*
Hi All,
I have a lace tablecloth that has a large rip down the middle of it. I believe it can be repaired, but don’t feel up to doing the job myself. Any suggestions? I live in Central MN.
Thanks,
Kristin
Threads Recommended Products
Mettler Seraflex
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Mettler Seraflex Elastic Thread is a 50wt thread designed for superior stretch and recovery, making it ideal for various fabrics and garments. It is easy to handle and sew, ensuring consistent, high-quality stitching for any project. Perfect for garments, quilts, and more, this thread delivers reliable results every time.
Vogue 1642
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.
Know Me 2064 Vest and Jacket
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Know Me patterns offer stylish and versatile designs, including the ME2064 rain jacket, which combines a cropped jacket and a vest that can be worn together or separately. The boxy-fit jacket features a hood, snap closure, and multiple pockets, while the vest has a zippered front and cargo pockets. This sewing kit includes templates, fabric recommendations, and instructions for sizes 44-52, proudly made in the USA.
Quilts on an English Farm by Kaffe Fassett
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
San Francisco-born artist Kaffe Fassett is a celebrated name in the quilting world. His work has been commissioned by the British monarchy, American fashion designers, and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He has authored numerous bestsellers, including Quilts in Italy, Quilts by the Sea, and Quilts in an English Village.
Brilliant Little Patchwork Collection by Kaffe Fassett
Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Kaffe Fassett is a renowned painter and textile designer known for his visionary use of color. Based in London, he was the first living textile designer to have a solo exhibition at the V&A in 1988. He designs fabrics for Rowan Patchwork and Quilting, knitwear for Rowan Yarns, and has authored over 70 books, including Quilts in Wales and Quilts by the Sea.
Replies
*
You CAN do it!
Cut a piece of bridal illusion or fine tulle in a COLOR TO MATCH YOUR TABLE OR LACE LINER (this color advice will make the mend disappear) about 10" wide and 10" longer that the tear (I'm assuming the tear is straight - if not just make sure the illusion extends about 5" on either side of the tear). Place lace on large flat surface (like the table where the cloth is used), center the illusion under the tear and baste in place.
Using good quality hand sewing thread, poly or cotton, (Gutterman, Metrocene, Dual Duty are fine) in appropriate color to match the lace, stitch the tear to the illusion at both edges of the tear. Stitch again about 1/2" from first rows and again another 1/2" away, each row of stitches hidden in the lace pattern. Stitches don't have to be fine or close, just enough to hold down tear edges and probably over only one thread or connector of the lace design. Stitches should be pretty relaxed so as not to make the repair stiff. Most important to make the stitches disappear is color selection of the thread. Even if the lace is white I wouldn't use "white" thread but rather the next shade which is usually a "warm" white. Check color by pulling length of thread from spool and laying on the lace but cover the spool. Stand back and squint. If the thread disappears, you picked the right one. (When you see the thread compacted on the spool the color looks different and you what your mind selects, not what your eye says is right.) After stitching is completed, remove basting and trim away excess illusion (about 1/2" from last stitch row).
Good luck.
*Small tears or holes in polyester lace such as that used in bridal wear or evening wear can be repaired with fray-check. By working with the lace flat on foil covered cardboard or something else you can stick pins into, reposition rip so that edges meet and carefully apply fray-check to glue edges back together. This works very well on bridal veils, but be sure to allow to dry completely before removing pins. Sometimes more than one application is needed to fully mend the rip.
repair of lace tablecloth
I am in the process of repairing mine by quilting it to an old (soft) sheet with a small beige pattern in it - ( I could have used a new low thread count sheet.)
I positioned the lace tablecloth over the sheet on the floor, leaving about 1 1/2 inch at the "top" and 3 inches on side edges. I did not remove excess sheet length as the lace spreads out as I work. I sewed the top edge to the sheet for control, pinned the sheet in the frame and rolled the sheet onto the quilting poles - leaving the the tablecloth loosely draped over the "end" pole. I am trying to secure the side edges as I work to an equal distance from the side sheet edges. Then fill in the stitches in the center pattern areas.
After quilting the two together I will turn the sheert edges under the table cloth (to the sheet side) and hem with the sheet and lace edges matching as much as possible. Not done yet but so far so good.
I am thinking it will provide body, protection, and make the pattern more evident and also add a layer of protection for my antique table.
Hilda in West Virginia
This post is archived.