Making a tablecloth is a fairly simple project when you take careful measurements and don't let yourself be intimidated by the thought of "doing the math." You can use any fabric you like and create a tablecloth that coordinates with or complements your decor, livens up a holiday table, or greets party guests in style.
The Basics
Measure your table to determine how many yards of fabric you'll need. Measure the length and width of square, oval, and rectangular tables, or the diameter of a round table. Decide whether you want the edge of the tablecloth to fall just above the diners' laps (more casual) or closer to the floor (more formal). After you determine this "drop" from the edge of the table, double this number and add it to the length and width measurements for rectangular tables or to the diameter measurement for round tables. You will also need to include a hem allowance in your calculations---add an inch on all sides for a simple rolled hem.
Your yardage total will depend on the width of the fabric you choose. If you buy a 72-inch wide decorator fabric, it will probably be sufficient to cover the width of your table and include the drops. You'll then have to calculate the number of yards you need to cover the length of the table and include the drops. If you buy standard 44-inch wide fabric, it probably won't cover the width of your table plus drops and hem. In that case, you'll be seaming several pieces together, so multiply your length measurement by two.
In addition to cloth fabrics, you can make tablecloths from vinyl or oilcloth. These alternatives are good choices for outdoor picnic tables, children's parties, craft rooms, or anywhere you want a sturdy cloth that can be wiped clean. Be sure to use the correct needle type when you sew vinyl or oilcloth.
Square, Oval, or Rectangular Tablecloth Construction
If your fabric is wide enough to accomodate the width of the finished tablecloth, cut it to the needed length using scissors or a rotary cutter with a mat. Press in the hem by turning under 1/2 inch, then turning under another 1/2 inch and ironing it in place. Sew each side along the hem.
If your fabric isn't wide enough, cut one piece to the needed length. Because you don't want a seam running down the middle of your tablecloth, cut the remaining piece of fabric in half lengthwise. Sew one half-width piece to each side of the full-width piece. You'll then have a three-panel tablecloth. Press under the hem as above and sew it in place.
Round Tablecloth Construction
If your fabric is wide enough to use as is, fold it into quarters. Attach a quilter's pencil to a string, and pin the other end of the string to the point of the folded fabric. Adjust the string so that measures one half of your finished diameter measurement. For example, if your table's diameter is 42 inches, your drop is 8 inches all around, and you added 1/2 inch for a hem all around, your total measurement was 59 inches. Half of 59 equals 28 1/2, so place the string at 28 1/2 inches. Draw a cutting line by holding the string taut. Without unfolding the fabric, cut along the line.
Unfold the fabric and press the raw edge to the wrong side, turning under 1/2 inch. With a circular hem, you will need to ease in the fullness along the hem. Use a long basting stitch and sew along the pressed edge, leaving long tails of thread at the beginning and end. Pull on the threads to ease in fullness as you turn under another 1/2 inch and press it into place. Sew the hem.
If your fabric isn't wide enough to use as is, you'll need to make panels as if you were making a 3-panel square tablecloth (see Section 2) to avoid having a seam across the center of your tabletop. When your panels are the correct width, fold the fabric as above and continue.
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