Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 1

What's the best fabric for table skirts?
Lori Sews Advanced Beginner FL Member since 10/20/05 Posts: 803	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 10/16/08 7:11 AM Hi all. I'm apparently a glutton for punishment because I volunteered my time to sew table skirts for chime tables for the local elementary school. The tables are your basic, folding, rectangular utility tables. Budgets are tight and the fabric must be inexpensive. I'll hem , add velcro tape, and slap them on. I'm wondering what kind of fabric would hold up for years and look half-way decent. Thanks so much.
SheilaAnn Intermediate MD USA Member since 3/28/08 Posts: 393	Login to reply to this post In reply to Lori Sews Like this post Date: 10/16/08 8:54 AM I made a table skirt for my cutting table and used velcro to hold it on, because I store my bins of material under it. I made small box pleats every foot or so, which gave it a very tailored look (very simple). I had a problem with the velcro coming off the table though, even though it was the industrial strength-the table had a plastic top. I eventually had to put screws through the velcro to hold it on. As for the fabric, I think almost any woven will do, (I used home dec cotton), because they don't get much "wear". Just make sure it's washable and and easily cared for-you don't want a lot of wrinkles if its going to be put away and brought out between performances. If that's the case, you may want to stay away from 100% cotton. ------ Sheila God's love is infinite!
G_l_e_n_d_a Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 5/11/05 Posts: 1104	Login to reply to this post In reply to SheilaAnn Like this post Date: 10/16/08 11:28 AM Your table skirt looks very attractive. I will want to be making some of these as well, so appreciate your post. Is the velcro just along the vertical edge of the table, or on the top? If it's on the edge, did you find it just the width you needed or did you have to cut it down?
SheBear0320   Advanced MB CANADA Member since 4/8/08 Posts: 2793	Login to reply to this post In reply to Lori Sews Like this post Date: 10/16/08 11:41 AM I too have done this for my sewing tables in the studio so that no one can see the pile of cords, notions, etc. that find a home under the tables. I have two banquet tables placed in an "L" shape and the skirt goes around the front of both tables. When I first did it I just used a broadcloth for the skirts. It worked fine although you need a darker fabric if you don't want to see through it. When I renovated and decorated my studio, I used a home dec fabric for the new table skirts (it all co-ordinates with the window treatments now). I used sew-on velcro on the tops of the table skirts and adhesive velcro on the tables. One thing I have learned is that you want to attach the adhesive velcro to a metal or wood surface if at all possible (I have found that it doesn't stick as well to plastic). You also want to make sure to thoroughly clean the surface you are attaching the adhesive velcro to -- use some rubbing alcohol or similar product to get a clean surface. I actually attached my adhesive velcro under the lip of the table rather than right on the edge. Mine are really plain -- no pleats or anything. As for fabric -- a woven fabric would be best -- you may want something a little heavier if you don't want the light to shine through (I'm not sure what a "chime" table is) or if you don't want shadows to show through. Since you will need quite a bit of fabric (depending on how many tables you are doing) you might want to check out bargain centres or clearance sections. Good luck. ------ Sheila "sewing very slowly to fill an empty closet" 2012/2013 Stash Busting Sew-Along: 27.25 yards sewn (as of 05/15/13) 21.75 yards purchased (as of 05/15/13)
SheilaAnn Intermediate MD USA Member since 3/28/08 Posts: 393	Login to reply to this post In reply to G_l_e_n_d_a Like this post Date: 10/16/08 11:50 AM Glenda, I'm not sure what you're asking. I used velcro that was 1" wide, and attached it to the outside edge of the table. I only used pieces about 3" long, and placed them about every 18" or so. (My table was one of those you get at BJ's, but I had a friend cut me 6" tubes from PVC pipe that the legs fit into, which raised the height of the table for a better cutting height). I used the width of 45" fabric for my "panels", so I didn't have to hem the sides, and this seems to make just the right size panels to take off and get into my stash under the table. ------ Sheila God's love is infinite!
G_l_e_n_d_a Advanced Beginner CA USA Member since 5/11/05 Posts: 1104	Login to reply to this post In reply to SheilaAnn Like this post Date: 10/16/08 2:17 PM Thanks, you answered it. The velcro is on the "outside edge". Your idea to avoid side hems is great!
Lori Sews Advanced Beginner FL Member since 10/20/05 Posts: 803	Login to reply to this post Like this post Subject: Whats the best fabric for table skirts? Date: 10/17/08 8:13 AM Thanks so much. These answers have been very helpful. SheliaAnn, your skirt looks great!

Go to Page: 1 of 1

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.