With three kids, I can't keep a tablecloth clean for more than a few hours, and my adorable Orla Kiely for Target tablecloths are completely stained with various food splatters. I need a tablecloth that can be wiped clean but doesn't look like a cheap, plastic picnic table cover. The answer to my problem? Laminated cotton!
I just read a great article about this wonder fabric over at Oilcloth Addict. Not to be confused with oilcloth, which is thicker, heavier, and contains some nasty chemicals, laminated cotton is softer, has a nice hand, and contains no lead, BPA, PVC, or pthalates. It's waterproof, easily wipes clean, and, best of all, fabric designers are creating lots of gorgeous laminated cotton prints lately. This is absolutely the answer to my tablecloth dilemma and would also work great for placemats and splat mats under highchairs.
Check out Oilcloth Addict for tips on working with laminated cotton, and if you're not into whipping up your own kitchen accessories, check out Modern June and Baby's Indulgence for custom, handmade laminated cotton kitchen accessories.
(Images: Oilcloth Addict, Modern June)
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I love laminated cotton! I used some to make a changing pad cover (it's actually a print pictured, the pink/yellow/green alphabet print on the far right), and I've also used some to make a purse. Excellent, durable stuff! It can be hard to find locally, but there's lots of cute prints available for sale on etsy and other online shops.
Thanks for the link. I've looked at laminated cotton several types but no one at the store could confirm that it was safe around children. It is pretty expensive and I was going to pay a premium, I wanted to insure that it was safe.
Two other benefits besides the above-mentioned fun prints, wipes clean, waterproof, and no-nasty chemicals:
1. no hemming necessary, especially for a tablecloth. I just zipped around the edges with scissors to the desired size, and the laminate keeps the edge from fraying.
2. no ironing necessary, if you're willing to wait a few days for the wrinkles to "fall out" of the tablecloth. I guess the weight of the fabric just pulls the wrinkles out over time? Ironing is possible though, if in a hurry!
I can confirm laminated cotton works super well as a tablecloth. At my house, it has stood up to daily use for months -- and we scoot our 18 month old right up to it too. It can handle anything he spills on it. We clean it up with some water/vinegar/dishsoap in a spray bottle. Totally worthwhile purchase, even though the price per yard can look expensive.... and I'm really tight with my money!
Anyone know where I can have fabric laminated? I've been looking online but haven't found anything. Also tried it myself with an online tutorial to iron contact paper onto fabric but it didn't survive the washing machine.
Do you think it would work over carpet?
Here is a tutorial using a product called "Heat N' Bond" http://imperfectlybeautifulms.blogspot.com/2010/09/make-your-own-oilcloth-fabric.html
If you want to make "real" oilcloth using linseed oil rather than PVC, here is a tutorial:
http://www.curbly.com/modhomeecteacher/posts/6857-real-oilcloth-and-how-to-make-it
It sounds and looks great.. I have never seen it in person.. does it get sticky under ones feet.. I can't imagine walking on plastic feeling good.
I just received a laminated cotton tablecloth from Etsy, and it's fantastic! It looks beautiful, hangs nicely on the table, and wipes off very easily. The dining room table used to be covered with a cotton stain-splattered, cat-haired, crayola-ed tablecloth, but now I can keep it looking fresh daily by just wiping it down. Highly recommended!