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Large Tablecloths

Controlling the Size of Corners on Large Tablecloths

I have made a rectangular floor length tablecloth by sewing two long pieces of fabric together.

It looks great and fits everywhere but my problems are the corners. They are sooooo long and hang on the floor with lots of extra fabric.

What should I do to get rid of some of this fabric and have it fall correctly?

Thanks for your help.

Colette

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I made an extra large tablecloth last Thanksgiving but it doesn’t reach the floor. So I didn’t have the problem you have.

However I know what you mean, because the points do hang much lower than the rest of the hem.

What I would do in your case is round the corners so they just brush the floor like the rest of the hem.

Think of this like taking up a skirt hem. You want to adjust it on the one who will wear it because it will hang differently on each individual.

In your case, the tablecloth will hang differently on different tables (depending on the table’s height, surface dimensions and type of corners – whether rounded or perfectly square).

Spread the tablecloth over the table it is to be used on and carefully center it. Weight it down so it does not slip. Take the excess fabric of one corner and drape it forward toward you. Let it fall naturally as the rest of the hem does.

Use tailor’s chalk to mark where you want the hem line.

Remove the tablecloth and lay it flat. You will need to remove some stitching from the hem where your new hem will blend in.

Use the tailor’s chalk to mark where to cut the corner.

Use the piece of fabric you cut away as a pattern to cut the other three corners.

Remove some stitching to blend the new hem. Pin all four rounded corners and sew.

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Thank you so much for taking the time to help me with my tablecloth problem. I'll do exactly as you say.

Thanks again.

Colette

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My trick for handling those long corners is napkin rings. I select rings that complement my table setting or room decor.

Insert the corner of the table cloth into the ring and slide it up to the point where the fabric on the long and short sides just begin to tuck under the edge of the table. Usually this takes up the slack and the points don't hang on the floor.

Sometimes I add another step if the ring does not stay in place or the tail is too long ... loop the long tail through the back of the ring.

Another advantage to this solution is that the cloth is stabilized and there will be no accidental dislodging of it by a dinner guest.

Nellie

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Thank you, Nellie. That's a wonderful idea. I guess it would look kind of like a swag.

Eileen

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Recommended Reading

These books are excellent resources for sewers of all skill levels.

Sew to Success: How to Make Money in a Home-Based Sewing Business
By: Kathleen Spike

Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book
By: Anne Marie Soto

Sewing for Dummies
By: Janice Saunders Maresh

The Complete Book of Sewing: A Practical Step-By-Step Guide to Every Technique
By: Chris Jefferys

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