DIY Table Runners Made From Ribbon

A table runner adds a touch of elegance to beautiful furniture.

Whether their intended use is decorative or functional, table runners add an elegant touch to any table surface. They are equally at home draped across sideboards, dresser surfaces, occasional hall tables or dining tables. They provide a decorative surface on which to display ornaments or knickknacks, as well as allowing the natural beauty of the furniture to shine through. Ribbon table runners are simple to make, and allow you to change the look and feel of the room to match either the changing seasons or your mood.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Calico fabric
• Scissors
• Ribbon
• Fabric iron-on adhesive
• Iron

Instructions

1. Measure your table. Place your tape measure right along the length of the table and overhang both ends by at least four inches. Decide how wide you would like the runner, then make a note of both measurements.

2. Cut a rectangle of calico fabric using your measurements as a guide.

3. Cut lengths of ribbon that each measure two inches longer than the calico rectangle.

4. Lay the calico on a flat surface then arrange your strips of ribbon lengthwise across the calico, experimenting until you find a stripe pattern or design that you like. Allow the ribbon to extend past the edge of the calico by 1 inch at either end.

5. Stick each length of ribbon, in turn, to the calico using iron-on fabric adhesive. Follow the directions given on the pack of the brand of adhesive you are using.

Tips & Warnings

• Grosgrain ribbon works best with fabric adhesive, since it lies flat naturally and is less slippery than satin ribbons.

• Cut V notches in the ends of your ribbons for a more decorative look. Fold the end of the ribbon in half, then start the cut 1 inch from the end and cut in a straight line from the folded side to the opposite corner.

• Personalize your ribbon table runner with decorative machine stitching. With your sewing machine set to zigzag and threaded with a contrasting-colored thread, stitch along all the joins between the ribbons

• Use any fabric that can withstand heat as a backing and support for the ribbons. If you choose a pretty fabric as a backing you can allow some of the pattern to show through by leaving gaps between the ribbons.

• Increase or decrease the length by which the runner overhangs the edges of the table, depending on the look you like best.

References

• Home Made Simple: Ribbon Table Runner
• Hey Little Birdie; DIY Table Runner; November 2009