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Sew Easy Tablecloth and Napkins


I wanted a new tablecloth for the small square table in my breakfast nook. I looked for a red checked one, but couldn't find exactly what I had in mind. In a fabric store one afternoon, I found a fabric I liked, and decided to make one. I'm glad I did- I got what I wanted, and very inexpensively. The fabric was on clearance. I got enough for the tablecloth and four napkins, all for about $6.00.

This makes a 42" square tablecloth and 15" napkins. All you do is cut out squares, press up hems, and sew straight lines. Easy! OR, you can make this project even easier by making it NO SEW- just press the hems using a heat-bond hemming tape product following the directions on the package. I've used that method with good results.


Of course, you would probably cut your pieces with the fabric folded in half (selvage to selvage) as it comes when you buy it...these are the total pieces you would end up with.

Start with fabric that is 42" wide. In my case, I purchased a little over two yards. Cut a 43" square for the table cloth, and 16" squares for the napkins. I hemmed all four edges of each napkin, but skipped the hemming on the two selvage sides of the tablecloth.

(Sometimes selvages don't look very good- in that case, you could hem all four sides. Cut the square 42" and hem all four sides. You'll have a 41" tablecloth).


For the hems, I pressed 1/4", folded over another 1/4" and pressed. Then just sewed close to the edge:

There are prettier ways to make corners, but these worked fine. 



If your table is larger, just use the tablecloth as a topper, above. I liked the check for summer, but you can select fabric suitable for the season- Easter, Thanksgiving, whatever you want to dress your table up for.



My kitchen has lots of red in it. Now it has even more.






You might also enjoy Royal Elephant Pillow Cover:


and Best Banana Bread:


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38 comments:

  1. I seriously wish i could sew, but my mom can and guessing she could make something like herself easily. So, I pinned to show it to her now :)

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  2. Such a pretty tablecloth and napkins! I love using cloth napkins. =)
    Pinned!

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  3. So creative and clever, Joy. Nothing is nicer than a new cloth and napkins for the table.

    Linda

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  4. That is really cute and a great idea for dressing up the table. I have fallen in love with table clothes over the last 10 years but I never thought to try your accent idea. Thanks Joy!

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  5. Joy,

    You amaze me with your many talents. This table cloth is perfect for this time of the year. You did a great job. I really wish I could sew too. Maybe, it is not to late to take it up.

    Sharing everywhere.
    Blessings,
    Diane Roark

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  6. My mom always made our tablecloths like this. I laughed when I read this, since I just recommended the DIY method to someone who couldn't find a tablecloth. I've been thinking red checks too for a picnic blanket. I'll have to keep my eyes open.

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    Replies
    1. Great minds, etc.!! Thank you for coming by, Scarlett! :)

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  7. You have inspired me to dust of my sewing machine, dig out my thread and get to work. Beautiful!
    Blessings,
    Shari

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Shari! I don’t have advanced sewing skills, but I can sew the heck out of a (semi) straight line! ;)

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  8. You are amazing…love how you bring a post at the right time!! I need a spring/summer table doth and now I know where to get one….thanks for sharing!

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  9. Super cute! Love this :) Thanks for sharing!
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
    Hugs from Portugal,
    Ana Love Craft
    www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

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  10. I love your table cloth and napkins. When I was growing up, we always used cloth napkins. They were always napkins that my mother made, except on Sunday when we used the store bought ones. But even then, they were cloth napkins. Thanks for bringing back some nice memories.

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  11. I love the red, and I am thrilled that you included a no-sew version for the sewing impaired --like me! So happy to see you at Snickerdoodle Sunday! :)

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  12. The tablecloth and napkins are lovely. I was thinking of doing something similar, and this post has inspired me to just "do it"! ;) Thanks.

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  13. This is perfect for Summer, Joy!! I can't sew a straight line if my life depended on it, but I might need to try this anyways! We prefer to use cloth napkins, so this is perfect! :)

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  14. Red gingham is such a wonderful fabric! It makes any table perk up and want to be noticed. Thanks for a great post! I have some gingham in my stash! I need to get sewing. Thanks for linking to the In and Out of the Kitchen Link party!

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  15. SO pretty. I love the little bow, it was a nice extra touch.

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  16. Sewing is definitely a great way to get exactly what you want. I don't sew myself, but I am often passing craft requests to my mum....lol.

    Love these!!

    Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning :-)

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  17. I love the bright, cheery red gingham! It just shouts out "Summertime". Your project sounds so easy - I'm inspired now. Thanks for sharing. It looks lovely. :)

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  18. I love the pattern. It totally reminds me of the summer and long gone, but not forgotten picnics from my youth. I found you on Dawn's linky party.

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  19. This looks like something even I can sew! I love the contrast in patterns you've used. The polka dots add a really cute touch.

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  20. Joy,

    I truly love this tablecloth and napkins. I featured it tonight on my Facebook page from Wonderful Wed. Blog Hop. I am so glad you linked up.
    Have a great evening,
    Diane Roark

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  21. I really like this, especially the red checkered cloth! I'm in the process of learning to sew. I just made some pillows and cushions for my front porch furniture. I am so excited to learn to sew! Pinning this to my Sewing board. Stopping by from Wake Up Wednesday.

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  22. I cannot sew but I can steam some stitch witchery! Thanks so much for the inspiration and for sharing at Show-Licious Craft & Recipe!

    ~ Ashley

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  23. I love a classic red and white check tablecloth/napkins for summer, Joy.
    Thanks for sharing your terrific tips and beautiful table linens with us at Project Inspire{d}!!

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  24. It's so cute. I love it and pined
    Thanks for sharing up at "My Favorite Things- Linky Party"
    Have fun and don’t forget to join us each week!
    co-host
    Be Creative Mommy
    http://becreativemommy.blogspot.co.uk/

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  25. Check fabric is perfect for table wear and in red, even better.

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    1. Hi Joy, I've featured your tablecloth and napkins today...
      http://www.threadingmyway.com/2014/06/threading-your-way-features_22.html

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  26. I love the Gingham fabric!! These are perfect for Summer!! TFS and stopping by from Sew Crafty Angel's Wake up Wednesday Linky Party and a co-host. I am also following you on g+ and FB, please stop by my blog, have a look around and please follow me back: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com

    Thank you,
    Alisha

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  27. This looks so fresh and full of summer. I love easy projects that are inexpensive. Thanks for linking to the Bloggers Brags Pinterest Party.

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  28. What a fun and easy way to dress up the table! Thank you for sharing at The Creative Exchange Link Party!

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  29. Thanks so much for linking up at Teach Me Tuesday. Your post was greatly appreciated! I hope you will come back and visit tonight at 8pm CST.

    http://3glol.net/2014/06/23/teach-tuesday-3glol-9/

    Have a wonderful day!!

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  30. Oh my! This is so adorable! Pinned. Thanks for being a part of our party. We love having you! Please stop by tonight at 7 pm and party with us! http://loulougirls.blogspot.com
    Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

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  31. Thanks for sharing at Project Inspire{d}! Your adorable project is featured this week.

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  32. This is perfect for the summer! I will be featuring this project on my blog today!

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  33. I wish I could sew so I could make things like this. Thanks so much for sharing this at the Friday Frenzy!

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  34. Joy,

    I am stopping by just to STUMBLE several posts today. I hope you are having a great weekend.

    Blessings,
    Diane Roark

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