Ooh, I LOVE your idea, but I'm a little nervous about your idea of using the disappearing quilting pens. I've used those quite a bit in my work as a quilter and they sometimes disappear before I want them to -I'm not sure whether it's time or handling, or something else. I've often used Crayola washable markers instead -they come out easily in the wash and don't disappear before I want them to. But I only quilt with 100% cotton fabrics, and can imagine that many tablecloths will have some polyester in them. I'm not sure how that might affect washability. Also, have you spoken to the woman who owns the embroidery shop about this already? I'm not particularly knowledgable about the equipment, but have used the shop here a few times, and can't quite picture how she will do this. If that idea doesn't pan out, I wonder if you could find someone local (NextDoor?) to do it. Embroidery is having a bit of a resurgence among teens/young adults these days.

@jojoco What a great idea! You didn't mention what size you would need.

Best, thanks for weighing in. I'm going to use the wash out side of the pens, not the side that magically disappears in a few hours. Hopefully that will make the difference.

The woman who is interested hasn't done this but knows how. Evidently, all the signatures will have to be a certain size, I think. I will create a cardboard window template for people to use to make sure they stay in the boundaries.

Honestly, thisi is an idea in progress. Just getting the signatures on the tablecloth is half the battle. And I bet you're right that I could find someone who would be able to help if needed. Worst case senario is that I would do it myself.

Jojoco, I have several of these William Sonoma hotel tablecloths in white in various sizes. Mine are very smooth, almost a sateen type of finish and are 100% cotton.

https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/hotel-tablecloth/?catalogId=79&sku=4300752&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Tabletop%20%26%20Bar%20%3E%20Tablecloths%20%26%20Table%20Throws&region_id=772240&cm_ite=4300752_14572997884&gclid=CjwKCAjwoIqhBhAGEiwArXT7KyJStAj2lqISRS0vztOcaorkGb3yjrR-nfp8cmrVKfCXpCdVts-NBxoCoEgQAvD_BwE

I would at least wash any tablecloth you get first before the embroidery is done, and dry it if you plan to wash and dry in the future. (I wash mine, hang to dry and have the laundry iron them on a mangle.) If you don’t wash them first, the cloth will shrink around the embroidery, creating the puckers often seen on such goods.

I would absolutely stick with one or two colors for the signatures. Otherwise the cloth could end up looking like a kid’s birthday party item like the picture you posted. Super cute, like confetti or sprinkles, but with limited use.

If you group the signatures within a central motif just be aware that will limit your choice of vases, candlesticks and other arrangements as you won’t want to obscure anyone’s name.

I’m really excited you’re doing this! Over the years I have seen them and wondered how much of a chore it is to get done and am looking forward to seeing your finished product.

What a lovely idea. I have no advice about fabrics. After inadvertently destroying my MIL's "nice" linen, I've basically given up on being the fancy tablecloth lady.

Fun, my table is 40” x 72”

Jo, what a fantastic idea! Never heard it before and will keep it in mind. Can't wait to see yours.

Ask your embroiderer what fabric works best for her machine. Be sure to wash and dry it before having it signed.

jojo -yes, the wash-out quilting markers definitely hold up better. I still think the Crayola washables are just easier to use -it's a trick I learned in a quilting class many years ago. But maybe just get one of the quilting wash-out ones and try it to see what you think. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

What a wonderful idea!

Love this idea and am inspired by it f for my Easter brunch (which will have a number of kids, some as young as 4). I will cover the table in craft paper and put out crayons and my easter stamps.

Kswl, thanks for the link. I ordered the 70x108 which might be a tad long on the sides but that's an easy fix. I saw on the Nile a clear vinyl cover for tablecloths which is so practical but so awful. Love the idea but would hate resting my arms on it. In reality, I doubt I could bring myself to use this tablecloth (if it ever comes to fruition) on an actual table during an actual meal. We're a bunch of slobs at the table. More likely it would be folded just so to be displayed on a sideboard.

Fifteen inches per drop per side for formal tablecloths, so yours will be perfect from side to side, but a little long from end to end. At least, hemming the shorter ends is easier. Plus, it might shrink a bit when you wash it.

“ More likely it would be folded just so to be displayed on a sideboard.”

How about a runner instead of a full table cloth? You could then use it on a table or buffet.

Maybe get a giant embroidery hoop for folks to sign inside--should make it easier to write on if the fabric is taut.

If you could delineate an area on top, perhaps you could have a piece of glass or super clear plexiglass cut to fit over it? Or if the signatures are all over you could Scotchguard the heck out of the cloth , or have it treated with Microseal.

I know you're on a deadline but you could order a few matching napkins to see how it works out. Do they stock them in your local WS?

Love this idea! Can't wait to see your finished tablecloth. Sounds like a lovely memory piece.

I wouldn't do a table cloth if you won't use it. If you will only display, I'd use something for display or less likely to be stained. If it is worth making and having, it is worthy of more than a folded display. You can wash a tablecloth, you can get out stains. If I were going to do the project, I'd probably use linen -- either white or natural and do the embroidery in a tone on tone. You could do a runner or topper that sits in the center of the table, but I'd allow for a centerpiece and have them go around the edges -- also where people will see them. Or do a pillow/cushion top. All you need is the raw fabric (prewash and dry) and mark the "safe" zone for signatures. I'd run a colored thread around the area, but tape would work. A hoop could make it harder to write on. And test your markers with the fabric if at all possible. A napkin of the same fabric or a piece cut off the end (you plan to shorten it -- if a plain fabric, you should be able to take the length off one end).