organza tablecloths

How to make organza tablecloths

Whether you want to change out the table linens for the season or want to dress up a plain, bare table, sewing your own organza tablecloths is simple, even for those who don’t have much experience with a sewing machine. Organza is a sheer fabric that comes in a variety of colors, so you can create many tablecloths to use during the year. Since organza is sheer it’s slightly harder to work with than cotton, but you can prepare the fabric for easy handling.

Determine how much organza you will need for your organza tablecloths. A casual tablecloth usually hangs down 10 to 12 inches, while a formal style has a drop length of 16 to 24 inches, according to Stitch and Save. Calculate the amount you’ll need by adding the width of the table and the amount of overhang, plus 4 inches to accommodate the hem. Then, add the length of the table and the amount of the overhang and 4 additional inches. The length measurements will tell you how many inches of organza you’ll need, and the width measurements will tell you how wide the fabric must be.
Apply a starch spray to the ends of the organza tablecloths to make them slightly stiff and easier to fold a hem. Shelly Hawk Designs suggests spraying the ends of the fabric and then ironing them on a very low heat setting for just a few moments to prepare them for sewing.
Double fold the edges of the organza to create the hem. Fold the edges up approximately 1/2 -inch, and then fold them again an additional 1/2-inch. Secure the hem with sewing pins around the entire perimeter of the tablecloth. Before you begin sewing, ensure that the hem is completely even.
Change out the sewing needle on the machine. You will need a needle that sews on sheer fabric, and the Sewing eClasses website suggests using a Microtex needle. Use a polyester thread to sew organza, since it’s stronger than regular cotton thread.
Sew around the entire inner edge of the fold so that you sew over both layers of folding. To sew along the edge, adjust the fabric underneath the foot of the sewing machine so the needle goes directly into the inside edge of the hem. Sew around the entire organza tablecloths, pulling out the sewing pins as you go.