What Are Altar Tablecloths?
Altar tablecloths (also called altar linens or altar cloths) are decorative and functional cloths that cover the altar in the church. They are an essential element of liturgical furnishing and are required for the celebration of Mass. An altar cloth is used in the Christian liturgy to cover the altar; it serves as a sign of reverence as well as a decoration and a protection of the altar and the sacred vessels. In the Catholic tradition, the altar is covered with at least one white linen cloth — the fair linen — on which the chalice and paten are placed during Mass. In Orthodox churches, the altar is covered by the antimension, which also contains the relics of saints.
Types of Altar Cloths and Sacred Linens
- Altar frontal (antependium) — hangs from the front of the altar, matching the liturgical color
- Altar cover cloth — covers the top of the altar
- Corporal cloth — placed on the altar during Mass for the chalice and paten
- Fair linen — the white linen cloth that covers the top of the altar
- Pall — a stiffened square of linen that covers the chalice
- Purificator — a small linen cloth used to wipe the chalice
- Chalice veil — a square cloth that covers the chalice and pall before the Eucharistic Prayer
- Ciborium veil — a cover for the ciborium with the reserved Blessed Sacrament
We also offer matching chalice linen sets, chalice veils, ciborium veils, burses, embroidered corporals, and lectern and pulpit covers with the same embroidery, so the whole sanctuary can be coordinated for each season.
Liturgical Colors and Seasons
Altar tablecloths and embroidered frontals follow the liturgical color of the season: white and gold for Christmas, Easter, and feast days of the Lord and Our Lady; green for Ordinary Time; violet and purple for Advent and Lent; red for Pentecost, Good Friday, and feasts of martyrs; and rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sunday. Many parishes order a set of liturgical table cloths in several colors to match the vestments and the calendar of the Church year.
Materials, Sizes, and Embroidery Designs
Our altar tablecloths are made from high-quality stain-resistant fabric with embroidered crosses, wheat, grapes, and other Eucharistic symbols; selected designs are finished with a delicate guipure lace or baratto embroidered edge. Available in all liturgical colors and custom sizes, and easy to iron and keep clean. The standard width is 1.30 m (51.18 in), with lengths from 3.00 m (118 in) to 4.60 m (181 in); we also sew altar table cloths and liturgical table cloths to any custom size. The embroidery is repeated along the front of the tablecloth (approximately every 35 cm / 13.77 in) and its height ranges from 15 to 30 cm, depending on the design. Choose from IHS monograms, Jerusalem crosses, the Heart of Jesus, Holy Spirit doves, Marian symbols, lilies, wheat and grapes, the fish and loaves, PX and Chi-Rho symbols.
How to Choose an Altar Tablecloth
Measure the altar top first: the cloth should cover the tabletop and drop about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) on each end; our standard lengths start at 3.00 m (118 in) and go up to 4.60 m (181 in). Next, choose the liturgical color and embroidery design that match your vestments and the season. All our altar tablecloths are made to order, so custom dimensions and side embroidery are available on request. Prices start at $125 for a standard-size embroidered altar tablecloth, with larger and custom sizes priced individually. Orders over $100 ship free.
Altar Cloth Rules: What the Church Requires
The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (no. 304) directs that the altar on which Mass is celebrated be covered with at least one white cloth, whose shape, size, and decoration suit the structure of the altar. In practice, parishes follow a few simple rules:
- At least one white cloth — traditionally the hemmed fair linen — must cover the altar table for Mass.
- A decorated frontal or antependium at the front is traditional and usually matches the liturgical color of the season.
- Altar linens are kept clean, pressed, and free of creases and are reserved for liturgical use.
- Only the fair linen is strictly required; lace edges, embroidery, and side drops are customs that vary from parish to parish.
Altar Tablecloth Prices by Design
Our embroidered altar tablecloths are priced by size and design family; standard widths start at 1.30 m (51 in). Current ranges across the collection:
| Design family | Designs | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Eucharistic symbols | 97 | $145–$173 |
| Marian designs | 34 | $125–$270 |
| IHS monogram | 32 | $125–$365 |
| Cross designs | 20 | $125–$173 |
| Christmas designs | 10 | $145–$198 |
| Jerusalem Cross | 5 | $125–$210 |
| Other symbolic designs | 49 | $125–$222 |
201 of the 247 designs cost under $150. Custom sizes and side embroidery are quoted individually; orders over $100 ship free.
