How do I put on a stretch table cover without wrinkles?

What is a stretch table cover?

A stretch table cover (also called a fitted cover) is made from stretch fabric that hugs the table. Pockets are sewn to the inside so the base of the cover fits around the table legs, completely hiding the table. Ours are part of our branded table cloths range, printed full colour by dye sublimation. They're made to fit 1.8m and 2.4m tables.

The cover is sewn from five panels: a top, a front, a back and a side panel at each end. On our 1.8m cover, the top panel is 1830 x 750mm and the back panel has a zip. The front, back and end panels are narrower at the floor than at the table top: on the 1.8m cover, the front is 1830mm wide at the top and 1474mm at the bottom.

Why does my stretch cover wrinkle?

A stretch cover sits smooth when the fabric is under even tension all round. When it wrinkles, check these three things first:

• The cover matches the table. Covers are made for a 1.8m or a 2.4m table, and the panels are cut to suit. Trestle tables vary slightly between manufacturers, so measure yours before you order. If you need a size other than these, we make custom sizes to suit. Our post on the standard size of a trestle table will help.
• The top panel is square on the table. The seams around the top panel should follow the edges of the table top.
• The leg pockets are on. They hold the base of the cover in place around the legs.

Use the following steps to put on a stretch table cover

1. Set up the table where it will stand, legs fully open and locked, on a level floor.

Note: Trestle tables can often be hired or borrowed from the venue. If you're using theirs, check its length and depth when you book it, so you know it matches the cover you're bringing.

2. Unfold the cover and find the back panel. It's the one with the zip. Turn the cover so the printed front panel faces the aisle.

3. Slip one end of the cover over one end of the table, so the top panel's seams sit on the table's top edges at that end.

4. Walk to the other end and pull the cover along the table and over the far end. Keep the top panel square so its seams follow the edges of the table top.

Note: Pull from the centre of the end panel, with both hands, so the cover goes on straight rather than twisting towards one corner.

5. Fit the leg pockets. Lift each corner of the table slightly and slide the pocket at the bottom of the cover around the foot of each leg. Do the two legs at one end, then the two at the other.

6. Smooth the top from the centre outwards with flat hands, then run your hands down the front, back and end panels to the floor.

7. Finally, step back and look at the cover from the front. The front panel should sit square and tight with no table legs showing. If one side looks looser, ease the cover along the table until the tension looks even. That's it, you're done!

How do I take it off and look after it?

Take the cover off in the same order, in reverse: slip the leg pockets off the feet, then lift the cover off one end at a time. Don't drag it off by the top panel.

The dye-sublimation print is colour fast, and the fabric graphics can be machine washed cold. Once folded, a table cover is small enough to pack in a suitcase or sports bag.