How to Make Table Runners

Table runners can add color and style to your dining table or your buffet. They can highlight your centerpieces and create an added layer of interest to your table settings.

You can make a basic table runner from inexpensive fabric. You don't need to be an expert at sewing to make this table runner and there's very little hand stitching.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric Thread in coordinating or contrasting color Sewing machine Sewing supplies Iron

Instructions

1. Lay out your fabric. To make a table runner that measures 15 inches wide, measure and mark your fabric width at 32 inches.

2. Determine the length of your table runner by measuring the length of the table or buffet for which the table runner will be used. Add additional inches for the fabric to hang over the table or buffet, anywhere from 2 to 10 inches. Add 1 inch for seams.

   For example, if your table measures 60 inches long and you want it to hang over the table by 4 inches on each side, cut your fabric to measure 32 inches wide by 70 inches long.

   If you want a short, centerpiece runner, cut the fabric to desired length and add 1 inch for seams.

3. Sew a 1/4-inch hem on each width (the short end) of your fabric. Lay the fabric face down on the work surface.

4. Fold in half lengthwise with right sides together. Line the edges up evenly and pin together 1/2 inch from the edge. Sew along the pin line to make a seam.

5. 

   Iron down the seam. Do this by placing the sewn edge in the center of the ironing board and iron along the seam so the edges lie flat against the fabric. This seam will be the underside of the table runner.

6. Turn the runner right side out. Lay flat on the work surface with the underside facing up. The seam should be facing upward and running along the center of the fabric.

7. 

   Turn one corner of one of the short ends down. Do the same for the other corner to form a point. The point should be at the center of the width of the table runner. Pin the edges to the underside of the runner. Repeat this process for the other width.

8. Stitch across the bottom of the two turned-down corners on one end. The stitching will show on the right side of the runner. Choose a contrasting or coordinated color thread and, if desired, make a decorative stitch. Repeat for the other width.

9. 

   Hand stitch the two corners on each end together starting from the point and ending at the stitched-down ends. Repeat for the other width. The weight of the points adds stability to the table runner.

10. Iron the runner, being sure to use a steam iron to flatten the sides of the runner. Place the runner, seam side down, on your table or buffet.