One of my daughters and I’s favorite things to do is “set the scene” in the dollhouse. One of our favorite scenes to set has been the dining table. Over the years I have sewn several tablecloths to go with our scenes. I have made several mistakes along the way…making the tablecloth too long or too short. Today I will share a few tips that I’ve learned along the way.
What I have found looks and works the best is to have the tablecloth sit just a smidge above the chair’s seat. The tablecloth will hang neatly straight down. This way there isn’t too much fabric to get tangled up in the doll’s legs. If you get the tablecloth too long it looks scrunched up when the chairs are pushed in under the table. If you get the tablecloth too short it looks like the fabric is floating on top of the table.
To measure the width of the tablecloth, keep a chair on either side of the table and drape the measuring tape over, starting from one seat top to the other. I got 19 inches.
Now do the same for the length. I got 28 inches.
For tablecloths, I add 1 ½ inches to those measurements. So I will cut my fabric 20 ½ inches wide and 29 ½ inches in length. This is to accommodate for seam allowance of ¾ inches on each side.
Once you have measured and cut your fabric you need to press your seams. I fold my seams twice to get a finished look. The total amount of fabric folded should equal your ¾ inch seam allowance.
- Fold once and press.
- Fold again, press, and pin or clip.
- Stitch into place. I stitch lengthwise first and the width second. I chose a zig-zag stitch. Make sure ends are tied off of prevent seams from coming undone.
Your finished tablecloth! I can’t wait to share with you some pretty amazing things I have to go on this tablecloth! Stay tuned!
Enjoy!
I love the fabric!
Thank you!