How to make a lace-trim tablecloth

Choose a striking, oversized print and turn your table into a centrepiece

You will need

• Main fabric (we used Sugar Plum Belgian linen, col Sage, £80 a metre, Celia Birtwell)
• Tacking thread
• Matching thread
• Lace trim (we used antique lace, from a selection, Lunn Antiques)

Step 1) Measure the length and width of your table
and add 12cm to each measurement for hems. Measure the height of your
table and, again, add this to your length and width measurements. These
sizes will make a tablecloth that hangs half way to the floor all round.
If you prefer a larger or smaller cloth for your dining room, increase or reduce these measurements as necessary.

Step 2) Cut out your fabric.
If your table is very large you may need to join fabric lengths or
widths to create a cloth that is big enough. If so, bear in mind that
when cutting out you'll need to allow for a 1.5cm seam and any necessary
pattern matching. Usually the bolder the pattern (like the one we've
used), the larger the pattern repeat and the more fabric required.

Step 3)
To create a hem, turn under 2cm then 10cm all round the tablecloth and
pin. Unpin at each corner, create a neat diagonal fold and then re-pin.
Tack in place all round, remove pins and press.

Step 4) Top stitch the hem in place, 2mm from the inner folded edge. Remove tacking.

Step 5) To work out how much lace you will need for the tablecloth
trim, add together the cloth width and length measurements, double this
measurement and add 5cm. Starting in the centre of one shorter
tablecloth edge, pin the lace in place all round - position the top edge
of the lace no more than 5mm from the edge of the cloth so that the
main body of the design hangs free from the cloth, making it more
visible.

Step 6) Once you have pinned all round, fold the
two short edges of the lace under so that the folded edges sit flush
(trim off the folded-back excess a little if it looks neater). Use
matching thread to carefully slip stitch these folded edges together.

Step 7) Tack the lace in place all round and remove the pins. Machine stitch in place, 2mm from the top edge of the lace. Remove tacking, press and place on table.

Love this? Find more of our craft ideas on Country Homes and Interiors' website. Plus, be first to hear about our favourite buys and exclusive competitions on Facebook and Twitter.