Create a custom ruffled and pleated tablecloth with white cotton canvas
Although this was initially shared on November 5, 2012, I revisited and refreshed this piece on January 17, 2022. The table featuring this tablecloth remains, though it now boasts a farmhouse table makeover!
Let's revisit the original post from when we resided in our former residence:
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I am genuinely enjoying this unplanned endeavor. Last Monday, our entry area presented itself like this:
That photograph was taken around 5:30 p.m. just before I decided to reorganize and paint the space! (Details are available here.)
Now I am adding decorative elements and reassembling the area, aiming for a distinct new look.
We considered using the church pew instead of the table, but that arrangement did not endure.
We all felt the need for a table, and the pew seemed somewhat too large for the available area.
Thus, the table returned. I cherish it, but wished to enhance it with a personalized tablecloth.
Instructions for sewing a custom tablecloth featuring both ruffles and pleats!
Materials required:
- Cotton canvas fabric sized appropriately for the table you intend to cover
- sewing machine
Guidance provided step by step
Step 1: Trim or tear the fabric to yield a section for the top, and a section (or sections) for the draping sides.
Truthfully, I improvised as I went along. The material I utilized was a white cotton canvas I acquired long ago; instead of cutting, I simply tore it to the necessary dimensions. I appreciate when fabric is so accommodating.
I believe projects like this demand precise measurement and calculation. Initially, I miscalculated and tore my piece 1/2 inch shorter than intended… {Yet, it ultimately worked out fine. Phew!}
Shape the top piece to match the table top size, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance on every edge.
Cut the side piece to be twice the table circumference in width, and the desired length plus a 1/2 inch seam allowance for the top and a 1 inch seam allowance for the hem. (You might need to join fabric pieces to achieve the necessary circumference width.)
Step 2: Hem the side (ruffle) section
Fold the hem edge up 1/2 inch and press it. Fold up another 1/2 inch and press it again. Then, use a straight stitch on your sewing machine to finish the bottom of the ruffle piece.
(Sewing a ruffle nearly double the table circumference felt like stitching for many miles!)
Step 3: Sew a gathering stitch 1/2 inch from the upper edge of the ruffle piece fabric and pull to create gathers.
Once you have gathered up the fabric to make a ruffle, pin the ruffle to the tablecloth top while it is on the table (with right sides together).
I watched a video of Miss Mustard Seed doing some slipcovers and was impressed with her mad skills at pinning fabric right on the object to make it fit perfectly. {I didn’t find it quite as easy as she made it look…} In fact, this tablecloth was somewhat inspired by that beautiful ottoman in her living room:
To see a video on how to custom fit a slipcover by pinfitting, you may find this video helpful:
Step 4: If your table sits against the wall, you can turn part of the table cloth into pleats!
Oh, I love those pleats …
So, I made my tablecloth a “duel personality” one…
Ruffles on one side
and some Miss Mustard Seed pleats on the other!
Step 4: Sew the ruffle piece to the tablecloth top.
Using your pins as a guide, use a straight stitch to sew the top and side pieces together.
Since one side is always up against the wall, I can just turn it to whichever side I’m in the mood for.
Pleated…?
or ruffled?
Today, it’s ruffled.
Other sewing tutorials:
- How to make zippered cushion covers
- How to make lavendar bags sachets
- How to sew rod pocket curtains
Linking to: Home Stories A-Z, Chic on a Shoestring, Freckled Laundry, Miss Mustard Seed
