How to Turn a Runner on a Tablecloth

If you want to give a memorable gift to friends or family, and you love to sew, then you should consider making them a runner for their tablecloth. At the next holiday gathering, your runner will be remembered and enjoyed by all. But before you sew the final stitches, here are some tips on how to turn a runner and inspect it just before completion..

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Leave a gap small enough that you can reach your hand inside of the runner. Table runners are sewn inside out so that the stitching remains well hidden on the inside. Just before you make those final stitches, leave yourself 4 or 5 inches so that you can turn the runner.

2. Turn the runner by reaching your hand all the way inside of it and grabbing it on the far edge. Then pull that edge through the hole. Continue pulling the runner until the outside is fully exposed.

3. Inspect your seams around the edges of the runner to make sure they are all symmetrical. Now is the time to fix any mistakes before the sewing is finished. If you do see some bad stitches, simply turn the runner inside out again, remove the section of bad stitches and re-stitch.

4. Complete the runner for your tablecloth by adding the final stitches. Try to mimic the seam from the inside as best you can so that it doesn't seem like the last few stitches were placed from the outside. You are now ready to box and wrap it for a present, or enjoy the runner on your very own table.

Tips & Warnings

• After you turn the runner, but before you sew the final stitches, some people like to insert a thin layer of stuffing into the runner. This will give the runner a slightly raised appearance on your tablecloth.