Mosaic tablecloth for entertaining in the garden

Create a mosaic-effect border with a Moroccan flavour for a kitchen tablecloth using one simple stencil and a subtle blue and aqua colour combination. Hem with smart mitred corners, or if you prefer, press the edges of the tablecloth with an iron and stitch them with a sewing machine.

 

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YOU WILL NEED:

Cotton fabric to fit your table
Sewing machines and accessories
Tracing paper and pencil
Mylar film or firm plastic
Masking tape
Craft knife and cutting mat
Stencil brushes
Fabric paints: dark blue, light blue, light aqua

 

CONTINUES BELOW

 

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. Make the tablecloth - Press a 2.5 cm wide double hem along all four edges of the fabric square. Open out the fold at each corner and cut diagonally across using sharp scissors to reduce the bulk at the corners. At each corner in turn, refold the complete hem on one edge. Fold the corner of the other edge in at right angles to meet the inside crease. Refold the hem to form a neat mitre. Pin the mitred corner in place and repeat with the other three corners. Stitch the hem close to the inside folded edge.

2. Using tracing paper and a pencil, trace the template. Lay the tracing on a cutting mat with a piece of Mylar film or firm plastic on top and secure with strips of masking tape. Using a craft knife, cut out the pattern.

3. Place the stencil in position on the edge of the tablecloth and secure with small strips of masking tape.

4. Using a stencil brush, take up a small amount of dark blue paint and carefully apply to the outer border of the stencil.

5. Apply lighter blue paint to the inner sections, leaving the central motif clear.

6. Apply light aqua paint to the central star motif. Remove the stencil and place it in the next position along the edge of the tablecloth. Repeat the stenciling procedure until the border is complete. Stencil the central star motif randomly over the centre of the tablecloth.