Today I want to talk about how I made this adorable 1960s inspired beach coverup using a table cloth in five easy steps.

I thrifted the tablecloth at my very favorite thrift store Savers. I can’t allow myself to go there alone because I will end up spending THREE hours of my life wandering around trying to decide what I can’t live without.

The tablecloth was not pristine so I thought it would make a great project piece for that reason. Now that it’s been reinvented you can’t tell there was even a stain on it.

I look to the 1960’s for my beach inspiration (and mostly everything else…) so I love how perfectly 60s this DIY is! The round shape of the table cloth creates a glorious bell sleeve that really *rings* true to my retro inspiration (ugh, sorry about that one!).

How to make a DIY Beach Cover Up (Using a Tablecloth)

Supplies

• Fabric Scissors

• Pins *not pictured*

• Soft Measuring Tape

• Matching Thread

• Sewing Machine

*I ended up not using the iron*

Directions

Step One - Fold the table cloth in half right sides facing each other and cut into two separate pieces.

(Apparently this makes the perfect nest for a sleepy cat.)

Step Two - If you want to shorten the dress to a desired length, hold the halved table cloth up to your shoulders and find where you want it to lay. Measure how many inches shorter you want it to be and subtract 1/2 seam allowance from that. Cut the final amount off from the cut edge.

Step Three - To make the hole for your head, first measure the width of your shoulders and subtract two inches. For example if your shoulders measure 16 inches across, you’ll want a hole that is 14 inches wide. Then mark the center of the cut edge. Measure half of your final measurement away from the center mark and mark it with a pin. Repeat on the other side. Measure the length from one pin to the other to make sure it equals your final measurement. This will be the hole for your head.

Step Four - Sew the two rough edges together from one side to the other using a 1/2 inch inseam and leaving the hole for your head open. I tried mine on after sewing the seam to make sure my head fit through the hole.

Step Five - Pin the 1/2 inch inseam down around the collar of the neck hole. On one side of the seam and starting at one end of the seam, sew a top stitch about 1/4 inch away from the seam, all the way to the other end and continuing through the neckline. Repeat on the other side of the seam.

Stitch down across the seam at each end of the opening to reinforce the seam.

It’s all done and ready to wear.

I hope you get to have some fun in the sun this summer!

-Jessie