Thanksgiving Ideas

Make a Rustic Tablecloth With Ruffled Burlap Trim

Embellish a basic thrift-store or hand-me-down white tablecloth with strips of inexpensive burlap to give the plain table linen a sophisticated, custom look, perfect for Thanksgiving.

By Marian Parsons, Mustard Seed Interiors
Filed under: Thanksgiving, Handmade, Decorating, Crafts, How To

Materials Needed:

white linen or cotton tablecloth
approximately 5 yards of burlap (will vary depending on size of tablecloth)
white cotton all-purpose thread
scissors
cutting mat

rotary fabric cutter
clear quilting ruler
pencil
pins
sewing machine

Prep Tablecloth and Cut Burlap

Wash and press white cotton or linen tablecloth. Using a rotary cutting tool, clear ruler and a cutting mat, cut burlap into two-inch strips lengthwise. Tip: Scissors can be used if a rotary cutter is not available.

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Mark Tablecloth

Use a clear quilting ruler and pencil to measure and lightly mark lines to use as a guide when pinning pleated burlap strips. The first line should be two inches up from the bottom edge of tablecloth and the second line should be six inches above the first. If using a rectangular or square tablecloth, measure carefully around corners to get a straight miter. Tip: Additional rows of pleated burlap can be added if desired, and the spacing can be customized depending on preference.

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Pleat and Pin Burlap

Using pencil lines as a guide, pleat and pin burlap to tablecloth. The size and fullness of pleats can be adjusted depending on the desired look. Small, crowded pleats will give a fuller, ruffled look and larger pleats will achieve a more tailored, folded look. Tip: For large tablecloths, pin and sew burlap in smaller sections.