How to Care for Crocheted Tablecloths

Caring for crocheted items, including tablecloths, involves using gentle methods of cleaning and drying to keep the desired shape. Crocheted pieces are made with yarn, and can stretch if washed and dried improperly. The yarn becomes heavy when wet and loses its shape if yanked or pulled during the cleaning process. Learn how to care for your crocheted tablecloth correctly to keep it from unraveling or stretching and becoming unsightly.

Mesh laundry bag
Mild detergent

Instructions

- 1
  Roll the crocheted tablecloth loosely into a cylinder shape. Place it into a large mesh laundry bag, and zip the bag closed. The cylinder shape will keep the tablecloth from bunching, and the bag will keep it from stretching out.
- 2
  Place the bag into the washer on a gentle cold water cycle. Depending on the yarn that was used, warm water could shrink or warp the stitching. Pour 1 tbs. of mild laundry detergent into the wash water as it fills.
- 3
  Remove the tablecloth from the mesh bag after washing, and put it in the dryer set to "delicate." Allow the tablecloth to dry for 15 to 20 minutes, then check for dryness. If the tablecloth remains damp, continue drying for another 10 minutes and check again. Remove the tablecloth promptly, just as soon as it is dry.
- 4
  Place the tablecloth on the table or another flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles with your hands. Most wrinkles should easily shake out of the cloth.

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