Crafting Wedding Bliss: Round Tablecloths For A Dreamy Reception

Making your own round tablecloths for your wedding is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your special day. It's a simple sewing project that can be completed in an afternoon. To make a round tablecloth, you'll need to measure the diameter of your tables and decide how long you want the tablecloth to be. Then, cut your fabric to size, hem the edges, and sew the pieces together. You can use a variety of fabrics, such as mid-weight cotton, linen, or laminated cotton for a wipe-off tablecloth. If you're making multiple tablecloths, consider buying fabric in bulk or using thrifted sheets to save money. You can also rent tablecloths or buy them pre-made if crafting isn't your forte.

Measure the table's diameter and height

Making a round tablecloth for your wedding is a fun project, but first, you need to measure your tables to ensure a perfect fit. Here is a detailed guide to measuring the diameter and height of your tables:

Table Diameter:

The table's diameter is simply the width of the table from one end to the other, measuring across the top. This is the main measurement that will determine the size of your tablecloth. Place your measuring tape at the edge of the table and measure across to the opposite edge. This will give you the diameter of the table. For example, if your table measures 60 inches across, then its diameter is 60 inches.

Table Height:

The height of the table is measured from the top of the table's edge down to the floor. This measurement is important to ensure that your tablecloth has the correct drop length. Place your measuring tape at the edge of the table and extend it straight down to the floor. The measurement in inches or centimetres will give you the table's height. A standard table height is typically around 30 inches, but this can vary, so always measure to be sure.

Now that you have these two key measurements, you can calculate the size of the tablecloth you need. The diameter will ensure the tablecloth covers the table adequately, and the height will help you decide how much of a drop you want for the tablecloth. A standard drop length is typically around half the height of the table, but you can adjust this for a longer or shorter drop as desired.

If you are making the tablecloth yourself, as outlined in the Super Mom - No Cape! blog, you will also need to consider the thickness of the table and the desired hem length. These will impact the final size of the fabric you need to purchase.

Measuring your tables accurately is the first step to creating beautiful table settings for your wedding. With these measurements in hand, you can now move on to choosing the right fabric and design for your round tablecloths.

Measure twice the length of the finished tablecloth

To make a round tablecloth for a wedding, you'll first need to measure the diameter of the tabletop. Let's say it measures 20 inches. Next, measure the height of the table and double it. If it measures 23 3/4 inches, doubled, it comes out to be 47 1/2 inches.

Now, to ensure that your tablecloth is long enough, you'll want to measure twice the length of the finished tablecloth. For instance, if you want a tablecloth that falls just above your legs when you're sitting at the table, measure that distance and double it. Let's say that measurement is 30 inches.

To determine how much fabric you need, you'll add the tabletop's diameter to twice the length of the finished tablecloth, plus a little extra for the hem. So, for our example, that would be:

20 inches (tabletop diameter) + 60 inches (twice the desired length) + 1 inch (for the hem) = 81 inches.

You'll want to cut your fabric to this length, and then follow the remaining steps to create your round tablecloth.

If your fabric is not wide enough to cover the entire table, you'll need to sew multiple widths of fabric together. Here's how you can do that:

• Place the two lengths of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the fabrics together along one long "wrong" side.
• Sew the fabrics together along the pinned side, about 0.5 inches away from the edge.
• Unfold the fabrics and iron the seam flat.
• Trim the width of the fabric so that it covers the size of the desired round tablecloth, plus a little extra for the hem.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your round tablecloth will be twice as long as your desired length, providing a elegant and generous drape for your wedding tables.

Cut fabric to size

To cut the fabric to size for a round tablecloth, you will first need to measure the diameter of the tabletop. If you want a tablecloth that reaches the floor, also measure the length from the tabletop to the floor. If you don't want the tablecloth to reach the floor, measure the distance you'd like it to fall to. For example, if you will be sitting at the table, you may want the cloth to fall just above your legs.

Once you have your measurements, you can determine how much fabric you need. Add the tabletop's diameter to twice the length of the finished tablecloth. This will give you the total length of fabric you need to cut. Remember to add a little extra fabric (around 1 inch or 2.54 cm) to allow for a hem.

If your fabric is not wide enough to cover the entire table, you will need to sew together two lengths of fabric. Place the two pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the fabrics together along one long "wrong" side, then sew them together along the pinned side, about 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) away from the edge. After sewing, unfold the fabrics and iron the seam flat.

Now you can trim the width of the fabric so that it covers the size of the round tablecloth, plus a little extra for the hem. Fold the piece of fabric in half, right sides facing in, and then fold it in half again in the opposite direction, so that you have a square of fabric that is a quarter of the size of the original piece.

