The Well Dressed Table
Quick and easy sewing projects for your dining area
With some fabric and a sewing machine, you can have the best dressed table in town.
Sewers can create everything from tablecloths and place mats with matching napkins to table runners and table toppers.
So far as choosing fabrics, choices abound. These can be as simple or as ornate as you wish. Just be sure they’re washable. For special occasions, festive shades and prints work very well. To add seasonal interest or decorative touches during the holidays, fabrics with appropriate motifs are widely available.
If you sew a lot, it’s likely that you have enough leftovers for appliqué and patchwork table designs.
When using multiple items on a table, such as napkins and placemats, coordinate the colors and patterns to get the desired effect.
Tablecloths can be made to any shape or size you need. When you’re measuring, add hem allowances for all edges with some extra to drape over the sides and ends of the table.
For a well dressed look, layers work very well. That explains the role of table runners and table toppers. In addition, there’s another simple way to achieve a layered effect. Arrange a second tablecloth over the first one with the upper one being at angles to the lower cloth.
Or make quick and easy table scarves by taking two large squares of fabric. Hem the edges. Then, place the scarves at angles along the center of the tablecloth.
For finishing touches, use lace, or other trim if desired. However, this is by no means necessary.
If you’re looking for fresh ideas, magazines are a great place to start. Also, check out the pattern department in fabric shops. These usually have a wide assortment. For beginning sewers, patterns are excellent for a first project. With no-nonsense, step-by-step, illustrated instructions and full-size pattern pieces, these will serve you well. If you want to spend less on patterns, buy at retail stores or sources that sell them at a hefty discount.
Books are also an excellent source of inspiration and instruction when it comes to making table coverings. They have color-illustrated directions from start to finish along with a complete list of the fabrics and supplies you need to complete each featured project.
Among the suitable book titles is “Thimbleberries Four Seasons of Calendar Table Toppers” with a simple and quick design for each month by Lynette Jensen. This was published in 2006 by Landauer Corporation. Sewers will appreciate the full color photos, and the full size pattern pieces along with helpful chapters on general instructions for each technique.
