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Home sewing

The Best Fabric for Tablecloths and Napkins: Linen, Cotton and How Much

Beaumont Bloom Check print by Helen Bowler Designs, tablecloth fabric

The Fabric Shop |

A printed tablecloth sets the mood for every meal. The best fabric washes well, irons flat and keeps its colour through many dinners.

Here are the fabrics we recommend for tablecloths and napkins, and how to work out the size.

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The bases

The best fabric for tablecloths

Cotton Linen base fabric
Tablecloths and napkins

Cotton Linen

175 GSM70% cotton, 30% linen135 cm

The linen look with cotton's easy care. It washes hard, irons back flat and keeps its colour.

Our pick for table linen of every kind.

Relaxed, textured linenPure Linen150 GSM, softens with age
Outdoor tablesDecor Canvas365 GSM polyester
Smooth and crispSignature Cotton150 GSM, 100% cotton
Quantities

Working out the size

Measure the table

Measure the length and width of the table top.

Add the drop

Add twice the drop to each measurement. A 20 to 25 cm drop suits most tables.

Add the hems

Add 5 cm to each measurement for a double hem all round.

Check the width

Cotton Linen is 135 cm wide, enough for a table up to about 85 cm wide with a 20 cm drop, in one piece.

2.5 mTablecloth for a 180 x 80 cm table
1.5 mFour 45 cm napkins
2 mSix 45 cm napkins
2.5 mThree runners for a 180 cm table

Based on our 135 cm wide Cotton Linen with a 20 cm drop, cut before washing. If you pre-wash first, add 10%.

Designs

Prints for the table

Sage Green Farmhouse Plaid fabric design by INSVY Design StudioSage Green Farmhouse PlaidINSVY Design StudioCherries in Soft Pink fabric design by Adeline-Julie BeeCherries in Soft PinkAdeline-Julie BeeRustic Hand Stamped Checkerboard fabric design by Marie Le MoalRustic Hand Stamped CheckerboardMarie Le MoalLemon Trellis fabric design by Lina RombergLemon TrellisLina Romberg

Browse all designs →

From our studios

Prints for the table

Shop by projectCushions and home fabricSee the designs →Shop by themeGingham, check and stripe fabricSee the designs →Shop by themeChristmas fabricSee the designs →
Questions

Tablecloth fabric questions

What is the best fabric for a tablecloth?

Cotton Linen. It has the linen look, washes hard and irons back flat.

How much fabric do I need for a tablecloth?

Table length plus twice the drop plus hems. For a 180 x 80 cm table with a 20 cm drop, 2.5 m of 135 cm wide fabric.

How much fabric for napkins?

1.5 m makes four 45 cm napkins, and 2 m makes six.

What fabric is best for an outdoor tablecloth?

Decor Canvas. Polyester handles damp better than cotton and holds its colour.

The fabric your idea deserves. By the metre, on demand.

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