In the 1990s, my grandmother from Italy passed away. When my mother returned after her funeral, she brought me back the linen towels that had been given to my grandmother when she got married. In the 1930s, it was a tradition in Italy to provide linen towels to the bride. These towels had crocheted lace on the ends and were handmade by relatives. I was given five of them - some were in white and some in a cream color. They were linens that my grandmother never used and were in the original packaging.
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Over the years, I couldn't decide what to do with these, as we didn't use linen towels in our home. This year, I have been doing many upcycling projects to honor other family members who have passed, and I wanted to revisit these items.
I decided to have my antique linen towels turn into a tablecloth (affiliate). Follow along to see how I honored my grandmother by using these items that were given to me so long ago.
The Crochet Lace Runners were also passed down to me from someone who has since passed away. I was given the crochet lace runners, plus several more, from my sister-in-law. She was clearing out her husband's aunt's house and thought I could do something with them. I also loved that I was able to honor a family's cherished treasure.
Follow along to see how I created a brand-new tablecloth (affiliate) for our family's gathering.
Supplies I used to make this tablecloth from antique fabrics.
First, I gathered these supplies. There weren't that many. I didn't want this tablecloth (affiliate) to be permanently a tablecloth (affiliate). I just wanted to use it for that day. That is why I made it this way.
**Full disclosure: The links below are from Amazon (affiliate) (affiliate). I will receive a small commission if you click through and make a purchase from them. Thank you for supporting my small business.
3 linen towels with crochet lace
2 12 inch crochet lace runners about the same length as the linen towels
A table protector about 107 inches
An iron set on wool for the lace and linen for the towels.
What size tablecloth did you make?
The table itself was 107 inches long, with the leaves extended. Our table seats a total of 8 to 10 people.
How much did this tablecloth cost?
Well, it didn't cost a thing. I had everything in my home. If I didn't have it at home, I would have had to buy double-stick tape, which was only a few dollars.
How to make a tablecloth from antique fabrics
First, I gathered all these supplies together. Be sure that the lace runner is the same length as the linen towels.
It's ironing time!
Then, I ironed the linen towels. Using a starch spray, I set the iron onto the wool setting which allowed for steaming but was not as hot. It could also be set on linen but I couldn't use this setting for the crochet lace runner. It was too hot for it.
Then, I ironed the crochet lace runners.
Set the table.
Now it was time for me to assemble the tablecloth (affiliate). I added the table protector tablecloth (affiliate) I had to the table. Mine was white.
I added the linen towels first and divided them evenly on the table. Starting at the end of the table, I worked my way, placing each linen towel on the table with the lace hanging over the sides. I left about 8-10 inches between the towels. Both towels' sides were to the end of the table. I did not want it to hang over, fearing it would fall off the table.
It was time to attach the linen to the runner.
Now, I layered the runner on top of the towels and overlapped it by about a few inches. This would help with keeping the lace flat.
So, to attach the lace runner to the towel, I used two to three 1-inch pieces of double-stick tape and added them under the lace near the ends of the table.
I didn't want to add too much because I didn't want to ruin the fabric.
Then, I decorated the rest of the table with placemats and centerpieces.
Reveal
Here is how it looked after I finished the table.
It looked beautiful! I loved it. And, it was a great story (affiliate) to tell my family and distant relatives. I love the texture of the lace with the linen towels. It was so pretty and worked well.
Then, after the party, I removed the tape and was able to wash and put away the linens for another party.
Now it is your turn. Would you try this DIY project for your next party? Please leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you.
Please note these are affiliate links through Amazon (affiliate) and at no additional cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through and decide to make a purchase.
Marsha Stein says
I recently made valances for use over sheer curtains from antique cutwork embroidery tablecloths. The long embroidered edges had no stains to avoid. For an "extra" window, I used the center of the tablecloth, the most heavily cutworked, by trimming away the linen right next to the stitching of the motifs, leaving some motifs to hang lower than the rest of the valance. I'd be you could put those crochet-laced edged towels to use as curtain valances if you wanted to display them on a more permament basis. It's a lovely way to honor ancestors who put such love and care into their gift.
Janet Barclay says
This is so beautiful! I'd never have an occasion for anything so elegant, but if I did, it looks easy enough, even for me!
Sabrina Quairoli says
Thanks! It's turned out so well. I think I will do it again. It's nice to know that I can store it in another place without having to keep it a table cloth.