Did you know that customers are likely to stay longer and eat more in restaurants that have tablecloths on their tables? A tablecloth makes the dining experience more pleasant, can add color to the room, and even protects your table. With these free sewing pattern ideas for tablecloths, you can step up your sewing game and save money by making this project on your own. You can end up with a table that looks just like you wanted to since you’re in control of the fabrics, colors, and patterns used in this DIY project.
Best Fabrics for Tablecloths
Not sure which fabric would be the right choice? Let’s go over them and see what they have to offer.
Cotton
Cotton tablecloths are a good choice in an informal dining room or an eat-in kitchen because they are super durable and easy to clean. The vast majority of tablecloths are made of cotton and can be washed in a machine; however, certain tablecloths with intricate patterns may have some color bleeding after being washed.
You can spot clean them using a moist rag or sponge if the stain is particularly stubborn. Cotton is a fabric that can compete with the longevity of other materials. They are available in a broad selection of colors, designs, and sizes, further contributing to their popularity.
You can use them outside, but with prolonged exposure to elements such as harsh weather or dampness, they risk developing mold or deteriorating.
Polyester
Polyester tablecloths offer many of the same benefits as cotton tablecloths and are an excellent choice for semi-formal indoor meals and gatherings held outside.
This is a synthetic material that is used to make fabric. Polyester is a long-lasting fabric that, similar to cotton, can be washed in a machine, comes in various colors and designs, and is reasonably inexpensive. In contrast to cotton, polyester will not experience any shrinkage even if it is dried for an extended period.
Polyester is more suitable for use in formal settings, such as birthday or wedding parties, due to its slightly silkier appearance than cotton. Because polyester is manufactured using chemicals, it might trigger allergic reactions in some individuals.
Polyester Blend
Tablecloths made from a polycotton blend give the benefits you’d look for in a tablecloth fabric. Tablecloths made of a poly-cotton blend are long-lasting and heavy-weighted like polyester, yet they are simple to care for and absorbent like cotton in the event of spills.
They have several advantages, the most notable of which is their widespread availability. They are simple to care for because they can be washed in the washing machine. They are available in various hues, patterns, and silhouettes, making them suitable for casual and formal settings.
Linen
Linen tablecloths exude an air of refined sophistication and are a wonderful addition to elegant dinner parties and important family gatherings.
The flax plant is used to weave linen, which results in a fabric that is exceptionally long-lasting yet can be quite costly. Tablecloths made of linen need to be ironed after being washed in a delicate cycle and washed regularly if they are to remain in good shape.
Since linen does not include any synthetic fibers, it has a lifespan that is much longer than that of other fabrics and is regarded as one of the best options for making tablecloths. The use of linen for the tablecloths at a traditional wedding feast is recommended as it is a very elegant material.
Damask
Tablecloths made of damask are considered to be among the most opulent and luxurious of all tablecloth options, and their use is typically restricted to significant life events like weddings. In contrast to today, when a damask was originally woven, it was made entirely of silk. Polyester fibers are used in the production of modern damask.
Damask is woven using a satin weave, which is what gives the fabric its stunning design. Because of the way the weave is constructed, the pattern varies between shining and matte areas
On the other hand, traditional damask can be acquired for a substantial sum of money, in contrast to the contemporary variety.
Satin
From a formal wedding to a formal high school prom, any occasion can benefit from the sophisticated air that can be created with satin tablecloths. Satin is a fabric typically woven from polyester, but it can also be woven from silk. It stands out from other fabrics due to its stunning glossy appearance.
Wash satin tablecloths using the delicate cycle of the washing machine or by hand and allow them to dry naturally. It is a very long-lasting fabric that can be kept in good condition for a very long time provided proper care is taken of it.
Vinyl
Tablecloths made of vinyl are an excellent choice for birthday parties for children and outdoor picnics. They are resistant to heat, light, water, and stains, and they continue to be one of the least expensive types of tablecloths that can be purchased
They are quite lightweight, so if you are going to set them up outside, particularly on a day when there is a lot of wind, you should be sure to put some heavy items on top of them so that they are more stable.
