How to Cover a Tabletop in Vinyl Fabric

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Did you know you can sew a vinyl table cover instead of painting or applying new formica to a tabletop? Vinyl upholstery fabric is waterproof, durable and easy to clean — and it looks fantastic as a side table or nightstand tabletop. Our video shows you how to sew a tight-fitting, stylish vinyl cover for your tabletop. Join us for the latest project tutorial in our 1987 Airstream Argosy Renovation Series.
Video Chapters:
  • Intro — 0:00 min.
  • Patterning Top Plate — 0:35 min.
  • Creating Boxing — 2:49 min.
  • Sewing Boxing to Top Plate — 5:34 min.
  • Adding Decorative Top Stitch - 14:59 min.
  • Stapling Vinyl to Tabletop — 20:41 min.
  • Materials & Tools List — 28:46 min.
Materials List:
  • Vinyl upholstery fabric of choice
  • Tex 90 White UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) #100079
  • Tex 90 Navy UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) #100073
  • 21 Gauge 3/8" (10mm) Staples 10,000/Box (Galvanized) #8010GZ
Tools List:
  • Tack & Staple Remover #104319
  • Flexible Curve 18" #122445
  • Scribe‑All® Black Marking Pencil for Vinyl #121977
  • Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed #19104
  • Tape Measure 120" #102986
  • Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
  • Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter 60mm #9655
  • Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat 24" x 36" #120257
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine #311602
  • Sailrite® Long Nose Upholstery Staple Gun #121411
DIY Vinyl Table Cover 2

This is an easy sewing project that will add a nice, decorative element to your tabletop. We'll show you how to pattern the top plate, how to create and sew the boxing, and how to staple the vinyl cover to the tabletop. As a finishing touch, we'll add a decorative topstitch in a complementary color thread, which gives our project a beautiful, polished look.

We're using an indoor/outdoor, engineered synthetic leather to give our vinyl table covers the best in performance and style. Choosing a vinyl with four-way stretch properties, such as EverSoft™, enabled us to get a very tight-fitting tabletop cover with no wrinkles or sagging. Vinyl is a great choice for a tabletop; spills and stains wipe up quickly and easily from this waterproof fabric. With top-notch brands, unique patterns and dozens of colors to choose from, you're sure to find a vinyl fabric that fits your décor at Sailrite®.

DIY Vinyl Table Cover 3
Here's a closeup of the vinyl table cover. Look at that beautiful topstitching!

Watch the video to learn how to sew a vinyl tabletop for your nightstand, side table or any table you want to cover in a protective and stylish vinyl fabric cover.

If you want to view more projects in our RV Renovation Series, click here!

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