ruffled tablecloth {sort-of tutorial}

The one element I knew I wanted for Audrey’s party was a white ruffled tablecloth.

Perhaps you have seen them elsewhere and there are many good tutorials for how to make one {I referenced this one}.

Here’s the deal about this sort-of tutorial: I took photos of the each step in the process and then made a terrible mistake and deleted them from my camera. Boo. I was actually really annoyed at myself because there were a lot of good photos on there of family stuff, another project and our not-so-little puppy holding still {rare}. Double boo.

So, I don’t have an actual step-by-step tutorial with photos to share, but I’ll walk you through each step in words and a few diagrams.

Here’s what you’ll need:

:: fabric – I used two long rectangular tablecloths {$17 each on sale at target}
:: sewing machine, thread, scissors
:: patience

{a note on the fabric: you could use any type of lightweight fabric – muslin, cotton, linen – and save on the cost. I went with premade tablecloths because they were right in front of me at target and I liked that they are stain-resistant which means my finished product might hold up better than if I went with muslin}.

STEP ONE: map out your needed dimensions for the base of your tablecloth {depends on the size of table you’ll be covering with the tablecloth}

Your tablecloth length will depend on how long you want it to be {makes sense, right?}. If you want yours to be floor length, measure from tabletop to floor. I made mine short so the kids could still slip their legs under during lunch.

STEP TWO: measure ruffle dimensions

In general, you’ll need 1.5 to 2 times your length in fabric to make a full ruffle.

You will need to cut ruffle strips to cover all four sides of your table. If you have long enough fabric, you can cut continuous strips to wrap around the entire table.

STEP THREE: cut out all pieces.

STEP FOUR: sew all four side panels together to form a long rectangle. This will be the base to sew your ruffles on to.

STEP FIVE: hem each ruffle strip. I planned on doing this step, but then decided that would take too long, so I skipped it. Hence the million frayed threads.

STEP SIX: start ruffling. This is the tedious part. Set your machine to the longest stitch and run a straight stitch all the way along the top of each ruffle strip. Do not back stitch. Gently pull one of the threads to gather the fabric, being careful to not break the thread.

STEP SEVEN: sew ruffles onto side panel, starting with the lowest ruffle and working up. Be sure to overlap the ruffles to hide the raw edges.

STEP EIGHT: sew the long panel {with ruffles on it} onto the top piece. Put right sides together and do your best to sew along the top ruffle seam so that the raw edges are covered. I made my tablecloth with an overlap opening where the ends of the panel cross. Goodness, I’m not sure that makes any sense. In other words, the long panel wraps all the way around the table with about a six inch overlap and raw edges. You don’t even notice it.

Now trim your threads and you’re done!

Hopefully this sort-of tutorial is helpful. I know photos always help so feel free to ask any questions in the comments and I’ll give my best instructions.