape, thread, and fabric

Materials

  • Fabric (Linen and cotton work well for me) *
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Fabric pins
  • Fabric chalk
  • Matching thread
  • Sewing machine (any)

Steps

  1. Pre-wash, dry and iron your fabric. This will help any shrinking from making your final piece too small.
  2. Measure your table from end to end to get the diameter.
  3. Add 18″ to your diameter and divide by two. This measurement will be the radius of your circle to sew. *
    • Example: My table was 42″ wide and I like about 8-9 inches of overhang so I needed to add 18″ to get my final diameter of 60″ and radius of 30″.
  4. Fold your fabric in quarters.
  5. Use a string or your measuring tape the length of your radius to draw a quarter of a circle on your folded fabric.
  6. Cut on the line.
  7. Finish the edges of the fabric by folding over about a 1/4″ of fabric twice, iron, and pin. Ironing will make it easier to sew and keep your edges and lines straight.
Fold over the edge 1/4" twice and pin
Fold over the edge 1/4″ twice and pin
  1. Sew along the edges. Make sure to backstitch at least three times when you start and stop.
  2. Remove all your pins and iron out any lingering creases.
  3. Lay your tablecloth out and enjoy!
Finished checkered tablecloth
Finished checkered tablecloth

Notes

  • Make sure when selecting your fabric that the bolt of fabric is wide enough to cover your diameter + overhang. Bolts of fabric typically are sold in 48″ – 60″ widths. If you need wider than this look for extra wide. The width is typically marked at the top of the bolt of fabric.
  • Depending on how long you want your table cloth to drape down you can adjust the amount you add in step 3.