How to Make a Tablecloth with an Umbrella Hole (No-Sew!)

Nancy Osman
Jul 12
2 min read

Got a garden table with a parasol but struggling to find the right tablecloth? We’ve been there. Most off-the-shelf tablecloths don’t come with a parasol hole – and if they do, they’re often not quite the style you want.

Good news: you can absolutely make your own parasol-hole tablecloth at home – no sewing required.

Here’s a simple DIY method that works perfectly with wipeable PVC or oilcloth-style fabric. Great for summer parties, BBQs, or just giving your outdoor setup a little refresh.

🧵 What You’ll Need

A wipeable PVC or oilcloth tablecloth (either bought or cut to size)
Sharp scissors
A pencil or fabric pen
A small circular object (like a mug or jar lid – around 4–6cm wide)
Clear PVC repair tape or bias binding + fabric glue
Your parasol and table (for positioning)

✂️ Step-by-Step Guide

1. Lay the Tablecloth on Your Table

Place the tablecloth on your outdoor table as normal and smooth it out. Make sure it’s centred and hanging evenly over the sides.

2. Mark the Centre Point

With the tablecloth in place, insert the parasol pole into your table as you usually would. Then, lift the cloth slightly and feel for the pole underneath. Mark this central point lightly with a pencil or fabric pen.

3. Trace a Circle

Take your mug or lid and place it over the central mark. Draw around it to create your cutting guide – this will be your parasol hole.

4. Cut the Circle Out

Using sharp scissors, carefully cut around the circle. PVC or oilcloth cuts easily, so take your time for a clean finish.

5. Reinforce the Hole (Optional but Recommended)

To stop the hole from tearing over time, you can:

Stick clear PVC repair tape around the edge (front and back)
Or use bias binding tape and secure it around the edge with fabric glue – no sewing needed!

You could even use a sticky-backed grommet ring or eyelet if you want it extra tidy, but honestly, the tape method works great.

6. Slot the Parasol Through

Pop your parasol through the hole and into the table. You now have a practical, custom-fit outdoor tablecloth that stays in place even with a breeze!

🌿 Bonus Tips

Wipeable fabrics work best – they don’t fray, and you can clean them easily
If your table is round or oval, use a tablecloth that’s slightly larger and trim to shape
Add a couple of tablecloth clips for windy days

Prefer Not to DIY?

We get it – sometimes it’s easier to leave it to someone else. If you love the idea of a tablecloth with a parasol hole but don’t want the faff, we make them ready to go — handmade in the UK, in all sorts of sizes and prints.

Shop the full collection here!

– including floral, gingham, Mediterranean and countryside designs, all with central parasol holes neatly finished.