Want a table cover that actually stays put? This snug, elastic-edged cover fits your table like a shower cap, so it won't slip, bunch, or blow away at a picnic. I made mine from laminated cotton, a wipe-clean, water-resistant fabric that's perfect for kitchen tables, craft tables, outdoor dining, and kids' activity spaces. It's also the easiest way I know to hide a beat-up old table and make your space happy again!
What You'll Make
A fitted table cover with boxed corners and an elastic edge that grabs under the tabletop. I'm showing a square card table, because square is the trickiest shape. I'll also explain how to adapt it for long and round tables.
Skill level: Beginner. Laminated cotton doesn't fray, so there's no hemming or double folding.
Why Laminated Cotton?
- Wipe-clean and water-resistant. Spills bead up instead of soaking in.
- No fraying. You don't need to bind or double-fold the edges.
- Stays smooth. It lies flat even after being folded, and you can finger press instead of ironing.
- Easy care. You can wash and dry it on cool cycles.
Supplies
- Laminated cotton: about 2 yards of 55" wide fabric for a standard card table, or 3 to 4 yards for a long buffet table
- Elastic: 1/4", 3/8", or 1/2" wide (see Step 5 for length)
- Elastic threader or a jumbo safety pin
- Clips (pins work, but clips are safer on laminate)
- Gütermann polyester thread and a Microtex 80/12 needle
- Rotary cutter, mat, and ruler
- Optional: a Teflon foot, in case your machine doesn't like the laminate
How to Sew a Tight-Fitting Table Cover
Step 1: Measure your table and cut the fabric
Measure the top of your table, then add about 11" to each measurement. My card table is 34" square and 2" thick, so I cut a 45" x 45" square. That gives the cover enough room to wrap under the edge. If your table is thicker, add more.
Step 2: Cut the boxed corners
Fold the fabric in half, then in half again, so all four corners are stacked. Measure a 5" square from the corner and cut through all four layers at once, just like boxing the corners on a bag. There's a little built-in wiggle room, so it doesn't have to be perfect.
Step 3: Sew the corners
Open it up and bring the edges of each cut-out corner together, right sides facing. Sew with a 1/4" seam and lock stitch at both ends so the corners don't pull out. I use a 3 mm stitch length on any laminate, vinyl, or cork. Test the fit before taking a bigger seam allowance. There's nothing worse than not having enough fabric!
Short on time? You can stop here. With the corners sewn, the cover already fits the table nicely.
Step 4: Make the elastic channel
Fold the bottom edge up about 1" just once. No double fold needed, because laminate doesn't fray. Clip it all the way around. At each corner seam, tuck the seam allowance in the same direction on every corner, so your elastic glides past them later. Sew around close to the fold, leaving an opening about four fingers wide.
Any puckers or wrinkles in the hem disappear once the elastic is in, so don't worry about them.
Step 5: Thread the elastic
As a starting point, cut your elastic about half the distance around the cover. Mine is 90" around, so I started with 45". Pin the tail end so you don't lose it, then thread the elastic through the channel in the same direction your corner seams lie. Elastic varies a lot by age and type, so add up to about 5" if yours is tight. My newer elastic was much tighter than my old one!
Step 6: Secure the elastic and close the opening
Overlap the elastic ends and stitch back and forth a few times. Then stitch the opening closed and stretch the cover over your table. Wind won't be taking that off!
Jump to a Step in the Video
- 2:10 The finished table cover
- 3:16 Measuring and cutting the fabric
- 4:08 Cutting the boxed corners
- 5:31 Sewing the corners
- 8:23 Folding the elastic channel
- 13:22 Sewing the channel
- 15:41 Cutting and threading the elastic
- 24:39 Putting it on the table
Table Cover FAQ
How much fabric do I need for a table cover?
Add about 11" to your table's length and width. For a standard card table, 2 yards of 55" wide laminated cotton is enough, with some left over. A long buffet table takes about 3 to 4 yards.
How much elastic do I need?
Start with about half the distance around your cover, then adjust. Different elastics stretch very differently, so add up to 5" if it's too tight.
How do I make a cover for a round or oval table?
Lay the fabric on the table and cut around it with extra for the overhang. Skip the boxed corners and finish it like a shower cap or bowl cover with the elastic channel.
Does laminated cotton fray?
No. You don't need to bind or hem it twice. Just one fold for the elastic channel.
Do I need a Teflon foot to sew laminated cotton?
Usually not. I sewed a practice cover with my regular foot with no problems. Keep a Teflon foot nearby in case your machine sticks.
Can I iron laminated cotton?
Yes, on low heat from the wrong side, but you rarely need to. Finger pressing works great.
More Projects You'll Love
- How to Make a Basket Liner That Fits
- How to Sew Perfect Boxed Corners
- Easy Shopper Tote
- How to Sew Vinyl
Want a wipe-clean zipper pouch to match? Laminated cotton is great inside and out on my Easy Zipper Cases pattern. Shop fabric, bag lining materials, and tools and notions in the Sew Hungry Hippie shop.
Thanks for sewing along! If this helped, please subscribe on YouTube and join our email list for new tutorials, fabric arrivals, and restocks.
Peace, Love, Sewing,
-Natalie