Care and Cleaning
Altar linens should be washed separately in cold water with mild detergent. Iron while damp for best results. Store flat or rolled to prevent creasing. For a complete step-by-step guide, see our article How to Wash Liturgical Linens: Corporals, Purificators, and Altar Cloths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Altar Cloths
What is the tablecloth on the altar called?
The cloth that covers the altar is most commonly called an altar cloth, and — in the context of the table it covers — an altar tablecloth. The white linen cloth laid on top of the altar for Mass is specifically called the fair linen, while the decorated cloth hanging at the front is the altar frontal or antependium. “Altar linens” is the general term for all the textiles of the altar.
What are the rules for altar cloths?
The Church requires that the altar on which Mass is celebrated be covered with at least one white cloth, traditionally linen. The decorated frontal (antependium) that hangs at the front is traditional and may match the liturgical color of the season. Altar linens should be kept clean, free of creases, and reserved for liturgical use.
What are fair linens suitable for altars?
Fair linen is the top cloth of an altar — a white, hemmed linen cloth that covers the entire tabletop and drops at least 15–20 cm (6–8 in) on each end. It is called “fair” because of its fine, even weave; it protects the altar and serves as the foundation on which the corporal, chalice, and paten are placed during Mass.
What are the 10 types of sacred linens used on an altar?
The most common sacred linens are: (1) the fair linen, (2) the altar cloth or frontal, (3) the corporal, (4) the pall, (5) the purificator, (6) the finger towel, (7) the chalice veil, (8) the burse, (9) the credence cloth, and (10) the lavabo towel. Together they cover the altar, protect the Blessed Sacrament, and are used in the purification of the sacred vessels.
What colors are altar cloths?
Altar cloths and their embroidery follow the liturgical colors of the Church year: white and gold for Christmas, Easter, and most feasts; green for Ordinary Time; violet and purple for Advent and Lent; red for Pentecost, Good Friday, and the feasts of martyrs; and rose for Gaudete and Laetare Sunday. Black may still be used in some places for requiem Masses. We offer embroidered altar tablecloths with embroidery in all of these liturgical colors.
How much do altar tablecloths cost?
Our embroidered altar tablecloths start at $125 for a standard width of 1.30 m (51 in) and a length of 3.00 m, and range up to about $365 for large designs such as the IHS cloth in our collection. Custom sizes and side embroidery are quoted individually.
Where to buy altar cloths?
You can buy altar cloths and altar tablecloths directly from Best Catholic Shop — an online supplier of Catholic liturgical furnishings. Our embroidered altar tablecloths are made to order and shipped from our workshop; see the full collection above or contact us for a custom size.
What are the five sacred linens?
The five sacred linens are the fair linen (the white cloth on the altar), the corporal (on which the chalice and paten rest), the pall (which covers the chalice during Mass), the purificator (used to wipe the chalice), and the chalice veil (which covers the chalice before the Eucharistic Prayer). Some sacristies also count the finger towel, burse, and credence cloth among the sacred linens.
What size altar cloth do I need?
Measure the altar top first, then add an overhang of about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) at each end. Our standard width is 1.30 m (51 in) with lengths from 3.00 m (118 in) to 4.60 m (181 in); longer, shorter, and wider cloths are sewn to order, so any altar can be fitted exactly.
What is the best material for an altar cloth?
The Church requires a white cloth but does not mandate a fiber. Linen is traditional for the fair linen because it is absorbent, lint-free, and durable; for the decorated tablecloth, a stain-resistant fabric that holds embroidery well and is easy to iron is the practical choice. Our embroidered altar tablecloths are made from stain-resistant fabric, and selected designs are finished with a guipure lace or baratto embroidered edge.
Related Reading
Continue with our guides: What Is an Altar Cloth? Names, Rules, and the 5 Sacred Linens Explained, What Is a Corporal and How Is It Used?, How to Wash Liturgical Linens, Complete Guide to Liturgical Colors, and How to Set Up a Home Altar.
For the vessels that hold the relics of saints, see our reliquaries.
For the candles on and around the altar, see our altar candlesticks.
