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DIY Tablecloth Party Backdrop

Written by Kimberly Coffin · This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

1.0K shares

Learn How to Make a DIY Tablecloth Party Backdrop With This Step-By-Step Photo and Video Tutorial!

Tablecloth backdrops are all the rage right now for parties. They are budget-friendly and inexpensive to make. 

You can easily customize your tablecloth backdrop to match any party theme or color palette. Add in different patterns and textures for a truly one-of-a-kind decor statement.

DIY Tablecloth Fringe Backdrop Party Decor

Because these backdrops are so popular, you can even rent out your party backdrop once it’s made and you’ve used it at your own party.

They are perfect for birthday parties, bachelorette parties, baby showers, prom, or graduation celebrations!

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

You can coordinate this backdrop with the Giant Foam Board Marquee Numbers Tutorial I recently posted. They look great together and will add a bit of pizazz to any party, especially if you add a balloon arch like I did.

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

How Long Does it Take to Make the Backdrop?

Depending on the size of your backdrop, it is a 1-2 day project, but I'll share some tips and tricks along the way to make the process go by faster.

My backdrop measures 10 feet wide by 7 feet tall and took about 14 hours from start to finish to make. This was my first time making this type of backdrop, so it definitely took a bit longer as I tried to figure out the best method.

DIY Tablecloth Fringe Backdrop Party Decor

What Supplies Were Used to Make the Backdrop?

For the backdrop, I used mesh fencing, a backdrop stand, and zip ties to tie it all together.

I bought most of my supplies from my local hardware store (Lowes) and grabbed a variety of tablecloths from Dollar Tree & Amazon (dark and light pink, orange, yellow, purple, and metallic silver).

How Many Tablecloths and Rolls of Mesh Fencing Do I Need?

The amount you need depends on the size of your backdrop. I had a 10 ft x 10 ft backdrop stand and only used a small part one roll of mesh fencing and around 42 tablecloths.

What Can I Use Other Than a Backdrop Stand?

If you don't have a backdrop stand, some alternatives would be to use mesh fencing but hang it from command hooks; Or, zip-tie the fencing to a curtain rod. Another way would be to use string or a large paper backdrop and some double-sided tape to attach the strips of tablecloths. Do whatever works for you!

I think the mesh fencing worked out great because of the easy placement and I was able to keep track of my progress and know exactly where to put the tablecloth strips.

Which Backdrop Stands Do You Recommend?

I purchased a gold 10’ x 10’ backdrop stand on Amazon. I removed one set of square tubes to shorten it down to 7 feet high by 10 feet wide. Below are links to similar backdrop stands.

10’ x 10’ Stand

8’ x 8’ Stand

6.6’ x 5’ Stand

How Much Did This Project Cost?

I spent just over $50 on tablecloths for this project. I also purchased a roll of 3'x25' chicken fencing for $24. I only ended up using 10 feet of it, so I'm counting that cost as $9.60 since I'll use the remaining fencing on other projects.

BASIC SUPPLIES

  • 42 Tablecloths $52
  • Mesh Fencing $9.60

Total $61.60

Now, let's talk about the "Extras". These are things I purchased that are NOT necessary for making this backdrop that I chose to add to mine because...well, I'm extra. 🤣

EXTRA SUPPLIES

  • 10’ x 10’ Metal Stand $119
  • Mini Disco Balls $27.99
  • Iridescent Circle Garlands $12.80

"Extras" Total $159.79

Grand Total $221.39

I was quoted over $700 to have this backdrop made by a vendor. That cost would have only covered the tablecloths and fencing. Meaning I would have had to spend the additional $159 on the extras and to have a stand to hang it on.

I saved over $600 by making this project myself, and I have already found someone who wants to rent this backdrop for an upcoming party which will completely offset my costs!🎉

Let's Get Started!

For this tutorial, I'm making a small prototype of the big tablecloth backdrop I made using mesh fencing.

Why Shop Through My Links?

