Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Holiday Tutorial Series -- Small Circular Tablecloth for Halloween



Creating a small circular tablecloth with oilcloth is very simple, since oilcloth doesn't fray you can leave the edge cut.  Yes, that is right this is a no-sew project!!!  In this tutorial I will walk you though the process of making a cute holiday tablecloth.

My table is 27 inches and I wanted a 10 inch drop for my spooky tablecloth, I simply plugged in the my dimensions into the following formula.


drop x 2 + diameter of table= finished tablecloth 


10" x 2 + 27" =47"

Please note that oilcloth measures between 47-48 inches wide, this tutorial is only for small tables.  We will chat about about larger tablecloths later.

tools of the trade:
A square of Oilcloth
measuring devise, yard stick or measuring tape
pencil and Sharpie
regular scissors, pinking shears or rotary cutter
fancy scallop blade (optional)

Starting off with a square of oilcloth, fold piece into quarters.

Finger press center

Lightly mark center with pencil. Please note, a heavy mark will show through on the polka dot oilcloth. Unfortunately, I know this from experience!  Oops!

Begin this next step by opening up your fabric once.  I like to do half of the circle at a time.  This way you can get a much better cut and in the end a much nicer tablecloth.

My finished tablecloth is going to be 47 inches so divided that number by two to get 24 1/2.  I mark that onto my tape measure with a heavy line to make sure I don't forget my half mark.  Now line your half mark with the center mark and begin to mark the outer edge (hem) for your tablecloth.

I like to use the edge of the tape measure to use small lines placed close together.


Next use a Sharpie to connect the dots and create a heavy line.


Cut just inside the heavy line.

Fold you oilcloth back in to quarters and mark the second half of your circle.

Once you have the second half marked open up you fabric and cut inside the line once more.

I like the scalloped edge that this rotary cutter blade adds to the simple tablecloth, of course you can use plain scissors or pinking shears to create a lovely tablecloth.
I am of two minds, use what you have and buy more toys!

Every day look for fall.

Tricked for Halloween!

1 comment:

Anne said...

Great project!! I love the print you chose for Halloween!

I posted a link to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-no-sew-circular-tablecloth/2009/09/24/

--Anne