A Custom burlap table cover:
My friend and I were working one day at a show and had a real tough time dealing with the winds.
The table skirts kept sweeping up and getting stuck to the product and also would expose our supplies we had for the show that were kept under the tables. My friend had this brilliant idea of making a custom table cover. Since she doesn't sew and I do, (although I don't do it often anymore) she suggested that I try to make a custom table cover with a side panel opening to access beneath the table. I thought this was an awesome idea and gave it a go. (of course, you always have more courage when you don't know what your walking into..... lol)
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| The burlap was rough and heavy and not fun to manage. The first thing was to precut the pieces needed. I wrapped the burlap along the edge of the table from one end all the way to the other end. I did this by selecting the length of the burlap so that its all one seamless piece all the way around the table. I then took the remaining burlap and measured out the table topper piece. So this table consists of 2 pieces. I then pinned all the way around along the edges to connect the top with all 4 sides of burlap. I had to place some weights on top of the table to keep the burlap from sliding around the table. This is very important, otherwise your burlap ends may end up uneven. |
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| Oh, I almost forgot, when measuring the table side walls, make sure to add about a 10inch overlap as shown above. We are going to use this section to be the "opening" of the burlap so that you can access underneath the table for storage. |
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| I have all the burlap top pinned to the burlap sides, and I pulled the overlap section up, so you can see how to access underneath the table. You will also notice that there are 3 boxes filled with rocks to weigh down the burlap fabric so it wont slide around. Now its ready to be sewn. |
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| After the edges are sewn, now you need to finish the edges off, otherwise you will have major fraying, and that is no fun to deal with and your cover won't last either. Oh, by the way, burlap is not the most fun to work with. Its messy and frays a lot. It also sheds and gets on everything, so I highly recommend you work on it outside, precut it outside and make sure you have good ventilation since is no fun with folks who have allergies. K...back to the edge finishing.. the method I chose was to use steam adhesive that is washable. |
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| Now I turned the cover right side out and here it is finished. I was very pleased with the outcome, as I have never done a custom table cover like this, and I certainly never worked with burlap before either. The one thing I also learned is that burlap comes in many different thicknesses and colors. As you can see in the photo, you can almost see through to the table legs underneath. I will be placing a tablecloth between the table and the burlap to prevent the transparency. Notes: Since burlap frays so much, I have no intentions of washing it. I will use it and try to be careful with it, as I am naturally with all my things, so that is lasts as long as possible. By the way, we used these covers at our Van Nuys show and I loved the look it gave our booth. You can see pics on my facebook page. https://www.facebook/bellaluzdesignz |
