Rachel Evans
Altar cloths are an important part of Catholic liturgy, and making them is considered an art form. While there are no strict requirements for the design, Catholic altar cloths typically feature three layers: one on the altar, a waxed cloth covering the top, and a longer cloth that reaches the floor. Linen is the preferred fabric due to its natural, high-quality characteristics, and its special place in the history of the Church. However, other materials like polyester and rayon are sometimes used for their ease of care. Creating altar linens requires sewing skills and an understanding of liturgical traditions, and some Catholic groups even offer seminars and workshops to teach these skills to those interested in making their own altar cloths.
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Choosing the fabric
The choice of fabric for Catholic altar cloths is an important consideration, with each element of the Mass playing a role in drawing worshippers closer to God. Traditionally, linen has been the primary fabric used to clothe Catholic altars, with a long history in the Church. Linen is a natural fabric made from the flax plant, and the resulting fabric can be of higher or lower quality depending on the thickness of the thread and the tightness of the weaving. It is a superior choice for altar cloths as it is a natural fibre, unlike polyester or rayon alternatives. However, linen does require more care than these alternatives, needing to be ironed rather than dried in a dryer.
For those seeking a more low-maintenance option, polyester is an option. It does not wrinkle as badly as linen and is more durable than rayon. However, it is important to note that polyester is not a natural fibre and can melt easily. It is also prone to permanent wrinkling if left in the dryer for too long, and wax stains cannot be fully removed.
Another natural fabric option is cotton, though this too requires more care and attention than polyester. Rayon is also a potential choice, though it is less durable than polyester.
When choosing the fabric for your Catholic altar cloth, it is important to consider the role of the fabric in the Liturgy and the level of care you are able to provide. Linen, though requiring more maintenance, is the traditional choice and is considered a superior fabric. However, polyester may be more suitable for those seeking a more low-maintenance option, despite its drawbacks.
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Stitching and sewing
When stitching and sewing altar linens, it is important to consider the specific type of linen used. The quality of linen fabric depends on the thickness of the thread and the tightness of the weaving. Selecting the appropriate linen involves ensuring it is free from any coloured fibres that may leave residue on the altar. Additionally, the linen should be properly measured and cut to fit the altar perfectly, with the finished product reaching close to the ground on either side.
While stitching, it is recommended to turn the facing to the inside and iron the seam flat, creating a neat and precise finish. This process involves turning under the raw edges of the facing to sew them securely onto the linen. As a result, only a subtle line of stitching will be visible on the right side of the linen, approximately one inch from the edge. This technique ensures the altar linen lies flat and fits the altar seamlessly.
Although there is no requirement to embroider a cross on Catholic altar cloths, some individuals choose to do so for centering purposes. If opting for this embellishment, it is important to ensure that the crosses are not too thick, especially the centre one, to avoid unsteadiness when placing chalices or other sacred objects. Additionally, individuals should consider the width and height of the chalice when creating purificators to ensure a proper fit.
Altar linens can also be customised with ornamentation, such as ophreys, which can be applied to vestments. It is common to have three altar cloths: one directly on the altar, a waxed cloth covering the altar's top, and a longer cloth reaching down to the floor. These cloths can be held in place using "gizmos," or liturgical hardware. The process of stitching and sewing altar linens is a meticulous task that requires attention to detail and a deep understanding of liturgical requirements.
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Embroidering
When embroidering altar cloths, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, while it is not a general Catholic practice, some may choose to embroider crosses on the cloth. In the Anglican Church, for example, the custom is to embroider five crosses—one in the centre and one in each of the four corners. If you decide to embroider a cross, ensure it is not too thick, especially if it is in the centre, as this can cause the chalice to be unsteady.
Additionally, consider the size and placement of your embroidery. Altar cloths should be long enough to reach close to the ground on either side of the altar, so plan your embroidery design accordingly. You may also want to leave a one-inch margin on the right side of the linen, as this is where the stitching will be visible.
