We have a dining room table that is 72" x 33", apparently somewhat narrower than usual because all the tablecloths we see that fit in the length end up having something like 18" overhang on each side. Does anyone here know of a supplier that handles a large selection of linens such that our odds were better? We're looking for linen; the better the better.
Why not cut off and hem the standard ones to the exact size you need? Much cheaper then trying to find specialty sizes. I recently custom hemmed a tablecloth for one of my DDs who has an oval table and wanted an exact 12" drop all around. Easy-peasy.
That's what I did on DD's tablecloths. However for a finer finish, and if it were done on the original piece, I would do a twice-folded and mitered-corner hem.
Beverly, just back from the vest fitting, all is good! ;-)
YES. I'm new to sewing (moved from woodworking to sewing; same concept just different tools and materials, LOL) and need a tutorial or good instructions on "a twice-folded and mitered-corner hem". Any suggestions?
Also the table I will be making a table cloth for is 54" x 54" square. Where can I find a selection of material wide enough for this table, plus a 5" drop around all sides and a wide hem (3-4")? By my thinking that's 72" minimum width. Maybe wider for allowances and oops. Otherwise the table cloth will have a seam (or two) down the middle.
you could also consider king size flat sheets for your fabric. However, if you find narrower fabric, you don't have to have a seam in the 'center'. Buy fabric twice-as-long as you need, and cut it in half (72"X 2 = 4 yards) into two 72 inch pieces. Then cut ONE of those pieces in half lengthwise and sew each half onto the sides of the wider piece. that way you have the length and width you need, but the seam lay along the outer edges. Make sense?_________________ | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
etc.
Just MHO, but 3-4" hems are not necessary on a tablecloth, and a 5" drop is a little skimpy.
and you could also consider king size flat sheets for your > fabric. However, if you find narrower fabric, you don't > have to have a seam in the 'center'. Buy fabric > twice-as-long as you need, and cut it in half (72"X 2 = 4 > yards) into two 72 inch pieces. Then cut ONE of those > pieces in half lengthwise and sew each half onto the sides > of the wider piece. that way you have the length and width > you need, but the seam lay along the outer edges. Make > sense?> _________________
Another nice way to make a table cloth is to make the overhang in a coordinating fabric , miter your corners and make napkins to match. Here are directions for making mitered corners. One is if you use 2 different fabrics and the other is for a single color.
and you could also consider king size flat sheets for your > fabric. However, if you find narrower fabric, you don't> have to have a seam in the 'center'. Buy fabric > twice-as-long as you need, and cut it in half (72"X 2 = 4 > yards) into two 72 inch pieces. Then cut ONE of those > pieces in half lengthwise and sew each half onto the sides > of the wider piece. that way you have the length and width > you need, but the seam lay along the outer edges. Make > sense?> _________________
Thanks for the link to wider fabrics. I hadn't thought of quilt backing, but had thought of visiting some drapery shops.
The table is a tall kitchen table and the 5" drop is my daughter-in-law's request to hide the underneath vertical frame boards(?) from view, but not be so long as to rest in your lap as you sit at the table. I will revisit this with her because I too think 5" is pretty skimpy. The 3-4" hem is what is on the table cloth she is using. I think it really began it's life as one panel of a drapery and not a table cloth, so a smaller seam may be OK.
Yes, your seam recommendation does makes sense and has the benefit of being more visually pleasing than a single seam down the center.
> and you could also consider king size flat sheets for your >> fabric. However, if you find narrower fabric, you don't >> have to have a seam in the 'center'. Buy fabric >> twice-as-long as you need, and cut it in half (72"X 2 = 4 >> yards) into two 72 inch pieces. Then cut ONE of those >> pieces in half lengthwise and sew each half onto the sides >> of the wider piece. that way you have the length and width >> you need, but the seam lay along the outer edges. Make >> sense?>> _________________>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> | | | |>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Juno Thanks for these links and for the matching napkin suggestion (hadn't thought of that).
Another good way to finish the edge of a tablecloth is to draw two or three threads half an inch from the edge, stitch around with a zig-zag or ornamental stitch, then ravel the fabric down to the stitching to make a fringe.
When I was in 4-H, straight stitch machines were all we had, so we drew just one thread, then stitched where the thread was missing -- talk about a severe test of your ability to sew straight!
I've still got a tablecloth that was made that way, so the straight stitch can't be *too* insecure.
You could always take the opportunity and turn those seams into design elements. Ie., fancy ribbon, coordinating fabric, embroidery to 'costmetize' the seaming. AK in PA
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