Making fitted knit table covers : how to orient fabric ?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I bought knit fabric to make fitted table covers for my outdoor art fair booth display. But before I start sewing, in which direction should I make the stretch go? Vertically, or horizontally, following the line of the tables? It stretches most in line with the selvage: very little perpendicular to the selvage.

It is 100% polyester double knit ponte. I needed something washable that absolutely would not wrinkle in packing. The plan is for them to be fitted, for a smooth simple look, no gathering.

My existing knit covers – which are long pieces, not sewn, which I drape the tables with - sag a lot in high humidity. I can set up my booth in the evening on a humid day, and come back in the morning, and find the edge 4+ inches lower. Yet I drape them with the selvage edge parallel to the ground, which should NOT be the stretchy direction. They are a different, looser knit, though. Maybe it stretches in a different direction?

Not sure how to figure this out. But if I assume sagging, and they don’t, they will not hang low enough.

If anyone has any other tips for me about how to design these, please let me know.
Thanks!

Featured Answer

shadylady2u

8 years ago

Not sure how you were planning on making them, but I think I'd sew a pocket (turned up hem actually) at the bottom with two buttonholes and either thread some ribbon or cording thru, rather than just using elastic. Then it'll be adjustable to pull tighter or looser when necessary. Then it won't matter which way the fabric goes.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
8 years ago
I had no plans on using elastic at all. What I had in mind was simple, fitted, no gathering, drop-over style with 1 or 2 vertical openings
in the back so I can pull things out.

My concern is sagging of fabric if I orient the stretch the wrong way. They could potentially sag from their own weight, plus the effect of humidity.
Related Professionals
Washington Furniture & Accessories · Port Saint Lucie Furniture & Accessories · Jackson Furniture & Accessories · Lafayette Furniture & Accessories · Albany Furniture & Accessories · Erie Furniture & Accessories · Wichita Interior Designers & Decorators · Baltimore Interior Designers & Decorators · Champaign Interior Designers & Decorators · Barnstable Interior Designers & Decorators · Ithaca Interior Designers & Decorators · Anchorage Interior Designers & Decorators · Bowling Green Furniture & Accessories · Chicago Furniture & Accessories · Sacramento Furniture & Accessories
shadylady2u
8 years ago
Well then, I'd probably put the stretchier selvage sides on the short sides of the table. I'd also use some iron on stabilizer.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked shadylady2u
msmeow
8 years ago
Try draping the uncut fabric over a table in your home and see which way it stretches or sags.
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago) thanked msmeow
dowlinggram
8 years ago
Stretch fabric will sag no matter how you use it. Why are you using it instead of a more stable fabric like cotton?
linnea56 (zone 5b Chicago)
Original Author
8 years ago
To get away from wrinkles. Cotton would wrinkle like crazy. A knit will take a beating, get jammed into a bin for a week, and wrinkles will fall right out. My current draped knit yardage has never wrinkled. All the other artists use knit fabric for the same reason. Ready-made show covers are all knit as well. But the sizes those come in don't fit my tables. hence having to make them.