How to Avoid a Pucker in a Table Runner
Table runners add decorative embellishments to tables without the maintenance of a formal tablecloth. To avoid puckers in your table runners, don't dry the runner in the clothes dryer. Also, spot-clean it, if possible. The fabric and the threads in the runner shrink in different proportions during washing and machine-drying, resulting in puckers. Hand washing (specifically, spot-cleaning) and air-drying are best to avoid puckers. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sink or basin
- Sponge
- Mild clothes detergent
- Shower-curtain rod
- Iron & ironing board
Instructions
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Pour a dime-sized amount of mild clothes detergent onto a clean, wet sponge and rub the soiled spot on the table runner. If necessary, wash the runner by hand in a sink or basin, using cold water with a mild detergent; gently squeeze the detergent into the pile or weave. Do not wring the fabric. Rinse with cold tap water. Hand washing is the gentlest way to wash a table runner if you can't spot-clean it. According to Fabric Link, "Any fabric can be expected to shrink about 1 to 3 percent, even dry-clean-only garments."
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Hang the table runner over a shower-curtain rod to dry, making sure the runner is hanging straight, with no folds or wrinkles. Never dry the table runner in the clothes dryer. This will almost definitely lead to pronounced puckers. According to the Washington Post, "Shrinkage is caused by the tumbling action as the garments hit the sides of the dryer."
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When the table runner is completely dry, iron it, taking care to firmly press the side seams. Place it on the table. Do not iron if the care label warns against it or if your table runner is made of synthetic fabrics. Most synthetic fabrics will melt under the heat of an iron.
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Tips & Warnings
According to Cotton USA, "There are two kinds of shrinkage. Progressive shrinkage occurs when the fiber itself shrinks...Relaxation shrinkage is when the fabric shrinks. It is caused by the tension applied to yarns and fabrics during construction. The tension is released when the fabric is washed or steam pressed, causing it to shrink to its natural size."
Use caution when operating hot irons as they can lead to injuries and burns. Always iron in a low-traffic area away from children who can injure and burn themselves by yanking the iron from the board by the dangling cord.
