My mum has a sewing shop, so it has always been a big part of my family life. I have dabbled in sewing over the years, normally asking mum for help when it goes wrong or I get stuck. Lately, I have been doing a little sewing for myself by up-cycling old clothes to make something unique. My sewing machine was over 20 years old though with lots of things broken, so it did not make sewing much fun.
It has all changed now since I took on a IKEA challenge. See how easy it is to make a tablecloth from one of their patterns. How exciting....
I had never undertaken anything big before just fixing or finishing, at first then this seemed a daunting challenge. I need not have worried, though, sewing machines have improved a lot in 20 years. It was instantly a pleasure using the Ikea machine, the tide had turned, watch out mum!! I got to try out the patterns that Ikea stock, which anyone can pick up for free in store.
The patterns that they have included the following:
Curtains
Tablecloth
Table runner
Napkins
Along with one of their sewing machines, some accessories and a choice of fabric to start me off. I chose EVALENA material, I was excited to try out the table cloth pattern out.
First up I set up the sewing machine. It was so straightforward to set up and only took me a few minutes to figure out how to sew, most things were similar to my old machine, just in slightly different positions.
5 minutes later I had a shuttle full of cotton and a sewing machine ready to use to try out the table cloth pattern.
You will also need:
- A tape measure
- Iron
- Thread
- Sewing machine.
How much fabric will I need?
- To make a cloth to fit a table for 4–6 people you will need 225 cm of fabric.
- Most metre fabrics are now sold in 150 cm widths.
- Fold over 1 cm of fabric on each long side.
- Then fold again so that you have a double hem of 1 cm.
- Press with an iron so that the hem stays in place.
- Set the sewing machine to a simple straight stitch with a stitch length of 3 mm.
- Sew the double hem in place.
- Now do exactly the same on the short sides of the tablecloth.
I was very pleased with my table cloth. From setting my sewing machine up to making the table cloth it took under an hour. I really liked the material I picked, loving how professional the table cloth turned out! Thanks again to the easily follow pattern...
When my youngest son can home from school, I asked him "do you like my new table cloth?" He said, "yes, where did you buy this from?"
"I made it"
"No way" he replied, "it looks great"!!
Aww "thanks, son"!!
I think the material is fabulous and I still have some left over.
Now, what shall I make next?
I cannot wait to visit IKEA this week with my birthday money, I have so many things planned to make with the great choice of material they stock.
About this post-
I got sent a sewing machine, accessories and some material to take part in this challenge. I was not paid for this post and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.
When my youngest son can home from school, I asked him "do you like my new table cloth?" He said, "yes, where did you buy this from?"
"I made it"
"No way" he replied, "it looks great"!!
Aww "thanks, son"!!
I think the material is fabulous and I still have some left over.
Now, what shall I make next?
I cannot wait to visit IKEA this week with my birthday money, I have so many things planned to make with the great choice of material they stock.
About this post-
I got sent a sewing machine, accessories and some material to take part in this challenge. I was not paid for this post and all thoughts are my own honest opinion.
