Tablecloths are an inexpensive item to create for holiday decorating. Table coverings add a decorative flair and protect tables, mask ugly scars, or hide unsightly plastic card tables that are used for additional serving stations or seating.

Consider using golds, browns, and oranges for Thanksgiving. Or if you prefer patterns, remember that Thanksgiving celebrates the bounty of Nature.

Round tablecloths for holiday decorating

Measure the diameter and height of your table and then use the measurement guide shown here to determine how much fabric you need.

If the diameter of your tabletop differs from the sizes listed in the chart, take your table measurements with you to the fabric store. The salesperson there can help you calculate how much fabric you need.

Measurement Guide for Round Tablecloths

Table Diameter	Yardage Amount for a 10-inch Drop (45- inch-wide fabric)	Yardage Amount for 10-inch Drop (54-inch- wide fabric)	Trim Amount for a 10-inch Drop	Yardage Amount for a 30-inch Drop (45- or 54-inch-wide fabric)	Trim Amount for a 30-inch Drop
30 in.	2-7/8 yards	1-1/2 yards	4-1/2 yards	5 yards	8 yards
36 in.	3-1/4 yards	3-1/4 yards	5 yards	5-1/2 yards	8-1/2 yards
48 in.	4 yards	4 yards	6 yards	6 yards	9-1/2 yards
54 in.	4-1/4 yards	4-1/4 yards	6 1/2 yards	9-1/2 yards	10 yards
60 in.	4-1/2 yards	4-1/2 yards	7 yards	10 yards	10-1/2 yards
66 in.	5 yards	5 yards	7-1/2 yards	10-1/2 yards	11 yards
72 in.	7-3/4 yards	5-1/4 yards	8 yards	11 yards	11-1/2 yards

If you need two lengths of fabric to achieve the width, cut the fabric in half crosswise, and then cut one piece in half lengthwise.

Sew 2 and 3 on either side of 1 to avoid having a seam down the center of the table.

To cut your circle, follow these instructions:

1. Fold the seamed fabric into quarters and pin all four layers of fabric together.

2. Place a yardstick at the centerfold and pivot, marking off a measurement that is one-half the diameter all the way around.

   

   Cut a circle out of fabric.

1. Cut through all four layers.

After you’ve cut your circle, hem with a 1/4-inch double hem and add any desired trims.

Holiday-related square tablecloths or runners

Before making square tablecloths or table runners, you need to determine how much fabric you’re going to need:

1. Measure the length of the table.

2. Measure the height from top of table to floor and then add 2 inches for seam allowances.

3. Add the measurements from Steps 1 and 2 to determine the total length of fabric you need.

4. Measure the width you want your tablecloth or runner to be (add 2 inches for seam allowances).

5. Add the total inches in Steps 3 and 4 and add 2 inches for seam.

6. Add Steps 3 and 4 to determine the total length of fabric you need.

7. Divide your answer from Step 6 by 36 to get the total yardage amount of fabric.

   Your fabric needs to be cut to this length.

To make a tablecloth or table runner, you need the following materials:

• Fabric cut to size (refer to the measurement guide)

• Thread (For a no-sew option, use fabric glue.)

• Scissors

• Straight pins

• Sewing machine

• Tape measure

• Iron/ironing board

When you have all the materials you need, follow these instructions:

1. Press all edges 3/8 of an inch to the wrong side

2. Press again 1/2 of an inch to the wrong side

3. Use a straight stitch to sew all edges approximately 3/8 of an inch from the edge of the fabric.

   For a no-sew option, use fabric glue to fuse the hem in place.

For a designer variation, sew cording, welted beading, or other decorative trim to the edges of your tablecloth or table runner.