Amongst the most beautiful pieces of tatting shown in the old books are the tablecloths which you see from time to time. They are usually from the simplest of motif patterns and the effect of the lace on a dark wood tablecloth is very pleasing indeed.

The kind of tatted motif you would use in creating tatted doilies is the kind most suitable for this kind of work, and the first thing you should do is think about the thickness of the thread you would use in a tablecloth. You would normally want a medium to heavy weight thread because a tablecloth needs to be able to stand up to occasional washing. I would choose a thread from the size 10 down to size 40 crochet cotton weight.

Next measure your table. Consider how much lace you want falling from the sides - I would suggest around 12 inches is a suitable amount otherwise those sitting at the table may find the cloth in their laps. If you want it to cover the table top only that is fine too but most of the old cloths do have extra lace going off the edge of the table and the effect when you see a cloth like that is very lovely.

Now is the time for a browse through the online patterns and your tatting books to find the motif you want to use (unless you want to design your own in which case have fun! The best choice is a motif which can be joined without leaving very large spaces between the joins because it will stand up better to the general wear and tear. You also want one which will form an attractive pattern when joined to others the same. If there are large spaces between the joins and you absolutely must have a particular motif pattern, you can always add a secondary "filler" pattern. You might even want to add a pretty border pattern or edging to your tablecloth at the end but remember that this should echo your motif and be a reasonable depth so that it will complement the weight of the motif design within the tablecloth. You could also work two lengths of edging back to back or point to point, create a corner at each end and join strips of edging together to create your tablecloth.

Once you have chosen your pattern you can then work out how many repeats of the pattern will be needed for the size of tablecloth you have in mind.

Before you go ordering a lot of thread you need to measure off lengths of thread and make samples of each motif and/or edging you wish to use in the tablecloth. Make a particular length of the edging - about four to six inches is a good sample - one corner plus samples of each motif you have made. Write down how much you cut off from the ball for each sample, and write down how much is left after making each sample. When you choose your thread you can ask your supplier how much roughly you will get per ball and you can then work out how much you will need from your notes. It's important to order the best quality thread that you can afford and one that you really like because this will be a long term project which will very probably take years to complete. It will be an heirloom piece when completed and you do not want it to fall apart in the first wash (which happened to my mother with a Chinese crochet tablecloth which was given to her by my grandmother who brought it back with her after a holiday). Be sure all ends are properly finished off, either sewn in by hand or worked in using the Magic Thread Loops technique (of cutting separate loops of finer thread, folding the lengths in half, working them into the rings and/or chains where you want to finish off ends, put the thread ends through the loops formed when the threads were folded in half and pull the loops through the stitches taking the thread end with them. Then cut off close).

Finally you should really only use a hand wash when caring for your tablecloth. Such a large project will be difficult to dry flat as most sweater driers will be too small. Use the kind of washing soap sold in craft and quilt shops for washing fine patchwork quilts and allow the cloth to dry naturally. I find most tatting dries overnight when handled in this way. When your cloth is not needed for use it should be stored rolled on the kind of tube used in packaging materials (buy two if necessary) and protected from the acid in the tube by being wrapped on both sides in acid free tissue paper. Never fold a lace tablecloth because the threads can crack and break particularly if linen is used.

Don't be ashamed if you get bored with making your cloth and it becomes an unfinished object (UFO). When that happens, make something else for a while and come back to the cloth when you are refreshed. You should above all enjoy working your family heirloom piece.