If you are a beginner, you may want to start with a simple design and use an embroidery pattern or digital file as a guide. There are many religious embroidery designs available for download, including cross, baptism, Christmas, and floral motifs. You can also purchase pre-made embroidered altar cloths or altar cloth sets with various motifs, including grapes and floral embroidery.
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Waxing
Traditionally, Catholic altars are covered with three cloths: one on the altar, a waxed cloth (known as a cere cloth) covering the top of the altar, and a top cloth that reaches down to the floor. The cere cloth acts as a barrier to dampness, condensation, and oils.
The process of waxing a cloth involves the following steps:
- Cut the linen: Using linen fabric, cut along one thread of the weave to make the edges straight. This process may take a long time, depending on the length of the linen.
- Pin and stitch a hem: Pin a one-inch hem with a half-inch turn-under, following the weave of the fabric. On the sides, create a deeper hem (approximately three inches) with a half-inch turn under. Machine stitch the entire hem.
- Hand stitch the corners: If you are unfamiliar with the technique for mitering corners, hand stitch the corners to create a neat, mitered corner.
- Measure and adjust the length: The two long sides of the cloth, known as the "falls," should reach just above the ground. Measure and adjust the length accordingly.
- Wax the cloth: Once the cloth is sewn, apply wax to create the cere cloth. The wax acts as a protective layer, repelling liquids and preventing stains.
- Remove excess wax: Gently flex the fabric and scrape or brush away any loose pieces of wax. You can also use the dull side of a butter knife for this step. Avoid using an iron, as heat may set the wax and create stains.
- Treat remaining stains: If there are any remaining wax stains or sooty marks, treat the fabric with a wax remover meant for fabric. Let it sit for at least five minutes before laundering.
- Launder the cloth: Wash the altar cloth in a washing machine on a delicate cycle using laundry products like Biz powder and Woolite. Ensure the water is slightly warmer than room temperature and that the machine is adequately full to allow for good water circulation.
It is important to note that wax stains can be challenging to remove, and they may not come out entirely, especially from certain fabrics like polyester. Always test on a small area first and follow the specific instructions for any products used.
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Altar cloth placement
Altar cloths are an important part of Catholic liturgy, and their placement is significant. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for placing altar cloths:
Firstly, it is important to note that traditionally, three altar cloths are used: one on the altar, a waxed cloth covering the top of the altar, and a top cloth that reaches down to the floor. The two cloths beneath do not need to touch the ground, but they should cover the top of the altar. These cloths are sometimes held down by "gizmos", or illustrated pieces of hardware.
When placing the altar cloths, ensure they fit the altar perfectly. The cloths should be long enough to reach close to the ground on either side of the altar. If using an altar ad orientem, consider reinforcing the side of the altar cloth to hold it in place.
For the ornamentation of altar cloths, there is no requirement to embroider a cross on them, although it can be helpful for centering if placed in the center of the back edge. The custom of embroidering five crosses is practised in the Anglican Church but is not standard Catholic practice. However, there is no prohibition against it. If choosing to embroider crosses, place them in the four corners and the center, with a size of approximately 1.5" x 1.5". Ensure that the embroidery is not too thick, especially in the center, to prevent the chalice from becoming unsteady.
In terms of fabric choice, linen is the traditional and preferred fabric for altar cloths due to its natural properties and significance in the worship of God. However, alternatives such as polyester, rayon, and cotton can also be used. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of each fabric type. For example, polyester is easy to care for and does not wrinkle as badly as linen, but it is not a natural fiber and can melt easily.
Finally, remember that the altar cloths should be properly cared for and laundered to maintain their condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Linen is the primary fabric used in the history of the Church for altar cloths. It is made from the flax plant and is considered superior to other fabrics such as polyester, rayon, and cotton.
Traditionally, there should be three altar cloths: one on the altar, a waxed cloth covering the top of the altar, and a top cloth that reaches the floor.
It is helpful to centre the cloth by placing a cross in the centre of the back edge. Additionally, remember that altar cloths are sometimes held down by gizmos, so reinforcing the sides of the cloth can be useful.
Basic stitching skills are required to make altar linens. It is important to know how to sew and iron the fabric to create a neat and well-fitting altar cloth.
