If you have little kids you know that tablecloths can be a bit of a hassle. After our tablecloth (and food!) had been pulled off one too many times I took matters into my own hands and sewed a stay-put DIY tablecloth.
You can also use the basics of this tutorial to make your own simple DIY Tablecloths.
Stay-Put DIY Tablecloth | How to Make Tablecloths
I’ve made many of these tablecloths and want to share this stay-put tablecloth tutorial with all. I seriously love this so much!
It has nice tight corners that wrap right around the table. No more little toddler hands pulling this off 🙂
If your family is also spill prone then I recommend using laminated fabric or oil cloth for this project. I started with a tablecloth we already had (a stain-resistant one from BB&B) and worked from there 🙂
Every table is a bit different so we’ll start with some measurements. Measure the length, width and depth (how thick) of your table and jot those down. Then measure how far under you want it to wrap around. On my table it’s only about 1/2″ before it runs into the legs. Now let’s calculate our pattern piece measurements:
Table Cloth Measurements
- Tablecloth Width= Tabletop Width + Depth*2 + Wrap Around*2 + 1.5″ for
- Tablecloth Length= Table top length + Depth*2 + Wrap Around*2 + 1.5″
- Cut a rectangle to that length and width and then we’ll make the cutout in each corner.
- Cutout= Depth+ Wrap Around + 1″
To sew up your DIY tablecloth head on over to my Crib Sheet Tutorial which has lots of pictures to help you sew it together. Really we’re just making a giant fitted sheet for our table 🙂
To share your sewing projects, see what’s new, and get sewing help be sure to join our Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop Facebook Group. Before you leave, also make sure to check out some of these other tutorials:
16 Responses
how much elastic does this one normally take? or how do you figure out how much to use at least?
I love your table cloth that hugs the table. I have a very expensive (and not very well made as it relates to kids food, smudges, drinks, etc) Crate and Barrel dining room table. I want to order a cover and would like to know I the easiest way to measure is, so that I can get a price quote.
Thanks
We don’t actually sell the tablecloth. We just provide the tutorial so you can create one yourself.
Thank you so much! I am so tired of readjusting our tablecloth! Is there a calculation to determine the amount of eladtic needed by chance? Thanks again!
This is so handy Amy! Thanks for the clever idea 😀
Does this work for round tables?
I haven’t made one before but I did a quick google search and found a tutorial for one so it must be possible 🙂 http://www.craftybug.com/freeprojects/fittedtablecloth.htm
Such a great idea! We have a beach house and the dining room table is on the front porch. TOTALLY need this!
This would be perfect for an outdoor table! And lucky you to have a beach house 🙂
What a dream come true! I love the look of tablecloths but hate readjusting them.
I’m glad this can help! It’s been life changing at our house 😉
I’m seeing this and thinking of my dining table covered in smeared and dried nail polish. A fitted tablecloth would have prevented that! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later today that links to your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-a-tablecloth-that-stays-put/2015/02/25/
Thank you for your sweet words!! That was the coolest surprise.
–Anne
Thanks so much Anne!
Great idea!
This is kind of crazy genius Amy. WOW – mind = blown.
Thanks Jess! Desperation can create some great things 🙂