The how-to for the patchwork top

The table we made our tablecloth for measures 120cm by 270cm and I wanted to make a tablecloth that would have an approximate drop of 30cm each side. This would make the tablecloth’s measurements approximately 180cm by 330cm in total, therefore, this how-to does not give exact measurements as every one’s table size will differ.

• Start by choosing your fabrics, I chose various contrasting coloured fabrics to create my wonderful Midsomer Madness Tablecloth

• I then cut out the relevant number of patchwork rectangles I needed for my table-top as well as allowing for some drop either side and either end of the table.
• I arranged all of my patchwork strips into my chosen pattern, I randomly placed mine but rearranged a few so colours weren’t grouped together.

Tip: For ease, try and find a  floor space big enough for you to lay your tablecloth out in its entirety.

• Sew the individual strips together, end to end, until they form long panels of fabric, (lengthways along the tablecloth) making sure you allow extra fabric for the tablecloth’s drop.

• Next, sew all the strips together to create the patchwork top of the tablecloth. I decided not to sew my strips in line with each other and instead alternated the pattern to create a brick-wall effect.

• As the strips were not sewn together in a line this meant that there was some excess fabric left at either end of the tablecloth, cut off the excess fabric so that you are left with a straight edge. That is the patchwork part of the tablecloth completed.

How-To make the border & backing

• I decided to have a border all the way round the edge of the tablecloth to finish it off nicely and make it neater.
• I cut out 4 strips of my chosen backing fabric, 2 strips slightly longer than the width of my tablecloth and 2 strips slightly longer than the length of it, as well as allowing a little extra for a hem.

Tip: Remember to allow extra fabric when you cut your strips so you have enough to create the corners.

• Pin the four strips to the four sides of the patchwork tablecloth top and then sew the border strips in place. Make sure that you sew all four strips on individually as the corners need to be stitched up separately.

• The fabric strips should overlap at each corner before you fold them down.

• Fold the top strip of the edging fabric over (from where it is stitched to), thus folding it into a triangle.

• Do the same with the adjoining corner of fabric by once again folding the fabric under and creating a corner that resembles the photo above.

• Next, pin the underside triangle along the folding line

• Stitch into place to secure and then cut off any excess material.

• Repeat this process with all four corners of the tablecloth.

• I chose a flowery red fabric for the underside/backing of my tablecloth, this would enable me to then use the tablecloth either side up. As my tablecloth was so big, I sewed two pieces of my chosen backing fabric together with the seam down the middle.

• To attach the backing of the tablecloth to the patchwork top, I placed the two fabrics face-to-face, pinned them in place all the way around the edges and then sewed them together. Remember to leave an opening (around 30 – 40cm) so that the tablecloth can be turned back the right way.

• Once all of the edges are sewn, turn the tablecloth back the right way and then hand sew the open gap together.

• Iron all the edges and corners flat.

• To finish, I machined all the way around the edges of the tablecloth (along the patchwork / border seam); not only does this keep the two fabric pieces in place and stops them from moving around, it gives the border of the tablecloth more definition. I used cream cotton for the top and a red cotton for the bottom to match the fabrics.

The result…

A wonderfully, colourful cloth worthy of decorating any table this summer or any time you like!

Cherry

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Cherry Menlove

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