Are your holiday table linens looking spotted and worn? Did you redecorate and need to change from homey Santa prints to sophisticated plaid?

You can pick up new tablecloths, place mats and runners while doing your holiday shopping. Whether you shop department stores, discount stores -- or both -- you'll find dozens of styles and prints to choose from, ranging from kitschy prints to subtle damask weaves.

Or, in less time than it takes to bake a batch of sugar cookies, you can make your own table cloth or runner for the dining table. Place mats, depending on how many you need, might take a bit longer, maybe as long as two batches of sugar cookies.

And the best part is you don't even have to pick up a needle and thread to do it. Unless you want to.

The secret? Fabric glue.

"You use it just like Elmer's glue, only with fabric," said Pati Rogers, manager of Hancock Fabrics in Kennewick.

Another needleless option is fusibles like HeatnBond, Wonder Under and Steam A Seam. They're simply heat-activated adhesives for fabrics.

"If you can use an iron you can use a fusible," Rogers said.

Fabric glues and fusibles allow you to turn cut edges under and anchor them in place. You can attach trims like lace and braid, add sequins and fake jewels for sparkle and bows and bells too.

Fabric stores also are a source for embroidered appliqus with holiday themes. Some are even coated on the back with a special glue that allows to you just stick them on, then pull them off for cleaning or to use on another project. If not, simply glue or fuse them in place.

Unlike the craft glue used in glue guns, fabric glues and fusibles remain flexible so your linens will drape just like those sewn with needle and thread.

If you're planning to wash your project, pre-wash the fabric and trim before starting. Fabrics and some trims are treated with sizing during the manufacturing process and they don't stick as well when you attach them sizing to sizing. Washing removes the sizing, Rogers said.

"Most trims, unless you're shopping the home decorating section, are usually washable or at least dry cleanable," said Carolyn Monson, sales associate at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts in Kennewick.

To be sure, read the packaging or check with the clerks for cleaning instructions. Do the same for fabric glues and fusibles. Some are washable -- as long as your fabric is -- and some are not.

For simple projects like a table cloth, runner or place mats, you won't even need a pattern if you're handy with a tape measure, Monson said.

Simply measure one you have at home and add about a half inch on all sides for gluing or fusing the raw edges under.

-- Get some help: For ideas and tips, there are hundreds of books, magazines and Web sites, including Hancocks, www.hancockfabrics.com; and Jo-Ann, joann.com.

* Reporter Loretto J. Hulse can be reached at 582-1513 or via e-mail at lhulse@tricityherald.com.