To mark the curve of the circle, you will need a tape measure. Place the tape measure diagonally across the folded fabric, from the folded corner to the opposite corner. Measure half the finished size of the round tablecloth from the top corner and make a mark at that point. Draw a curved line from that mark to the top outer corner, and another curved line from the mark to the bottom inner corner. Cut the fabric along these lines. When you unfold the fabric, you should have a perfect circle.

Finally, iron the circle flat to remove any creases, and hem the tablecloth by folding under the edge of the circle twice and sewing it in place.

Sew fabric together

To make a round tablecloth for a wedding, you will need to sew together multiple pieces of fabric. This is because the width of the fabric you are using may not be wide enough to cover the entire table.

First, measure the diameter of the tabletop. Then, decide how long you would like the tablecloth to be. If you want it to reach the floor, measure the length from the tabletop to the floor. If you want the tablecloth to fall just above your legs, add this measurement to the diameter of the tabletop.

Next, cut two pieces of fabric to the length of the diameter plus twice the length, plus 1 inch for a hem. Place the two pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the right sides facing each other. Pin the fabrics together along one long "wrong" side and sew them together, 0.5 inches away from the edge.

After sewing the pieces together, unfold and iron the seam flat. Then, trim the width of the fabric so that it covers the size of the tablecloth plus 1 inch for the hem.

Now, you will need to create a circle out of the fabric. To do this, fold the piece of fabric in half, right sides facing in. Then, fold it in half again in the opposite direction, so that you have a square of fabric that is a quarter of the size of the original piece. Set the tape measure diagonally across the folded fabric, from the folded corner to the opposite corner. Measure half the finished size of the round tablecloth from the top corner and mark this point.

Draw a curved line from the mark to the top outer corner and another curved line from the mark to the bottom inner corner. Cut the fabric along these lines and unfold it—you should now have a perfect circle.

Finally, iron the circle flat to remove any creases and hem the tablecloth. Fold under the edge of the circle by a quarter of an inch, and then fold it under again by three-quarters of an inch. Pin and then sew the hem.

Hem the tablecloth

Hemming a round tablecloth is a crucial step in achieving a neat and polished finish. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Folding and Preparing the Edge

Start by folding the raw edge of the fabric towards the wrong side by about 1/2 inch. You can use your fingers or an iron to press the fold in place. This creates the first fold of your hem.

Step 2: Folding the Hem

For the second fold, turn the raw edge towards the wrong side again, this time by your desired hem width. Common hem widths typically range from 1 inch to 2 inches, depending on your preference and the thickness of your fabric.

Step 3: Pinning the Hem

Using straight pins, carefully secure the folded hem in place at regular intervals. Ensure the pins are inserted parallel to the edge and that both layers of fabric are securely held. Continue pinning all the way around the tablecloth, making adjustments as needed to maintain an even hem width. Pay extra attention to the corners to create smooth and professional-looking mitered corners, if desired.

Step 4: Sewing the Hem

Set up your sewing machine with a matching thread color and select a straight stitch. Position the fabric under the presser foot, aligning the folded edge with the edge of the presser foot. Begin sewing a straight line, backstitching at the start and end for reinforcement. Sew approximately 1/4 inch from the folded edge, smoothly guiding the fabric through the machine.

Step 5: Sewing Around the Tablecloth

Continue sewing around the edge of the tablecloth, removing pins as you go. Maintain a consistent seam allowance, and if you encounter mitered corners, carefully sew across them, ensuring that your stitching catches both sides of the fabric. Once you reach your starting point, backstitch a few stitches to secure the thread, then cut it with a pair of scissors.

Step 6: Pressing the Hem

After completing the hem, give it a final press with an iron to set the stitches and create a crisp edge. Be cautious when ironing, especially if your fabric is delicate or heat-sensitive.

Step 7: Trimming Threads (Optional)

Carefully trim any loose or stray threads along the hemline with sharp scissors for a tidy finish.

Step 8: Finishing the Raw Edges (Optional)

If you want to prevent fraying and add durability, consider finishing the raw edges. This is especially important for fabrics prone to fraying. You can use a serger or overlock machine to create a finished edge, or apply a zigzag stitch with your sewing machine. Alternatively, use fabric glue or fray check on the edges to prevent fraying.

Step 9: Final Press

Before using your tablecloth, give it one last press with an iron to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during the sewing process. Be sure to use the appropriate heat setting for your fabric.

Step 10: Placing the Tablecloth

With the finishing touches complete, it's time to enjoy your custom-fit tablecloth. Place it on your table, ensuring it is centered and the hem reaches your desired drop length. Admire your handiwork and the elegant ambiance it brings to your dining space!

Frequently asked questions