A CIRCULAR CLOTH
Decide on a finished diameter for the cloth: for a full draped effect, make the
cloth slightly longer than twice the height plus the diameter of the table.
Decide on a suitable finish and include a hem allowance. For a lined cloth,
include a 5cm turning all around the outer edge. To interline the cloth, the
best method is to cut a separate circle of interlining to fit the table and
place under the cloth. This saves cleaning problems.
MAKING TABLE LINEN
For a lined cloth cut a circle of lining the same size as the main fabric, on
both circles of fabric cut notches all around the edge at regular intervals 2.5
cm to allow the hem. to lie flat. Turn under 2.5 cm (1 in) all around the
lining and the main cloth. Lock- stitches the lining to the cloth if it is
large. Position the lining on the cloth wrong sides together and slip stitch the
folded hems together.
Press, without
making a crease in the hem of the cloth, a faced hem gives a crisp finish to a
circular cloth. Cut the fabric into a circle as before, allowing a 1 cm
turning.
Cut a 2 cm (1 in) wide strip of fabric on the bias to match the
circumference of the finished cloth. Press under 6 cm down each long edge and
join the ends, or you can purchase binding. Position the binding around the hem
of the cloth, right sides facing, and stitch so that the fold of the binding is
1cm inside the raw edge of the fabric. Press, then turn the hem allowance and
binding to the inside and press again. Slip-stich the free folded edge of the
binding to the main part of the cloth, easing in the fullness as you works. The
cloth may also be finished with a simple top stitched hem, and trimmed with
braid or bullion cord at floor level.
