Table Sock FAQs

A: The 6’ size Table Sock fits standard picnic tables measuring 30” X 72”. The 8’ size Table Sock fits standard picnic tables measuring 30” X 96”. The benches are typically 10” wide and the same length as the table. Some tables are made of wood or cement and may be thicker than the typical tables found at parks or campgrounds, but the Table Sock will accommodate the various thicknesses to retain its snug fit due to the design of the “cut-out” corners.

A: No, the large 8’ size will not fit the 6’ table. While you could use the Table Sock unsecured, there is no way to absorb 24” of additional fabric and still make it tight, and therefore wind resistant.

A: While the 6’ Table Sock could be laid on an 8’ table and possibly secured, it would not cover the entire table. The narrow ends of the Table Sock would show on both ends of the picnic table.

A: Yes, the very corners of the table and benches will show a small amount. However, the cut-out corners allow the Table Sock to overlap and underlap to accommodate different thicknesses of tables and benches, and they eliminate the typical “bunching” that happens with strictly rectangular tablecloths.

A: If the corners show on one end more than the other, the main body of the Table Sock is not centered. This can happen if one end is cinched up more than the other end. To fix it, just release the end with less of the corners showing and tighten up the end with more corner exposure.

A: The 6’ Table Sock table portion measures 84” long X 45” wide. The 8’ Table Sock table portion measures 108” long X 45” wide. When measuring your table, you need to account for the thickness of your tabletop. For width, measure the width of the table plus twice the thickness. For the length, measure the length of the table plus twice the thickness. As long as about 2” can go underneath your table on all sides, it can be used on patio or even indoor tables.

A: While I can’t guarantee every curve and design of table, the Table Sock is designed that one side could tighten more than the other side. So yes, it could fit many curved scenarios. I personally have a portable curved picnic table, and the Table Sock is fully functional and looks nice.

A: Extra parachute cord has been added because it shrinks for the first two to four times of laundering the Table Sock. Please do not cut the string as it may become too short after laundering Table Sock.

A: The Table Sock fabric is 100% polyester, so it can be machine washed with a gentle cycle. The fabric dries really quickly in the air, but you can put it in the dryer on the air cycle (no heat) for a few minutes. I test washed one of my sets ten times, and it gets softer and remains beautiful.

A: The parachute cord will shrink with laundering, and from my testing, it will stop about the third or fourth wash. This does not affect the performance of Table Sock. The shrinkage causes it to behave more like a fitted sheet than a flat sheet. It may not fold as flat to stow away, but it will be easier to get onto the picnic table, and there will be less string to manage when cinching it down and putting the string into the pocket. When designing the Table Sock, I included an extra amount of string to compensate for the shrinkage.

A: The pockets are designed to stow away the paracord when the Table Sock is secured to the table and benches. However, if you forget to use them, the paracord ends are initially built to remain separated so that pets or children will not become entangled.

A: The Table Sock remains fully functional. However, I recommend using the pockets for a more streamlined professional look, and to keep the strings cleaner. If the cords remain open and not tied together, there is no danger to not using the pockets. However, if the strings are tied together, then the pockets are a safety feature to keep pets and children from becoming entangled in them.

A: Parachute cord will fray rapidly if it is cut. However, you can seal the end with the flame of a match or cigarette lighter. Hold the raw end of the cord in the flame until is starts to melt. You can use your fingers cautiously (as it will be hot) to narrow the end of the cord to a point. Use leather gloves if necessary to form the end of the cord while it is hot.

A: The string, or paracord, is necessary for the Table Sock to fit snuggly. However, if your string gets cut, a new length of paracord can be run through the buttonholes and side casing using a bodkin, or a makeshift tool to thread it through. This makes Table Sock unique in that there is no elastic to wear out!

A: The cord lock makes it easy to cinch up the ends of the Table Sock, but if it breaks, a new one can easily be applied to the paracord. Until you get a new cord lock, just tie up the cords as best you can to keep it pulled tight. These can be purchased at many different stores.

A: I tighten it as much as I can with my arm and hand strength. The tighter it is, the less affected it will be by the wind. As for the bench covers, the tighter they are, the more they will withstand people rotating to sit down and stand up. Plus, it has the most streamlined look when it is fully tightened.

A: This question is affected by how tight you secure the Table Sock. If properly secured, the wind may barely ripple the fabric, but it settles right down again. We have used the Table Sock several years during camping trips, and while the fabric moves slightly, it has never tipped anything over or ever started to come off. One time, we tested the Table Sock with a leaf blower, and the results were the same as our camping trips.

A: This has not been fully tested. I recommend that you treat the Table Sock as you would any other fabric item by treating stains before laundering. The fabric has been treated for outdoor use which minimizes sun damage and encourages liquids to repel.

A: The knot at each end serves to keep the paracord from being pulled out of the cord lock. Each paracord is left loose and single so that pets or children will not entangle themselves. The pockets on the Table Socks are made to stow away the paracord so the string will not hang down.

A: While the Table Sock will get wet if it is rained on, it will dry in the outdoor air and on the table fairly quickly. If you need it to dry more quickly, hang it “clothesline style” so the air can get to both sides of the fabric.

A: The bag was made purely for your convenience to keep all the pieces together. The bag does not affect the function of the Table Sock if it is not used. However, the washing instructions are included on the outside of the bag where you can find them easily.

A: The Table Sock can be machine washed gentle and air dried. The instructions are on the carry tote bag so you can easily find them without having to look through the yards of fabric of the table and bench coverings.

A: Yes, the Table Sock can be sprayed with a hose to clean it. It will need more drying time because it will get wetter than with a typical wash machine. Hang it “clothesline style” so both sides the fabric will be exposed to air drying.

A: While the Table Sock is fabric, my experience is that it is not prone to tearing. We chose this fabric so that Table Sock will be durable, sturdy, and have longevity for many years of use.

A: All fabric can be cut with the typical cutting tools such as a knife or scissors. If you cook or prepare food on your Table Sock, use cutting boards and take precautions not to cut your Table Sock.

A: A camp stove or propane driven device can be used on the Table Sock with adequate precaution. The propane tank itself will not hurt the Table Sock even while in use, but the fabric of Table Sock cannot handle any open flame. It will be prone to melting with an open flame.