Kitchen Tablecloth Tutorial – Reusing Old Quilts

My mom the other day thought that she didn’t need a big rectangle of a kitchen tablecloth— but a round one. So, do you know what she did? She dug around in her closet and found an older not being used bedspread. That’s right bedspread…and chopped it right up and made herself a custom tablecloth. Just what she wanted.

If you have a wrong size tablecloth or bedspread that is screaming from the cupboard to be used— here is your how to:

How To Customize Your Tablecloth Tutorial

It really is pretty simple when you think about it

Close-up of the bedspread– nicely dense quilt pattern. Thin, not puffy. Perfect for a tablecloth!

Materials Needed:

• Bedspread or tablecloth
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or serger
• String
• Tools: Rotary cutter, cutting mat, ruler, sewing machine
• Thread: Matching or contrasting
• Extras: Pins, iron, marking tools (optional)

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Step 1:  Take that string and tape one end to the center of the table. The table we are customizing is a round one……directions would be different for other shapes. Pull that string down over the edge to the length that you would like it. We pulled it just past the bottom of the table edge so it draped nicely. Cut the string at this length.

Step 2:  Fold the tablecloth into 4ths. The outside edges matching up as well as you can…but really this will be cut off, so if it won’t go perfect…don’t freak out.

Step 3:  Lay the string from step 1 —one end will be at the center point and the other end will be loose. Take a marker and while holding the string in one hand move the marker along with the other– you will be marking your cut line. You don’t need to mark a solid line…just something you can follow along with, with your scissors.

Step 4: You will now need to finish the outside edge. Serge all the way around it or you could use a zig-zag stitch with your sewing machine.

Step 5: Make a binding. You could either add a separate binding or fold over the outside edge once and sew down using a straight stitch. Sew back around on this new ‘binding’ again. Makes it a more finished looking edge.

Tips & Tricks – Kitchen Tablecloth

1. Use a safety pin and string for accurate measuring.
If you don’t have a large compass, tape one end of a string to the center of the table and use a pencil to trace your circle for a clean cut.

2. Iron before cutting.
Give your tablecloth or quilt a good press before measuring and cutting to avoid uneven edges caused by wrinkles or folds.

3. Mark your cutting line with chalk or washable marker.
This helps you stay accurate when trimming and can easily be removed or hidden after sewing.

4. Don’t toss the scraps!
Use leftover fabric from trimming to make matching placemats, napkins, or even coasters.

5. Test your stitch settings.
Before sewing the actual tablecloth edge, do a quick test on a scrap piece to ensure your zigzag or finishing stitch looks neat.

How To Find The Right Quilt For Your Tablecloth

• Measure Your Table First
  Start by measuring the length and width of your table (and height, if you want overhang). This will help you figure out what size quilt or quilt top will work best.

• Look for Centered Designs
  Choose a quilt with a focal point or centered design if you want a symmetrical look on your table. Medallion-style quilts or those with a large block in the center work well.

• Choose a Quilt You Don’t Mind Cutting
  This project requires trimming, so pick a quilt top that you’re okay with modifying—think orphan blocks, older quilt tops, or practice pieces.

• Keep the Style in Mind
  Match the quilt design and colors to your home decor. Bright and scrappy for a country kitchen, or soft and subtle for a more neutral space.

• Avoid Quilts with Bulky Seams or Thick Batting
  Since this will be used as a tablecloth, skip quilts that are heavily quilted or extra thick—they may not lay flat or could be hard to clean.

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What do you think? Have any bedspreads hanging out and ready for a new life? Give it a try and let us all know how it went, and of course what it looks like!

Have any other suggestions? What else could we make tablecloths out of?

Additional Kitchen Resources

• How to Make a Potholder
• 5 Sewing Projects for the Kitchen
• Cutesy up your Kitchen Towels
• Casserole Quilted Hot Pad Pattern
• Quilted Hot Pad with Pocket Pattern
• Baked Potato Microwave Bag With Video Tutorial

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What kinds of tablecloths or bedspreads can I use?
A. You can repurpose any oversized round tablecloth or bedspread—ideally a thin quilted one—to fit your kitchen table

Q. How do I measure the cutting line for a round table?
A. Tape one end of a string at the table’s center, extend it to your desired drape length, mark and use that string to trace a circle .

Q. What if my table is rectangular or oval?
A. This tutorial focuses on round tables; for other shapes, you’ll need to trace and cut in sections that fit the table’s edges.

Q. How should I finish the raw edge after cutting?
A. Either serge around the edge, or use a zig-zag stitch, fold over the raw edge, and stitch for a clean, finished look

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