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
For this project you'll need:
- A yard or two of burlap, depending on the length of your runner
- A yard of cotton or other accent fabric for your ruffle — I used a piece from a vintage sheet I had on hand
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine, needle and thread or fabric glue
- Liquid seam sealer, such as Fray Check
- Optional: cutting mat and rotary cutter
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.
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.
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.
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
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.