Protect fragile surfaces with a canvas tablecloth perfect for parties

Whether it’s time to host a party for family and friends, or if fragile surfaces are causing daily stress, a tablecloth can be a simple yet decorative solution. These durable cuts of fabric are readily available at a variety of stores, but there’s no need to spend a lot when the opportunity exists to create one right at home. Indulge your creative inspiration using a sewing machine and swatches of colorful canvas to make a tablecloth that’s unique and equally purposeful when it comes to protecting your tabletops.

Consider cutting alternating dark and light blue canvas strips to add a lovely sense of contrast to the final product. This DIY canvas tablecloth is cut to size in order to match the dimensions of the table it will ultimately adorn. You then sew the canvas strips side by side at varying widths to create a decorative look. Finishing the edges and smoothing the fabric with an iron gives this tablecloth a touch of elegance that makes it perfect for covering a dinner table or displaying candles, accent décor and more. This one-of-a-kind design makes hosting a party simple and doubles to protect your fragile table surfaces.

-Tape measure
-Two colors of canvas fabric (1 yard for thin strips of one color and 2 yards of another hue for thick strips)
-Scissors
-Cutting mat
-Rotary cutter
-Plastic ruler
-Sewing machine
-Thread snips
-Red pencil
-Sewing pins
-Ironing board and iron

Instructions
 
1. Measure the length and width of the table that you'll use the tablecloth to cover. Allow for extra length to fall over each end. The final product is made of two pieces, so once you determine the dimensions, you'll use half the length.

2. Unfold and smooth one color of canvas that will eventually be cut into thin strips. Fold the top right corner down at a 45° angle, and cut the canvas diagonally at the seam of the fold.

3. Remove the top portion of fabric from the angled cut, and fold the corner from the bottom of the canvas up into another 45° angle.

4. Fold the canvas up twice more horizontally from the bottom edge, and position it on a cutting mat with the pointed end facing up.

5. Cut the canvas on the bias into 4-inch strips using a rotary cutter and a plastic ruler for accuracy.

6. Fold the pointed end of the fabric down over the rest of the canvas, and continue cutting strips until there are seven total. Set the thin strips to the side.

7. Repeat the trimming process with the second color of canvas, this time cutting seven strips that are 6 inches wide.

8. Serge or sew the strips together in a pattern of alternating colors and width. Be sure to trim away extra thread. Match the pieces as closely as possible from shortest to longest.

9. Cut away excess lengths of fabric so the edges are all even once the strips are sewn together.

10. Fold the sewn strips in half with the smooth surfaces facing each other. Cut the fabric in half at the short end once the edges are aligned.

11. Mark the table dimensions onto each of the two pieces of fabric separately using the plastic ruler and a red pencil.

12. Cut out the pieces of fabric to the desired dimensions, making sure that the colors are lined up so they match in the middle.

13. Stack the two pieces of fabric on top of one another and pin them together in the middle so the colored strips are aligned.

14. Serge the center seam, and then continue to serge the entire outer edge of both pieces of fabric.

15. Iron the fabric smooth.

16. Fold the edges over a plastic ruler, and pin them evenly in place.

17. Sew the edges down with a sewing machine.

18. Position the tablecloth on the table, and decorate the surface with candles, accent décor and more!