If you need a new tree skirt and you don't want to spend a lot of time or money, here's what to do. Get a circular tablecloth. This one came from an estate sale.
Fold it in quarters.
Press along one of the folded edges to get a nice, sharp crease.
With a protractor or something circular like a plate as a guide, mark a quarter circle in the center of the tablecloth and cut through all of the thicknesses. I'm not wild about cutting up perfectly good tablecloths - I'd rather see them preserved. This one had a few pinholes and some fading, though, so I felt OK about using it.
Open it up ...
and cut along one of the crease lines. Finish the edge of the inner circle with bias tape. (I used some dark green vintage bias tape, but the picture didn't come out so well. That's my husband's hand in the picture. He was nice enough to pretend to be cutting so I could take a photo.)
Turn under the long, unfinished edges and stitch in place. (Here's something you didn't know: I have been using the same sewing machine since I was 14 and my parents got me a sturdy Kenmore for Christmas. I need to upgrade, but this one is built like a truck, and looking around for a new one would make me anxious.)
That's it!
Great table cloth!!Or great tree skirt!! Did it already ahve the fringed edge? We have our tree in the corner so I just fold up my blanket and wrap it around the bottom of the tree, but if I could sew I like your idea better!!!
Posted by: Jenny | November 29, 2008 at 09:05 PM
OH.MY.GOSH! This is wonderful! I'd overturn tables to get to that tablecloth! It's soooo sweet! Loved that you husband participated in the tutorial!
Posted by: Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss | November 29, 2008 at 10:27 PM
I got my Kenmore at age 17...I use a burgundy velvet skirt from a former bridemaid dress as a tree skirt...They did say I'd use it again...
Posted by: Vicki | November 29, 2008 at 10:36 PM
I am a bit in a hurry, too many things to do today, so I missed the word tree. I couldn't imagine you in that skirt, consider that as a compliment!
btw great tutorial!
Posted by: LiLi M. | November 30, 2008 at 04:48 AM
I am in need of a new tree skirt. Thanks for the tutorial.
Posted by: Judy | November 30, 2008 at 02:05 PM
That is fabulous!
Posted by: lera | November 30, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Ooh what a fabulous idea. I have several vintage tablecloths I could use for this project. You know, the ones that are old enough to be vintage, but not really vintage-y enough to be worth anything! And if I'm feeling extra lazy I might just use stitch witchery so I don't even have to break out the sewing machine.
Posted by: Vintage Whimsy | November 30, 2008 at 11:50 PM
Great idea. I'm with ya on not cutting anything vintage unless it really has too many flaws to be used as intended. Wish I could find a fab round tablecloth like that...guess it's using "ye olde white sheet" again this year. :)
Posted by: tammyCA | December 01, 2008 at 03:01 AM
Another wonderful idea!
Posted by: Lena | December 01, 2008 at 04:18 PM
Great idea! Thanks for sharing...
Posted by: Dawn | December 03, 2008 at 11:59 AM