What would you make with a lovely embroidered tablecloth ... with a hole in it?

**Early Bird** · 08-10-2006, 02:48 AM

I like old linens. I like the feel of them. And if they have needlework, I respect all the hours someone put into stitching them.

Every now-and-then, I find a reasonable price on one or two pieces at a thrift store. If I like the needlework or the fabric, I buy it, even if there's a big flaw.

For example, today I bought a colorful printed tablecloth. It's probably about 45" square. And I'm guessing it's heavy cotton. Because of a big stain, it was priced at $1.50.

The only idea I've been able to come up with is to make nice gift bags. Or maybe a napkin or two, working around the flaws in a tablecloth.

So, what would you make with a small tablecloth that has nice embroidery -- but it also has a major flaw?

**kabin63** · 08-10-2006, 07:23 AM

Hi Early Bird,
I have a few old inherited table cloths with flaws. One in particular is a card table cloth with pockets. I use it as a window curtain in one of my bathrooms. I used a small tension rod and fold the table cloth over it, like a triangle. It looks nice up there for now and some day I will have to convert it completely, but that's how it is for now. I also have another large tablecloth that I would like to convert to a shower curtain, or maybe use it in a quilt somehow.

**AirForceWife** · 08-10-2006, 09:33 AM

My grandma use to scour thrift stores and flea markets for them, too. Some of the prettiest things I remember her doing were making quilt and wallhanging squares using them and little drawstring bags to hold jewelry. She then started framing sections in groups and would sell them at craft fairs. These sold really well, people would buy them to hang in dining rooms.

**tervsforme** · 08-10-2006, 09:35 AM

I agree, you could make a quilt with the embroidery part, or you could make table runners or new table cloths with it. Cut out the pretty embroidery and put it in the center with some pretty fabric as a border.

**PrairieRose** · 08-10-2006, 09:40 AM

You could also make nice, decorative pillows or pillow cases out of them. I love the curtain idea, was gonna suggest that too. I have to admit that I have a love for old linens. Embroideried ones are my special favs too.

**Daisygirl** · 08-10-2006, 09:45 AM

I love that stuff too. At my place they usually end up as pillows -- I have a definite pillow fetish. Another idea is to make either smaller tablecloths, depending where the flaw is, or make square table toppers -- something to put those lamps and things on so they do not scratch your end tables. I have something similar in the middle of my coffee table with a big candleholder and flower arrangement on top. I have used them to make valances and cafe curtains as well, using those little clips.

**bevjean** · 08-10-2006, 11:30 AM

sachets for the dresser drawers or closets, fill with potpourri and tie of with a bit of pretty ribbon

doll clothes (if you know anyone with dolls)

**sunshine** · 08-13-2006, 01:41 PM

I assume you've attempted to remove the stain? Zout works great on set in stains, as does Amy D's stain remover recipe.

Otherwise, I'd make pretty pictures to hang on the wall, throw pillows (even if it meant just using the vintage linen for a center panel).

**Mumzy** · 08-13-2006, 02:01 PM

I love the ideas that everyone has has so far. I wanted to suggest something different: how about a lovely pillow case?

**leezza** · 08-13-2006, 02:48 PM

How bad is the stain???? Could you try using OXYclean or something like that before you decide to cut it up???? Or and I don't know how hard it is but if it is really nice how about dyeing it???

I watched something on the DIY channel once where they dyed some curtains with tea bags......made them look antique.

leezza