The Best Techniques for Folding a Table Cover to Minimise Wrinkles
Keeping table covers wrinkle-free is easy with the right folding techniques. Methods like the accordion fold, rolling and hanging help prevent creases – preserving the fabric’s smooth appearance. With the 5 techniques detailed in this blog, your tablecloths will always be ready for any occasion with minimal effort.
We have all been there – preparing for a special meal or gathering, only to pull out a table cover for dining table full of wrinkles and creases. After spending time ironing and smoothing it out, the last thing you want is to deal with this problem every time you use it.
Whether it is elegant cloth linen for formal dinners or casual cotton cover for the dining table for family meals, keeping your tablecloth covers wrinkle-free can seem challenging. In this blog, we will explore the best techniques for folding your table covers to minimise wrinkles – ensuring they are always ready to be laid out beautifully with minimal fuss.
5 Best Methods for Folding Tablecloths
Say goodbye to creases and hello to smooth, perfectly folded table covers. Discover the most effective techniques for folding your table covers to keep them wrinkle-free.
1. The Accordion Fold
This method involves creating a series of back-and-forth pleats, similar to how an accordion expands and contracts. The gentle folds reduce the pressure on any one part of the tablecloth cover, preventing deep wrinkles from setting in.
Lay the tablecloth design flat on a clean, smooth surface, ensuring no wrinkles before you begin. Start from one end of the tablecloth cover and fold it back and forth in equal sections, creating pleats like an accordion. After folding the fabric lengthwise, fold it once or twice more, depending on the tablecloth size, until it forms a manageable square or rectangle for storage.
This technique works particularly well with cotton and linen table covers that wrinkle more easily. The accordion fold allows these fabrics to breathe and prevents deep creases, making them easier to iron when needed.
2. Rolling the Table Cover
Unlike folding, that creates sharp lines, rolling eliminates hard edges and distributes pressure evenly across the fabric. This method is ideal for delicate fabrics or tablecloths that are difficult to fold neatly without causing creases.
First, smoothen the table cover for dining table on a flat surface, to remove any existing wrinkles. Starting from one end, carefully roll the tablecloth cover into a cylinder. Make sure the roll is even and not too tight, to avoid creating pressure points that can cause wrinkles. Once rolled, store the cover in a breathable storage bag or container to keep it clean and dust-free.
Rolling is perfect for linen and polyester tablecloths that can wrinkle easily when folded. By rolling, you can avoid the sharp creases that come with folding, helping the fabric stay smooth and ready for use.
3. Hanging the Table Cover
Hanging allows the fabric to drape naturally, preventing any creases or folds from forming. This method works particularly well for delicate or wrinkle-prone tablecloth linens. To hang a table cover, drape it over a wide hanger – preferably with padding or a wide bar – to prevent creases from forming where the hanger meets the fabric.
For larger tablecloths, fold them once lengthwise and then hang them, ensuring the edges are even. Hang the tablecloth in a closet or garment bag where it would not be crushed by other items. This technique is especially effective for silk, satin, and delicate fabrics that wrinkle easily. Hanging keeps the cover of dining table smooth and ready to use, without the need of frequent ironing or steaming.
4. The Tissue Paper Method
Prevent the fabric from sticking together and creating hard creases, by placing sheets of tissue paper between the folds. This method also helps absorb moisture, keeping the tablecloth fresh and wrinkle-free over extended periods of storage.
Start by laying the tablecloth design flat and smoothing out any wrinkles. Place sheets of tissue paper across the surface, focusing on areas where the fabric will be folded. Carefully fold the tablecloth, ensuring tissue paper is placed between each fold to keep the fabric from sticking or creasing.
Once folded, store the tablecloth in a breathable storage container or a fabric bag to protect it from dust and moisture. This method is ideal for linen, cotton, and silk tablecloths – as these fabrics are prone to wrinkling. The tissue paper helps maintain the integrity of the folds, preventing deep creases from forming.
5. Soft Folding with Minimal Creases
This technique involves loosely folding the tablecloth to avoid sharp creases. By folding in larger sections, the fabric can settle naturally, reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles. Lay the tablecloth cover flat and smooth out any wrinkles. Instead of folding the tablecloth in half or quarters, fold it loosely into thirds lengthwise. Then, fold it again width-wise in a soft, relaxed fold.
This method avoids creating sharp creases, making it easier to iron or steam out any light wrinkles before use. It works well with polyester and cotton blends that are generally more resistant to deep wrinkles. Soft folding is a great choice when you need to store the tablecloth quickly, but want to avoid harsh creases.
Conclusion
These methods save you time and keep your table cover for dining table looking fresh for any occasion. With proper folding and storage, you will always have a smooth, ready-to-use table cover – giving you more time to create memorable dining experiences.
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