A tarot reading cloth, also known as a spreadcloth or lay cloth, is a fabric used as a base for tarot readings. It serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, creating a dedicated space that enhances the reader's connection to the cards and the reading itself. This guide explores the various aspects of tarot reading cloths, from their materials and sizes to their designs and care.
The Significance of a Tarot Reading Cloth
One of the old tarot superstitions involves wrapping the deck in silk or another fabric and laying the cards down on some sort of fabric. Many books before around 2000 contained these instructions and the belief that outside energies could ruin your readings with the deck. While some readers still adhere to these beliefs, others find that using a reading cloth simply enhances the overall experience.
Using a reading cloth can make readings on-the-go in public places much easier. Also, especially when taking a photo of the reading to send to querents, it looks nicer!
Materials and Quality
Many tarot bags and cloths are made with high-quality 100% cotton. However, on occasion, some may offer bags that are a cotton blend, which will be clearly stated in the product's description. You can often pick up bits of velvet (they can be natural or not) to use as reading cloths.
Cotton: A popular choice for its softness, durability, and ease of care.
Velvet: Adds a touch of luxury and elegance, providing a smooth surface for the cards.
Silk: Another luxurious option, often used for wrapping the deck.
Linen: A natural fabric that offers a classic and timeless feel.
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Sizes and Dimensions
Our cloths for tarot cards (also called spreadcloths or lay cloths) are large enough to lay out a Celtic Cross spread even with larger cards with a bit of room left over. Unless the product page specifies otherwise our cloths measures approximately 21" x 21" square.
Like Cat* said, measure the size of your favorite cards and spreads and make the cloth to accommodate that.
It's really a matter of personal preference. I have several sizes. I even have a wonderful table-sized cloth I got in the last Halloween exchange. You might want to do the same, so you'll have cloths for any deck and any occasion. You can match them to decks if you want that touch in your readings.
Designs and Patterns
The design of a tarot reading cloth is a matter of personal preference. Some readers prefer plain cloths, while others opt for intricate patterns and symbols.
I love the traditional Turkish floral yazma designs and oya lace. Although we're Greek, my grandmother made crochet oya and the scarf motifs are similar in Greek culture too. But nowadays I almost always take photos of the spreads so the yazma is maybe too busy for photos.
Read also: The Meaning of Tarot Suits
I do have one to use especially with my VR Gold that's done like a Victorian crazy quilt with lots of embroidery and beadwork. I'm going to back it with black fabric to do the actual readings on.
Interesting, I never knew such mats existed! When I worked in a shop I always brought my own tablecloth and oya yazma scarf b/c I wanted something w/ *my* vibes [other readers also used the table].
If you haven’t seen it yet - the Map of the Universe is a subtle and flexible tarot cloth I created to be a companion to the Golden Thread Tarot deck. The original purpose of this cloth was to give you a little framework to build your own tarot spread, which is why the symbols are there, but without any overt suggestions of where to put your tarot cards.
This makes it so that you, as the tarot reader, will know where to place your cards, without ugly boxes making it hard for the cloth to be anything else than a tarot cloth. The idea of this was based off of the mandala, which is a representation of the universe in pictoral form - a microcosm, if you will - as well as other sacred depictions of the buddha and eastern religious figures.
Symbolic Designs: Some cloths feature symbols related to tarot, astrology, or other spiritual practices.
Personal Designs: Creating your own design can add a personal touch to your readings.
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Care and Maintenance
Proper care ensures that your tarot reading cloth remains in good condition for years to come. Here are some care tips:
- If it gets a bit wrinkled during shipping, it is safe to iron with a WARM setting on the BACKSIDE.
- Hand wash only at 30 °C / 85F.
- Do not tumble dry.
- Do not bleach.
- Do not dry clean.
- Dry flat.
Maximize your tarot joy with these reading cloths! These tarot reading cloths are based on actual size 16”x16” watercolor and gouache paintings. They are printed onto luscious, super soft, heavy shimmer velvet with a sturdy backing. I hand trim each piece (please allow for slight variations). Use these reading cloths to place under your cards to elevate your tarot readings, or display it on your altar or other sacred space.
The Playful Heart Tarot reading cloth features a center rainbow heart and symbols of the four suits in the corners for perfect balance. Find your brightest heart center and delight your eyes and softest velvet touch! Order yours today!✨🍓🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 🍓💓✨
Washing: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for washing. Hand washing is often recommended for delicate fabrics like silk and velvet.
Ironing: If necessary, iron the cloth on a low setting, preferably on the reverse side.
Storage: Store the cloth in a clean, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Alternatives to Traditional Reading Cloths
While traditional reading cloths are popular, there are several alternatives that readers can use:
- Table Mats: Fabric table mats can serve as a simple and practical alternative.
- Art Calendars: Old art calendars can be repurposed into spread maps for your favourite spreads.
- Poly Velvet Fabric: A pleasant teal color that matches the room decor and does a similar function as the mat you use.
- Magician’s Close-Up Pads: Makes riffle shuffling easier and they come in different sizes.
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Really, don't worry about nice cloths and a bunch of swag on the table. Holy cannelloni! I don't know if that's funny or troubling.
Find your brightest heart center and delight your eyes and softest velvet touch! Order yours today!✨🍓🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷 🍓💓✨