Step-by-Step Guide to Table Measuring & Pattern-Making

Illustration on how to measure your leafs

To avoid measuring and patterning errors, be sure to keep the following points in mind as you move forward:

• Use a metal tape measure for the best results
• Avoid using the table manufacturer’s measurements 
• Remove extension leaves before measuring (they should be measured separately).

Measuring your table only takes a few minutes. It’s important to avoid measuring slopes or molding. Instead, focus on the flat surface of the table.

• From the center split, measure the table’s width to the nearest 1/16”
• Down the center, measure your table’s end-to-end length

Unless your table is perfectly round, square, or rectangular, creating a pattern is an essential part of the process. As with measuring, be sure not to include extensions, slopes, or molding.

• Align the pattern paper with the table’s center split 
• Smooth out any wrinkles
• Weigh the paper down with a heavy object to keep it in place
• Use the side of a pencil or crayon’s tip to trace the table’s edge