A formal tablecloth ideally reaches the floor. The drop length for such a tablecloth is the table’s height, or close to it. If you aren’t sure what drop length to use, measure your table’s height. Measure from the tabletop down to where you want the tablecloth to end.
Square tabletops follow the same rules as rectangular tabletops. As long as you have the length, width, and drop length, you can calculate how much fabric to get.
For oval tables, measure across the table in both directions. Use the longer measurement when calculating how much fabric to get.
For a neat tablecloth, try a double-fold hem. Plan on each fold being 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm), meaning you need 1 in (2. 5 cm) of fabric total to create the hem.
The formula for the tablecloth’s width is: table width + (drop length x 2) + (hem length x 2). For example, if your table is 30 in (76 cm) wide with a 20 in (51 cm) drop distance: 30 + (20 x 2) + (1 x 2) = 72. To find the total length of fabric needed, use the formula: table length + (drop length x 2) + (hem length x 2). If your table is 30 in (76 cm) long with a 20 in (51 cm) drop distance: 30 + (20 x 2) + (1 x 2) = 72.
For round tables, the formula is: diameter + (drop length x 2) + hem length For example, if your table is 30 in (76 cm) wide with an equal drop distance: 30 + (30 x 2) + 1 = 91.
If you chose to measure in feet, divide the total area by 3 to determine your yardage. For measurements in centimeters, divide the total area by 100 to get the total square meters of fabric required for the tablecloth.
For a round table, you will need to carefully cut all the way around the fabric. Most of the time, the fabric won’t be big enough. When this happens, cut the fabric into a single section fitting across the table’s diameter, then sew additional pieces to it. If your fabric is a solid color, both of its sides may look similar. Choose the side you like better to serve as the top side of the tablecloth and place it facedown. Many craft supply stores will cut the tablecloth for you if you bring your measurements to the store. Otherwise, mark your measurements on the tablecloth and cut it yourself with a sharp pair of scissors.
For the best-looking tablecloth, divide the remaining width by 2. Cut 2 pieces of fabric and use them to border the original piece. Doing this makes your tablecloth look much more even.
If your fabric has a pattern, make sure the patterns on each piece match when you place them next to one another.
The selvage edges are a little tougher to sew through, but they don’t fray. Using them now reduces the amount of trimming you need to do later to make the tablecloth look perfect.
A straight stitch is the most basic sewing stitch and it can be made with either a sewing machine or a needle and thread. To make the stitch, weave in and out of the fabric in a straight line. Leave about 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) of space between each individual stitch.
Remember to leave 1⁄2 in (1. 3 cm) seam allowance between the edge of the fabric and the row of straight stitches.
Push the seam flat to smooth out any wrinkles. You may need to go over it a few times, but don’t let the iron sit in place on the fabric.
The formula for finding the width of a side panel is (total width - width of middle section) / 2.
Basically, you cut an even line around the tablecloth to bring it to the correct drop length. When you’re done cutting, the fabric will match the size and shape of your table.
Doing this creates a double-fold hem, one of the most basic and useful hems possible. There are many other ways to make a hem, such as with a blind hem stitch or bonding tape.
Pin the mitered corner to hold it in place while you work on the other corners. Mitered corners give tablecloths perfect 45-degree edges that fit perfectly over any square or rectangular table.
Start and end with a backstitch. To create a backstitch, start with a straight stitch, loop the needle back, then stitch forward again. Backstitches hold the fabric pieces more strongly together. Remove the pins as you sew around the corners. Iron the hem one last time as needed to keep it flat.
