How to Fold a Round Table Cloth? Ever wonder how they get those fancy, round wedding table cloths to look so, neat, and the best ones always look like they came right off the ironing board, or something similar?
Chances are, they did not, and the people responsible for folding them had nightmares.
Similar to fitted sheets that need ironing, a round table cloth can give you headaches just looking at it, let alone folding it.
Most people do not iron anything other than office shirts and skirts. That said, folding your table cloth well goes a long way to avoiding shifty eyes at the dining table, because that cloth will never see an ironing board.
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How to Fold a Round Table Cloth
Let us begin with the simplest approach. Using a table, bed, or any other flat surface (even the floor), fold the cloth in half, creating a half-moon if you will. Bring the two curved sides in line with the straight edges of the cloth.
At this point, the curved edges will most likely be in the middle. Fold the extreme ends together, and then fold in smaller sizes if preferable.
At this stage, it becomes easier to iron (if you choose to later). More importantly, the cloth will be presentable when taken straight to the dinner table in the future.
If the cloth is extra-large, you may need to fold it in several more steps. However, the more the steps, the more likely you are to have folding lines, and possible creases.
Therefore, adjusting the above approaches based on size is also important.
1. Use a Plank or Folding Board
The above approach can be simplified using a piece of wood. Find a plank and place it lengthwise across the table cloth.
Use this like you would a ruler, to ensure straightness on a piece of paper. Fold accordingly with the plan as a guide.
It seems primitive, but you won’t have any misalignment and crisscrossing lines when the cloth makes it to the table.
Some people make folding boards for shirts, but this is usually necessary when dealing with large numbers of shirts.
If you are dealing with large numbers of table cloths, perhaps for a catering company, it makes sense to do the same. Use light cardboard to create simple-to-use folding boards.
2. Fold According to Table Size
Even if you are folding for a catering company, there are undoubtedly standard-sized tables. Using these as measurements, fold your tablecloth in a manner that will ensure they show limited lines.
For instance, only have a maximum of two lines running across the cloth. These lines will be lengthwise, and one according to width.
Your table cloth should not have more than two lines across it, as this is non-professional and of course, not presentable.
Focus on folding the cloth on areas that will fall under the sides, which hides any creases away from the scrutinizing eyes of mothers-in-law, or guests.
3. Fold Undersides into Squares
The desired outcome should be no wrinkles. Thus, to begin with, only fold round table cloths after they have cooled down, otherwise, you will have every bit of the cloth exposing folds created as it cooled.
Once the cloth is cool, fold the under part of the cloth to form a semi-circle.
Next, fold the semi-circle again, this time, resulting in an arched shape. Folding this again, you will end up with a wedge, one that will be much easier to place in your drawer.
For purposes of ironing, or laying on your dinner table, the cloth will have fewer wrinkles, albeit more lines.
4. Using a Roller–Type Hanger
You can create hangers that are large enough to hold a table cloth without having to fold it too much. This would reduce the amount of folding necessary. Again, this is more practical for people with catering services. Having a roller to hold one, or two round table cloths is hardly practical.
However, you could use rollers to store the hangers. Meaning, that one roller can hold two or more round table cloths, which will be unrolled when needed. Chances are, the cloth will be void of any lines from being folded, as well as any creases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folding a Round Table Cloth
Resizing/Fitting for a Rectangular Table?
Sometimes, you may need to switch your tablecloth to make it more appealing on your rectangular table. Simply place it on the table, folding sides toward you, and on the sides, using pins. You can then remove the cloth and cut/sew to size.
What’s the Most Effective Method to Fold a Round Table Cloth?
The most effective method remains to fold it in a way that results in only two lines, one lengthwise, the other cutting across. However, the most popular method is to keep folding until you have one small rectangular shape. This is not effective as it leaves the cloth with multiple lines, which need to be ironed out.
The Fastest way to Get Wrinkles off a Table Cloth?
For starters, fold the cloth the recommended way, and you won’t have to worry about wrinkles/creases. However, assuming you now have it creased, using a steam iron, or steamer, is the most effective way to remove them.
Conclusion On How to Fold a Round Table Cloth
Round tables and their fancy tablecloths seem to be trendier than their rectangular counterparts. However, these table cloths require some tactical storage procedures or you may end up in embarrassing situations.
Use the handy tips set forth above and you won’t have to worry too much about ironing, or avoiding eye contact with scrutinizing guests☺##