Kath, Try spraying your finished runner with hair spray or a spray starch, maybe even a product like Clear coat though it might give it a different feel. I think I would try the hair spray first. Someone was talking on another post about cat tails shedding when they dried. I have also sprayed them with hairspray with pretty good results. Hope this helps. ( YOU could try a little on a scrap first to see if it worked)Janet

Be careful if you have guests with allergies as burlap can really set people off. The hairspray or Clear coat would cut back on allergens. Just don't ruin your table, starch or hairspray can be pretty hard to get off of hard surfaces as some lacquer may be in hairspray & starch if gets wet would get on table. They use sugar water to make crocheted vases stand up etc, I guess you could get recipe off Internet & use lighter solution but you would have to lay it so it would be same shape as runner on table in case it got stiff anyway. Watered down white glue would work also I would think.Jan

I've tried burlap, too, max & love the look but hate the feel & the shedding...so, I'm buying "linen" this time around ...kind of get the look, but not the mess! But I do use burlap in lots of outdoor stuff! No much help, but just a thought. Jeanne S.

I agree, it makes me itch and sneeze! Good idea, J , with the linen, ie. Or even canvas tarps.

I read somewhere that you could use the Spray on sealer on burlap and even the cat tails to help hold things in place. Maybe a couple of light coats and not get them too wet, worth a try. Luvs