When you shop through my affiliate links, it doesn't cost you anything extra, but it helps me out in a big way! I earn a small commission from those purchases, and that support allows me to continue creating and sharing free tutorials and patterns for you. Thank you so much for helping me keep this creative community going! 💕

Tablecloth Backdrop Supplies

  • Tablecloth- A variety of colors from Dollar Tree
  • Mesh Fencing- Bought mine from a local hardware store (Lowes)
  • Rotary Cutter
  • Scissors
  • Acrylic Ruler
  • Self Healing Mat
  • Zip Ties - To attach to the backdrop stand
  • Here's a breakdown of the tablecloths I used
  • 10 Dark Pink
  • 10 Light Pink
  • 8 Lavender (I had to source this color from Amazon)
  • 3 Silver Iridescence
  • 3 Yellow
  • 3 Light Yellow 
  • 3 Orange
  • 2 Light Orange/Peach 

Optional Supplies

  • Backdrop Stand- Or this one

Assembling Tablecloth Backdrop

The first step I took to make this backdrop, was to tie the mesh fencing to my backdrop stand using zip ties and balloon strips (it works!). Also, I made sure the mesh ends (thick wax layers) were at the top and bottom of the stand.

Next, I cut 1 1/2-2 inch strips from each of my tablecloths. When I did this, I took the tablecloth out of the package and left it unfolded. With my acrylic ruler and rotary cutter, I made my cuts every 1 1/2-2 inches. This saved time, and I was able to cut 8 strips out of one piece of tablecloth.

Note: Not all strips have to be the same size, it's okay to have a variety of sizes to add to the backdrop.

*Pro Tip: When making your cuts, use an acrylic ruler and rotary cutter to get clean, straight lines.

Continue cutting the rest of your colors, and set them aside.

Adding Strips to Mesh Fencing

Now it's time to add the strips to the fencing starting from the bottom and making our way to the top. For extra coverage, grab a strip of the color you're about to tie and wrap it around every loop at the bottom and top of the fencing to cover the green wax strip.

Bottom Layer

Layer two pieces of a tablecloth on top of one another and loop-tie the tablecloth strips to each hole of the mesh fence. I tied a strip of a tablecloth to every hole along the bottom and used a different color for the other half of the bottom layer.

To tie this knot, fold your tablecloth strip in half, grab the looped end, and pull it through a hole in the fence.

Then, take the strip's ends and pull it through the loop's hole.

*Pro Tip: Don't pull your knot too tight or it will stretch the piece of tablecloth.

Middle Layers

For the middle layers, you're using the same tying technique, but this time loop-tie the strips to every other hole of the fence instead of every hole.

You want your middle layers to partially cover the bottom layer because there is less chance of gapping between the layers.

If you have a contrasting color (light and dark), layer the light colors between the darker colors and tie the strips just above using the same tying technique.

Grab a different color and continue tying your middle layers until all the gaps have been filled between the bottom and top layers.

Top Layer

Moving on from the middle layers to the top layer. The top layer repeats the process we used to make the bottom layer.

Tie a strip to every hole instead of every other one for more coverage.

For the yellow, I added a dark yellow beneath the light for contrast, and it also helped with coverage.

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

Finished Tablecloth Backdrop

Finally, add the final details. I attached a string of disco balls and thinner strips of a silver metallic tablecloth to my backdrop.

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

Don't forget to have fun with this! Put on your favorite movie or music playlist, and grab a snack!

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

Don't want to forget about this project? Save it for later! Click here to save it on Pinterest.

Tablecloth Backdrop Sweet Red Poppy

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. James Martin says

    June 05, 2023 at 6:46 pm

    interesting idea

    Reply
    • Yokisia Marshall says

      June 28, 2023 at 12:30 pm

      This is too cute

      Reply
  2. Peter M. says

    June 05, 2023 at 9:06 pm

    Wow, I am always amazed at the skill and inventiveness of DIY Crafts Experts!

