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Handmade Home: How to Sew a Table Runner
Make an affordable and easy ruffled burlap table runner in a few simple steps
Do you love the handmade look? Do you want to create something beautiful for your home? You're in luck. Making a burlap table runner is easy, low cost, quick and versatile. Runners are a staple when I'm decorating. They allow the beauty of the furniture to be seen while adding a layer of softness, unlike a traditional tablecloth. Burlap is a great way to add an organic element to any table or piece of furniture.
See more table runners in home photos | More DIY projects
See more table runners in home photos | More DIY projects
by susan duane
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My completed runner adds the finishing touch to a dresser I refurbished for our home. The rustic quality of natural burlap plays beautifully against the creamy off-white painted wood.
One of the things I love about burlap is its low cost. It's just a few dollars a yard which makes it perfect if you're creating on a budget.
One of the things I love about burlap is its low cost. It's just a few dollars a yard which makes it perfect if you're creating on a budget.
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| For this project you'll need:
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First, determine the width and length of your runner. Make a cut in the burlap and pull apart slightly revealing one of the threads.
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| Gently pull on this thread, working it out of the fabric all the way across the piece. |
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You'll be left with a perfect line to cut along.
I used the long finished edge on one side. The burlap will fray so you'll need to use a line of liquid seam sealer or stitch down the side. If you don't mind the frayed look you can leave it raw.
I used the long finished edge on one side. The burlap will fray so you'll need to use a line of liquid seam sealer or stitch down the side. If you don't mind the frayed look you can leave it raw.
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| Determine the width of your ruffle. I made mine about 8 inches. As a rule you want about twice the width for the ruffle. For example, if the width of your runner is 18 inches, you should cut your ruffle material 36 inches long. I cut my ruffle 8" x 36". |
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| Sew a long running stitch down one side of your ruffle. Do this on your sewing machine using the longest stitch length. I did this down the unfinished side. The other side of my sheet has a nice finished edge so there's no need for hemming. If you don't have a sewing machine, use a needle and thread and make a long running stitch down one edge of the cotton. If your cotton does not have a finished edge you can leave it raw or make a small hem by folding up twice about 1/4 inch and sewing or gluing down. |
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| Once you've sewn your running stitch along the length of the ruffle, pull the bottom thread gently and work your way across the fabric to create a ruffle. You can move the gathers around until you are happy with the way the ruffle looks. Do this until the ruffle is the same width as your runner. |
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| Pin the ruffles on the right side (the good side) facing the front of the runner. |
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| Stitch the ruffle to the runner. If you aren't using a sewing machine you can hand-sew this or carefully glue the ruffle to the burlap. If you are using fabric glue, let it dry completely. |
by susan duane
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Flip your ruffle to the right side and iron it to flatten the seam.
The runner makes a great backdrop for my Grandmother's tea set, vintage artwork and a chalkboard I created from an old frame.
More: 50 Clever DIY Home Projects
The runner makes a great backdrop for my Grandmother's tea set, vintage artwork and a chalkboard I created from an old frame.
More: 50 Clever DIY Home Projects
Ideabook published on Jan. 12, 2012.
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When my children were young (all grown up now), I used a similar concept for everyday fringed edge placemats. Any open-weave or loosely woven fabric will do. (Preferably washable though.)
a) step two of your instructions (pulling the thread)
b) determine the size you want and add allowance for the width of fringe you want
c) repeat step two of your instructions (pulling the threadS for a cutting guideline) and cut
d) fray ALL (four) edges to desired size by pulling the lengthwise and crosswise threadS out
e) apply a thin line of 'no-fray' to the 'inner' edge of the wrong side of the fabric or machine stitch around the 'inner' perimeter to prevent ravelling when washed.
Footnote: "No-fray" can be found in the notion section of most retail stores that offer sewing supplies. It is a liguid and comes in a small plastic bottle (no need to purchase 'the spray' type). Dries clear and is washable. If you cannot find said product, a thin line of clear drying fabric glue will do.
@mrsthompson13: Re the shedding of burlap and/or use near food. I would suggest using the 100% jute. If still concerned for the above test launder it first using a cold-water 'delicate' wash cycle, let air dry, then iron. It also comes in a selection of colours. (ie: Online Fabric Store.com)
Hope this helps.