Party DiY: How to Make a Fabric Table Runner

Maybe it’s because my birthday is in March that I’ve got parties on the brain.  Last week I shared how to make paper garlands, a DiY project I did for my dear friend’s daisy-themed 40th birthday party.  This week I am going to show you how to make the fabric table runners we used to decorate the tables.

This is a very easy project but you will need a sewing machine, as well as thread, iron & ironing board (starch helps too), and a length of fabric at least 20 inches longer than the length of the table you want to make the runner for.

What I love about this project is that while these table runners add a great pop of color to any party setting (and you can make them match any color scheme), they are infinitely reusable and look great after the party too.

Step 1: Measure your table lengthwise (if that is the way you want your runner to go), the cut a length of fabric approximately 20 inches longer.  I used a pinking shears to prevent the edges from fraying, but all the raw edges will be hidden, so it is not essential.

Step 2: Lay out the fabric flat, then fold over a third of the fabric lengthwise.  Line it up so that it is parallel to the edge, then cut using edge as a guide.  You can save the excess third to make another runner or use it for other craft projects.

Step 3: Fold the fabric in half lengthwise so that the right sides are facing each other.  Starch and iron the whole piece, ironing the fold flat.

Step 4: Sew the sides opposite the fold together, creating a long tube.

Step 5: Sew one end together.

Step 6: Clip the corners of the sewn end.  This will help prevent the excess fabric from bunching up when you turn it inside out.

Step 7: Flip the fabric so that the right sides are facing out, taking care to press out the corners as flat as possible.

Step 8: Lay runner out and iron flat.

Step 9: Fold unsewn end in so that raw edges are hidden.  Iron flat.

Step 10: Sew around all edges leaving a 3/4-1″ margin, depending on desired look.  You can sew in one continuous rectangle or do four intersecting lines (like below).

I bought the fabric (it was in the quilting section) on sale at JoAnn’s for $4 a yard.  I bought 7 yards, which made 4 runners of varying sizes, making the price per runner about $7 each.

Pretty, isn’t it?

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