If you’re an op-shopper, you know that vintage tablecloths are hotter than a just-filled hot-water bottle. It seems we’re all suckers for the stories, the tea stains and those lovely finished edges. So, if you’ve been lucky enough to source the goods (or liberate one from your mum’s stash), then you want to be very, very sure about your intentions before you start snipping. 

Let us guide the way, dear reader, with these perfectly lovely upcycles – they’re so fine and so beautifully made we’re sure the original stitcher would approve. As ever, we’d love to see your handiwork; be sure to tag us in your makes at #PeppermintMagazine and you might just spot your former table linen on our Insta feed.

ABOVE: SUMMER JACKET BY SARAH @MakingClothesWithStories

TOP POINTS

There’s a reason why so many table coverings are destined for a life sitting atop of high-waisted jeans and drapey linen pants. They’re soft, detailed and even if they’re quite stained, there’s usually enough fabric to make a sleeveless top. We love these makes by (from left) LA store @StanClothing, Lilli @FrocksAndFrouFrou and Kate @ByKateRobyn. 

If you’re in need of an easy-sew, infinitely hack-able pattern, might we recommend the Peppermint Tansey Top? Should you need convincing, we invite you to take a look at this super-pretty upcycled-tablecloth version (below), stitched by Jess @MadeByMeJessieB in just over an hour.

FANCY PANTS 

When it comes to the tablecloth upcycle, few do it better than Georgie Carter @Georgie.Keep.Sewing (yep, she of The Great British Sewing Bee fame). These lacey lovelies (above, far left) are based on Anna Allen’s Pomona Pants pattern. 

We also heart these fine makes by Ohio label @ForEmilyWhenever (centre) and Geneviève @SewKnitGen, who used the Peppermint Wide Leg Pants pattern, a design we created with In The Folds.

POWER DRESSING

“Feeling very Dolce & Gabbana in what is actually a €10 tablecloth I bought in Florence,” writes the very crafty Alma @AlmitaMade (above, far left). Brisbane’s Sue-Ching @SueChingLascelles is responsible for the seersucker delight in the middle, while Jane @JaneInIreland has produced the perfect (no frills, spills OK) party dress using a tablecloth she found at a charity shop in France. 

MATCHMAKER 

Forget setting the table – instead, wear the set! These pretty separates are the work of Funky Bob @Funky_Bob_Vintage, a label based in the Czech Republic. These three are custom makes, but if you like what you see and you’re not quite ready to snip your vintage treasure, mosey on over to the website, where there’s lots of table-linen finery to add to your wishlist.

UNDER COVERS 

London sewist Bahram @BahramYara admits there may have been a few meltdowns in the making of this Harrington jacket (above, far left), but we reckon it was probably worth it for this stunning result. We’re also coveting the delightful summer jacket (centre) by Imby @Karmme_Apparel – it’s based on the Anthea Blouse, another pattern by Anna Allen. Sarah @MakingClothesWithStories has also brought a fine make to the table. We’ll take one of each, please.