Have you ever made a table runner? Not me. This is my first and it turned out pretty good... considering. This is an easy one, guys. So, get ready. A little about table runner history and basic rules. Table runners trace back to ancient civilizations, one being Egypt. They were usually made of linen and decorated with hieroglyphics or geometric shapes and were specifically used to protect the table from scratches and spills during meals. And to this day, they are used for the same purpose, except they have become a part of home decor and are available in every color, design, and size. Typically, table runners are about 1/3 the width of a table and can be any length. If you choose the make one the entire length of your table, you will want to allow a six inch overhang on both ends. I decided to create and shorter one. So, mine is 13 inches wide by 54 inches long, covering a good amount of the table top. I used a linen fabric I had on hand in a very pale ochre and added a pale green for adornment of christmas trees, and I used a very thin cotton batting to pad it. I started by cutting two pieces of the linen 14 inches by 55 inches, leaving a 1/2 inch seam allowance for sewing.
I then used the cut pieces of linen as a pattern and cut a piece of batting the same size. This went in between the two pieces of linen, creating a substantial table runner. As you can see, pinning fabrics in place is very important, so use as many pins as you need.
Next, I pinned all three pieces together all the way around, two pieces of linen on top of the batting. And I used lots of pins. Better this way as this keeps the fabric from shifting while sewing.
Sorry this is a little blurry. Not sure why, but I am sure it's the photographer here. Anyway, you can see I am sewing all three pieces together. And in doing so, I left an opening about 10 inches so that I could turn the piece right side out. Next, I clipped the corners being careful not to clip the seam and I took another little slice along the side of each corner so that it would be smoother once right side out.
Once right side out, I gave it a good press and pinned the 10 inch opening together, and then top stitched around the entire piece.
Next. I added some christmas trees that I had precut to the top of the table runner , pinned them in a design I liked and sewed them in place. These were a sage green color. I left it at that, however, I did think of painting little red or black balls on the trees with fabric paint and I may still do that and will update if I do.
Here's how it looks on the back. You could actually use this side too.
Here is the completed table runner and it really didn't take that long to make. I love it when I can complete something in a couple of hours.
Another tutorial on the books and I hope you have enjoyed it. If you decide to make a table runner for yourself, please do share. xo, leslie
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