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HEMSTITCH
To create this decorative border, a sewing machine punches a line of holes in the fabric so exposed threads are drawn together to make a pattern of open spaces
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JACQUARD
A special loom fashions variegated patterns by weaving the design into the fabric itself (as opposed to stitching it), which results in styles such as damask and brocade |
EMBROIDERY
Modern embroidery ventures far beyond the most basic monogram, as the latest machines sew colored threads into increasingly detailed and graphic designs |
LACE
Today, this lightweight fabric is usually produced by a machine with hooks. Only the costliest versions are made by hand, with needles creating the intricate patterns |
DAMASK
Woven to achieve bars of lustrous tone-on-tone color, damask is a type of jacquard that has a reversible (usually floral) motif with a subtle sheen |
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Buy Smart
Cotton Table Linens
Table linens have a look and price for every occassion. Let us iron out the options for you.
Because it lends itself to dyeing and embroidery, easy-care cotton comes in many styles, from intricate batistes to vibrant, casual prints. Most manufacturers don't specify the type of cotton used, so look for a tight, even weave without color variations. A regular machine-wash cycle with stain treaters and bleach for whites, followed by a quick touch-up with the iron, will do the trick. Solid styles start as low as $35 for a 70" by 90" oval, while additional details like embroidery can push the price past $200. If you're looking for low maintenance, cotton-polyester blends have more wrinkle resistance, but still retain some of cotton's look and feel. Laminated cottons' the stiffer, shinier ones' are immune to soil and stains (though, oddly enough, oil stains cotton-poly blends more readily). Blending does cause cotton to lose some of its breathability, making the cloth a little stiffer to the touch. Prices for blends start as low as $10 for a 60" by 84" oblong cloth.
THE SHAPE OF THINGS
When choosing a tablecloth, bigger isn’t necessarily better: Look for a 10 to 12-inch drop for casual settings and 15 inches for formal dining. Always buy two extra napkins to have as replacements if one becomes stained. To check the draping, place a napkin or the corner of the tablecloth over your hand—the fabric should fall into even curves instead of hanging limply. Fold a napkin to check for a smooth, rounded edge. Finally, make sure the fabric is truly opaque, that hems and stitches are even, and that the coloration is solid. Follow these tips and you'll have the perfect table linens to give your special event just the right touch. |
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