This table linen set from Suprint uses 40s cotton sheeting with a rotary-printed floral design.

Variations of the fabric are adopted in tablecloths, many of which come in solid colors or have classic checkered or striped patterns. Some are embroidered or embellished with lace.

Pure cotton models dominate India’s export selection of table linen.

Designs from suppliers based in Karur and Chennai, Tamil Nadu, adopt specifically 2/20, 10s and 2/40 types. North India-based makers, meanwhile, use various cotton constructions, including single jersey, ribbed, interlock and slub. Jacquard and dobby fabrics are utilized as well.

Cotton fabric in plain and dobby weaves are sourced from Tamil Nadu and cotton sheeting from Rajasthan. Other types are from Panipat in Haryana, West Bengal, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat.

Regardless of thread count or construction, the material is often yarn-dyed in solid colors, or made to form checkered or striped patterns. Models are also printed with a variety of designs, with the latest releases featuring kitchen-related themes such as cooking, grocery, crockery, and tea and coffee. Seasonal styles have Santa Claus and Christmas tree patterns.

Tablecloths can also be embroidered or have lace trims. Placemats, napkins and potholders are made of the same fabric as the main piece, or contrasting greige or yarn-dyed jacquard or dobby.

Models from Mahajan Overseas Pvt. Ltd can have embroidery, cutwork or applique.

Aaban Exporters uses machines to embroider table linen. Suprint Textiles Pvt. Ltd, on the other hand, adopts screen, rotary and block printing to apply Jaipuri floral prints.

Aside from pure cotton, India suppliers are adopting blends of the natural fiber, organdy, 100 percent linen and its composites, silk and velvet. All these fabrics are easy to drape and handle, and have a good sheen. Some are treated for stain and wrinkle resistance.

There are more than 1,000 suppliers of table linen in India, including nearly 500 exporters. Small companies can turn out 5,000 to 20,000 pieces monthly. Midsize makers can yield 20,000 to 100,000 table linen and ship out between $2 million and $5 million worth of products. Monthly capacity at large factories is between 100,000 and 500,000 pieces. Export value exceeds $10 million.

Midsize and large manufacturers have vertically integrated operations that include weaving and finishing. Such suppliers offer a wider range of table linen than their smaller counterparts and provide customization options.

The key production hubs are Karur, Panipat and Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Jaipur in Rajasthan, Delhi, Ahmedabad in Gujarat, Cannanore, Kerala, and Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Exporters are eyeing new destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Australia, South America, Hong Kong, Greece, Kazakhstan and Mauritius. The US and the EU, nevertheless, remain the biggest markets.

Products & prices

Table linen sets from India generally consist of a tablecloth, placemats, runners and napkins. Potholders, kitchen mitts and breadbasket liners can be included as well. Prices are between $12 and $50 depending on the quality of the fabric, dyeing and workmanship, and product dimensions.

Within the low end, tablecloths are 52x52 or 52x70cm or 50cm in diameter. These $4 to $8 models adopt cotton sheeting, or 2/20s, 10s, plain woven, combed, yarn-dyed, solid, printed or heavy-drill cotton. Napkins are 45x45cm, placemats 33x48cm and runners 32x135cm. Prices are $0.60 to $0.80, $1 to $1.20 and $4, respectively.

Midrange tablecloths measure 60x84, 60x102 or 130x180cm or 100cm in diameter and reach $20. Such pieces, together with napkins, placemats and rubbers, use ribbed, slub and combed cotton, dobby and jacquard weaves, cotton sheeting, and various composites of cotton, linen and polyester. Pieces have embroidery, applique and patchwork. Napkins are between $0.85 and $1.20, placemats go up to $2 and runners are $4.50 to $6.

The high-end segment includes 150x230 and 150x250cm tablecloths, napkins, placemats and runners are $21 to $50, $1.39 to $2.50, $2.10 to $3.50 and $6.10 to $8. Pieces are made of pure linen, linen blends, tissue fabric, silk, velvet, organdy, and cotton dobby and jacquard. They have an enzyme and stain- and wrinkle resistant wash. Cutwork, applique and elaborate embroidery are among the embellishment options.

Cotton costs are relatively contained, rising by only 10 percent in the past six months, resulting in stable prices. Prior to this, the material nearly doubled its 2012 rates, forcing Idyllic Creations Pvt. Ltd to bring up quotes 10 to 15 percent.

Product gallery

Aaban Exporters
Model: Heavy Drill Type
MOQ: 500 sets
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $24
Description: Table linen set; with 60x102in tablecloth, six 13x19in placemats, six 16x16in napkins, 13x54in runner and 14x14in bread basket liner; heavy drill fabric; striped

Idyllic Creations Pvt. Ltd
Model: 4
MOQ: 500 pieces
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $8.50
Description: Tablecloth; 100% cotton; 2/20sx10s, 40x36; yarn-dyed; black and white checkered pattern; 150x230cm; matching napkins and placemats available for $1.20 and $0.80 each, respectively

Idyllic Creations Pvt. Ltd
Model: 6
MOQ: 500 pieces
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $9.50
Description: Tablecloth; 100% cotton; 2/20sx10s, 40x36; ecru with red and white checkered border; 150x230; matching napkins and placemats available for $1.20 and $0.80 each, respectively

Mahajan Overseas Pvt. Ltd
Model: 604
MOQ: 1,500 pieces
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $22
Description: Table linen set; with 150x150cm tablecloth, six 45x45cm napkins and 30x90cm runner; 100% cotton; 2/40s; yarn-dyed; checkered pattern

Mahajan Overseas Pvt. Ltd
Model: 15
MOQ: 1,500 pieces
Delivery: 75 days
Price: $30
Description: Table linen set; with 152x152 tablecloth, four 45x45cm napkins, four 33x45cm placemats and 137x33cm runner; cotton; yarn-dyed; cutwork

Suprint Textiles Pvt. Ltd
Model: 1
MOQ: 500 sets
Delivery: 60 days
Price: $12.50
Description: Table linen set; with 150x225cm tablecloth and six 40x40cm napkins; cotton sheeting; 40s; rotary-printed; center floral print