How to Make a Vintage Tablecloth Wall Art

During the Great Depression in the 1930s, table linens made of fine lace and damask were sacrificed by many homemakers who simply couldn't afford the luxury. Instead, kitchen tables were dressed up with inexpensive cotton blend tablecloths. Perhaps to make up for the plain quality, manufacturers printed them with brightly-colored designs featuring flowers, fruits or art deco shapes. The trend continued through the '40s and '50s, with designs evolving to include patriotic imagery, novelty cartoons and Hawaiian prints. You can find vintage tablecloths at flea markets, consignment shops or online auctions. If a stain or tear mars a small part of an otherwise excellent-condition tablecloth -- or if you just want to put the design on display -- you can turn your find into an eye-catching piece of wall art. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Assemble the stretcher. Each end of each stretcher strip has a triangular tongue and a groove. Slide the strips together at 90-degree angles to make a 36-inch square. If the corners are loose, pull the pieces apart, apply a small amount of craft glue to the tongues and reassemble. Allow the glue to dry completely.

2

Iron the tablecloth. Lay plastic tarp on the floor to protect the tablecloth from dirt, then place the tablecloth face up on the tarp.

3

Lay the stretcher frame on top of the tablecloth. Move the stretcher over the table cloth until it's centered over a "crop" of the tablecloth you want to display. Trace around the edges of the stretcher frame with chalk. Remove the frame and set it aside.

4

Measure and mark 4 additional inches all around the outline, making a 44-inch square. Cut the square out and turn it face down on the tarp.

5

Center the stretcher frame on the back of the fabric. Fold the top edge of the fabric over the top edge of the stretcher. Line up the chalk line with the top of the stretcher. Staple the fabric along the top stretcher bar.

6

Turn the stretcher 180 degrees. Pull the top stretcher strip toward you as you pull the fabric in the opposite direction away from you, stretching it tight. Fold the fabric over the top of the stretcher and staple along the edge, keeping the fabric taut.

7

Fold the fabric at the corners so that the short edge of the fabric lines up with the outer edge of the stretcher and staple it in place. Staple along the other two sides of the stretcher, pulling the fabric tight as you go.

8

Place a sawtooth hanger in the middle of the top stretcher strip with the "teeth" pointing down. Gently tap it with a hammer until it's secure.