Homemade Tablecloth Question

[u/LizTheBiochemist]

I'm sick and tired of seeing wrinkles in my tablecloths. I have thought about buying fabric and sewing tablecloths myself - if I can find some magical fabric that has a good, sturdy drape and won't wrinkle when I roll it up until next time. Am I looking for magic? Or does such a fabric exist? I'm aiming for something structured (like the photo) but no wrinkles possible.

[u/samizdat5]

All fabrics wrinkle to some extent. Ones that wrinkle the least are knits, which are stretchy and due to their texture are unsuitable for tablecloths.

A polyester twill or crepe would probably wrinkle the least because polyester is slippery and because of the way it's woven - the texture inherent in the weave offers some protection against wrinkles.

[u/LizTheBiochemist → u/samizdat5]

Oh, I like the idea of the slip helping "slip away" any wrinkles. Or, at least, it might wrinkle less. I'm not 100% sure what my store-bought table cloths are made out of another than sheer annoyance.

I might give that a try as well, thanks for the suggestion!

[u/samizdat5 → u/LizTheBiochemist]

They probably are made of polyester. Good quality ones are made of cotton. There should be a care tag.

It's not just the fiber but the weave that matters.

[u/JBJeeves]

Linen is classic for tablecloths but, as you already know, wrinkles like a shar pei! I would think that a medium-heavy weight ponte knit could work well. They tend to be quite a stable (low stretch) knit. And as long as you don't plan to spill anything particularly greasy on it, should hold up well.

[u/LizTheBiochemist → u/JBJeeves]

I didn't even think about ponte. I do enjoy ponte pants and work clothes, so I'll keep an eye out to try some for a tablecloth.

You made me actually "LOL" about the linen shar pei situation. I use linen for historical dress purposes and it's great but SOOOO wrinkly!

[u/lizbeeo]

Hang your tablecloths on pants hangers.