Want to create the perfect party table without spending a ton of money? This easy DIY tutorial will show you how to make a fabric table runner for less!

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.

Daisy themed birthday tablescape with easy DIY fabric table runner.

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.

Blue and green paisley fabric for the easy DIY table runner.

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.

How to Make a Fabric Table Runner

Use pinking sheers and a tape measure to trim your fabric.

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.

Measure your table runner lengthwise and cut down the middle with your sheers.

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.

Use spray starch to press and iron your fabric so it will lay flat.

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.

Sew the sides of your table runner together with a sewing machine.

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

Sew the opposite sides together to form a long tube for your table runner.

Step 5: Sew one end together.

Snip the corners of the fabric with scissors, so your table runner will stay flat.

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.

Turn the fabric of your DIY table runner right side 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.

Once your table runner is turned right side out, press it using an iron and ironing board.

Step 8: Lay runner out and iron flat.

Once ironed, your DIY table runner should be flat with the unfinished edges turned in.

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

Sew along the edge of your table runner.

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).

Sew the edges down leaving a border around your cute table runner.

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.

The paisley fabric for this table runner cost just a few dollars and looks great with the tea light candles and bouquets of daisies in blue vases. This daisy-themed tablescape was made complete with my easy diy table runner.

Other DIY Projects You’ll Love:

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Want to create the perfect party table without spending a ton of money? This easy DIY tutorial will show you how to make a fabric table runner for less!

Ruth Soukup
Ruth Soukup is dedicated to helping people everywhere create a life they love by follwing their dreams and achieving their biggest goals. She is the host of the wildly popular Do It Scared podcast, as well as the founder of Living Well Spending Less® and Elite Blog Academy®. She is also the New York Times bestselling author of six books, including Do It Scared®: Finding the Courage to Face Your Fears, Overcome Obstacles, and Create a Life You Love, which was the inspiration for this book. She lives in Florida with her husband Chuck, and 2 daughters Maggie & Annie.
Ruth Soukup

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