I just go to a fabric store and buy it off the bolt.

Will your friend like the look of a plastic covering over her what sounds like an expensive Ballard's tablecloth? I would rather see a washed tablecloth than a tablecloth covered with plastic. Freaks me out when I see pics or television shows of furniture covered in plastic. Very common back in the day, but not the best of looks IMHO.

Perhaps a return to Ballards and a purchase of a less expensive table cloth would solve the washing the expensive table covering?

I'll second WIP's suggestion. Why bother to buy an expensive table that you're going to cover with plastic?? Perhaps consider glass for it--better than hiding it completely. But really I'm not sure I understand why it was so bad to use placemats during meals as a way of protecting it. They're pretty, serve their purpose and then can be removed. I don't mean to sound harsh, and you did say yourself they sound creepy. Plastic covers disappeared for a reason....

....shaking head....if it's so wonderful that you have to hide it under a cloth and then plastic over that.....why not just have a Formica table?
Reminding me of one person I knew who had a beautiful antique silver set on her buffet....wrapped in Saran so it wouldn't have to be polished.....and the lady with the plastic path on the carpet from the front door to the kitchen, and the livingroom furniture covered with "cloths"...
What are you saving it for? The next wife??

Since this is a seasonal home for my BFF, she often has guests. Sometimes this table would be used 3 meals/day and then sometimes--not at all. I think she wants tablecloth "protection" so in case somebody dribbles their coffee at breakfast, she doesn't have to do laundry before lunch and then again before dinner.I understand the mechanics of making a tablecloth this large, but I wonder if a vinyl cloth should be seamed in the same manor...

I have a round table with some beautiful cloths for it. I wash them in cold and dry just long enough to get them warm then hang them to dry. There is no fading. Another thing I've done that might work for her is to get some smaller square cloths and layer them on the top of the table. Easily removed, replaced and washed. I buy just as beautiful squares, so it doesn't look like I'm trying to "save" the larger cloth. I love how it looks and they are much easier to handle in the wash.

IMHO, rather than making a vinyl tablecloth, your BFF would be better served with a few cloth alternatives. I use tablecloths or placemats to protect my tables during mealtime, so I keep several on hand of each. That way I can just put on another at the next meal if one is soiled--and don't have to race to the washer. Just like having another set of sheets or towels, your friend might consider investing a relatively small amount in table linens. She might try places like Marshalls, Ross, TJ Maxx for discount placemats and napkins. Tablecloths of the 90" variety she can find online. Here's one source--though I've not personally seen this tablecloth, it has quite good reviews and is $32. I'm sure there are other sources. Making one would require several yards of fabric, so likely not cheaper.

However, if she's determined to go with vinyl, then I think you can seam it the same way you would a fabric one. Even expensive tables will not ruin from the immediate touch of water or coffee. It's only when the liquid is left on that it becomes a problem. And surely your BFF is using something to protect from hot items.

IMHO, putting clear vinyl over fabric would be a cheap looking solution that many guests might find unattractive--which again begs the question, WHY have a nice table if you're going to use plastic on it? IMHO, it's kind of like having a BMW that you just keep parked in the garage while you drive an old beat up clunker. Why would someone do that?

Here is a link that might be useful: 90

There are lots of alternatives on Amazon, although no 90 inch round, only a 70.
I would buy the clear plastic squares for top protection, easier to take off too.

As for sewing a 90 inch round, the width of plastic seems to be 54 inches so you'd have to sew an 18 inch panel on each side of a 54 inch width, would look weird to see stitching in clear plastic, imo.... and it might not hang right.

Here is a link that might be useful: amazon clear toppers

Yes, repeated washings will affect the life expectancy of the tablecloth. It might last only 20 years or so. I'll lay odds that before the tablecloth wears out from washing, your BFF will have changed her decor.

Hi, Ratherbesewing -- I googled your description and found what you're looking for at Amazon.com. I'll attach a link below. Your friend is lucky to have a good friend like you!

Here is a link that might be useful: That's it!

Could you cut a 72 inch piece and just put it on top?
Personally I like the idea of layering placemats on top of the tablecloth.