Tablecloths made of vinyl not only provide for simple cleanup in the sense that they can be wiped off but also frequently have a one-time use design, which means that they can be discarded after only one use.
Free Sewing Pattern Ideas for Tablecloths
Lattice Table Runner
Let’s kick off this list with a gorgeous crochet table runner. It was made to fit an 84-inch table, and it looks great! But the chart provided should serve as a guide for changing the length to your liking. If you have a long farmhouse table, you may add a few more diamonds to the runner or remove a diamond if the runner is too long.
Cornered Tablecloth Tutorial
When you have children that love to craft, setting up a table where they can let the creative juices flow is a must. A cornered tablecloth is perfect for such a table because it’s a tight fit and won’t easily slide off the surface. You want to choose a waterproof material to sew this tablecloth. Some other items needed for the project include straight pins, thread, scissors, and a sewing machine.
Pretty Poppy Tablecloth
Here are a few ideas to brighten up your dining area in a jiffy. With a floral tablecloth, you can instantly liven up your dining room. A built-in runner design creates the perfect focal point for an elegant centerpiece. This tablecloth is perfect for any occasion because of its stylish runner and bright graphics. To put this together, look for some black floral cotton. You can replace the center runner with a cotton cloth of another color if you’re not, particularly a fan of yellow.
Modern Farm Tablecloth
With sewn elements that are specific to a farmhouse life, this playful tablecloth is perfect for setting up a picnic in the backyard. It’s easy if you purchase a tablecloth in the size and color of your choice and start your project from there. After sewing everything as per the tutorial’s instruction, consider adding some farmhouse theme appliques.
Bandana Tablecloth
Granted, July the 4th has passed, but isn’t it great that you have time to plan for next year’s festivities? Using bandanas, you can make a red, white, and blue tablecloth. These should be fairly cheap to buy at your local Dollar Store (they should cost roughly 80 cents each). I love that you can sew these by hand if you don’t own a sewing machine.
Quilted Round Table Cover
Since we’re in full BBQ and picnic season, how about a tutorial for a patchwork tablecloth that should fit your deck table nicely? Since this is a pretty thick, almost quilted tablecloth, you’ll also need backing fabric and an extra layer of cotton between the top and the back. You can repurpose old pieces of fabric and get playful with colors and patterns as much as you feel like it.
Queen Victoria Tablecloth Pattern
As a fan of vintage items, I find this tablecloth to be just a unique and interesting project! It involves much more crocheting than the other ideas we’ve looked at so far, but the result is truly something out of an antique store. You’ll need some ecru and crochet hooks, and you’ll have to master a few patterns to make this.
Herringbone Table Runner
Long and rectangular, this table runner has a herringbone pattern on one side and plain stretch fabric on the other. Sewing these bright placemats is easy peasy, and they’ll liven up any table setting. For the herringbone pattern, use bright fabric rectangles cut from various materials; the more varied and vivid the textiles, the better. Sewing is required, but the end result is a multipurpose table runner that may be used on multiple occasions.
FAQ
What are the three types of tablecloths?
If you were to label tablecloths by their shape, the three main categories would be round, square, and rectangle. Other tablecloth categories include table runners, skirting, or even placemats.
Is it cheaper to make your own tablecloth?
Compared to purchasing a tablecloth that is already made, the cost of purchasing a piece of fabric to use in creating a tablecloth is significantly lower. In point of fact, you can probably make about 4 tablecloths for the cost of one that has already been made.
Is linen or cotton better for tablecloths?
Linen tablecloths are considered superior to cotton ones. The fibers are longer than cotton fibers, making linen more durable.
How many inches should a tablecloth overhang?
The tablecloth should hang about 6 to 10 inches over the edges if you are hosting an informal dinner. For a formal dinner, you want a 30-inch hanging over the table’s edges, preferably brushing the floor.
Bottom Line
Sewing a tablecloth is usually a very simple project unless you want to go with a more complicated crochet pattern. You can make a tablecloth for cheap even by repurposing old pieces of fabric that you would otherwise throw away. But if you want brand new materials, check out our great selection of fabrics on our site!