    Reply
  3. Dianna says

    June 06, 2023 at 7:13 am

    This is amazing!

    Reply
  4. Maria says

    June 06, 2023 at 10:27 am

    Kind of different

    Reply
  5. Jodi Boulier says

    June 06, 2023 at 7:34 pm

    I really love this. Thanks for the know how!

    Reply
  6. Courtney says

    June 07, 2023 at 5:58 am

    Reply
  7. Catherine B says

    June 07, 2023 at 3:18 pm

    Beautiful backdrop! So festive!

    Reply
    • michelle r king says

      June 07, 2023 at 8:30 pm

      cool

      Reply
  8. michelle r king says

    June 07, 2023 at 8:30 pm

    cool starbuck cup

    Reply
  9. Amy Roles says

    June 07, 2023 at 11:00 pm

    Hi! About how long were the strips. When I cut my table cloth the way that you demonstrate the strips are very long.

    Reply
  10. Audrey says

    June 08, 2023 at 1:41 am

    That's so cute!

    Reply
  11. Anita Duvall says

    June 08, 2023 at 1:58 pm

    Oh what a cute idea. I will try but not really good at this sort of thing. I can do it!

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    June 08, 2023 at 3:29 pm

    what a cute idea!

    Reply
  13. Tanya Lillie says

    June 10, 2023 at 11:07 pm

    Great idea

    Reply
  14. Janet K says

    June 13, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    Cute idea!

    Reply
  15. Brittany Gilley says

    June 15, 2023 at 2:28 am

    super cute

    Reply
  16. Sharon says

    June 17, 2023 at 10:54 am

    great idea

    Reply
  17. Ally says

    June 17, 2023 at 8:53 pm

    That's pretty cool

    Reply
  18. Emily says

    June 17, 2023 at 9:52 pm

    Such a cool idea!

    Reply
  19. Monet says

    June 17, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    What an inexpensive, fun idea!

    Reply
  20. Allan Harmsworth says

    June 17, 2023 at 10:18 pm

    Just wow! Not for me though, don't have the energy, time or extra cash for this.

    Reply
  21. Shirley H says

    June 18, 2023 at 12:23 pm

    Make a great backdrop with favorite team colors

    Reply
  22. Celeste says

    June 18, 2023 at 2:04 pm

    Hello. I am form South Africa. Thanks for Sharing your wonderful ideas.

    Reply
  23. EDELGARD says

    June 19, 2023 at 4:05 pm

    the instructions very very easy to follow - the only thing was the video did not show the length of each strip but that is easy to figure out - I think with imagination and depending on the party that this can be a great addition

    Reply
  24. Sam says

    June 20, 2023 at 5:57 pm

    That's a fun idea

    Reply
  25. A.Blossom says

    June 23, 2023 at 6:30 am

    Amazing! This is an amazing idea for event photos.

    Reply
  26. Isabel says

    June 24, 2023 at 2:29 pm

    great backdrop for any occasion!

    Reply
  27. Rebekah Ranes says

    June 25, 2023 at 7:24 pm

    Stunning and fabulous!

    Reply
  28. Anita Leibert says

    June 27, 2023 at 2:53 pm

    This idea is amazing but would sure take alot of time to make.

    Reply
  29. Leisa Graham says

    June 28, 2023 at 8:04 pm

    Soo amazing! I love making backdrops for my kids birthdays, but I’ve never used a stand! Game changer!

    Reply
  30. Samantha says

    August 15, 2023 at 12:54 pm

    Hello- Do you use varying length strips? How do you know when and where to use different lengths?

    Reply

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

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Ready, Set, Sew! An online sewing course for beginners by top US sewing blogger, Sweet Red Poppy.

Hello, I’m Kimberly, the creator of Sweet Red Poppy!

I’m a wife, mother to 3, seamstress, and lover of all things crafty! Sweet Red Poppy is my creative outlet where I find and create inspiration. It’s a place where I can share my never-ending sewing projects and my love of learning!

Read more about me →

The Latest

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