To make our patio table look ready for a tea party at any moment, we got this amazing floral tablecloth– but it didn’t have an umbrella hole. The seller was kind enough to tell us how to add a no-sew umbrella hole, and I thought it was so smart I wanted to share it here!
All you need to do is iron on a patch to the center of the tablecloth, then cut out a hole for the umbrella.
Below are step-by-step instructions with photos to guide you through the process.
How to Make an Umbrella Hole in a Tablecloth
Supplies
- Table cloth
- Iron-on patch
- Paper
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Scissors
- Chalk, pencil, or something to mark the fabric
1. Make a Template for the Umbrella Hole
Basically what we need to do here is make a template of a circle with a 2.5” diameter (the size of most table umbrella holes.)
This could be done a number of ways, including tracing your table’s hole directly, or tracing a circular object that’s about the right size, like a spray paint can.
I did it a long, convoluted way— making a cross of 2.5” each direction, then folding on the lines and cutting out a circle.
2. Cut the Iron-On Patch to Size
If the iron-on patch is large, it can be cut down to a few inches larger than the circle template in each direction.
The iron-on patch will keep the fabric from unravelling and will also reinforce the hole to keep the fabric from stretching or pulling.
I eyeballed this by placing the circle template in the center and marking the patch.
Then, I outlined exactly where I would cut the patch down to size. I left about 2 inches bigger than the circle in every direction.
3. Find the Center of the Tablecloth
Be advised, as soon as you put something on the floor your cat will get on it.
To find the center of the tablecloth, fold it in half,
Then in half again.
Mark the center so you can find it again after unfolding. (Remember, this part of the tablecloth will get cut out.)
4. Iron on the Patch
Heat the iron on the cotton setting and place the marked center of the tablecloth on the ironing surface. Iron the area where the patch will be going to warm it up.
Place the patch over the center and iron well to adhere. Pay extra attention to the edges of the patch.
5. Cut Out the Umbrella Hole
If you haven’t already, fold your circle template in half either direction to find the center point.
Align the center of the template with the center of the tablecloth.
Then, trace around the circle with the pencil.
To cut out the hole, gently fold at the center of the traced template.
Cut a small slit.
Then insert the scissor and continue to cut out the circle.
6. Enjoy your Umbrella Tablecloth!
Place the tablecloth on your table and thread the umbrella through.
That’s it! I hope this idea helps beautify your outdoor space and warm weather gatherings. Enjoy!
Hi Kiya, I wanted to say thanks for the tutorial! 🙂 Last week, I successfully completed the sewing and painting of my very own tablecloth. By the way, I absolutely adore your cat! 🙂 Erin xx
You’re so welcome, Erin! I think that’s so cool that you painted your own tablecloth! I will pass along your compliments to my cat Luffy, she loves praise 🙂
Loved your tutorial! It was the best one I’ve read.
Easy to understand, great idea too.
This really helped me and I appreciate it very much!
Sandy Brewer
http://www.sweetteayankeefarm.com
Sandy, I’m so glad! I’m really just starting to get into the step-by-step type tutorials so I am really happy to hear that it was easy to understand.Thank you for your comment, wishing you the best!