How To Make A Table Runner

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* First of all, visit a linen shop and select the cloth material for your table runner. If you want a table runner for daily use, choose a light cotton or cotton-polyester mixed fabric. However, if the table runner is meant for decorative purpose for an occasion or you plan to gift a table set to your friend, go for fabrics such as satin, lace or brocades.

* Select colors which would match your base tablecloth. Even if you wish to lay it down bare on the table, it should be contrasting for lending added character to the set-up. For instance, do not go for the brown palette if you own a dark mahogany table. Instead, go for plum red.


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* Besides the table runner fabric, you also require the same amount of a lighter fabric for the lining, in order to make it sturdier. For making a 70” by 28” table runner, you will need approximately 2¼ yards of 45” wide fabric.

* Now, before you begin making the table runner, first wash the fabric thoroughly and iron it well. Washing the cloth reduces chances of shrinkage later on.

* You would now require a fabric-cutting board, a measuring tape, a yardstick as well as a fabric-marking pen. Stretch out the entire piece of cloth and carefully measure out a length, which comes down to 71” by 29”.

* In the same way, measure the cloth you have bought for lining purpose.

* Take the fabric marker and carefully make a visible mark at the centre point of each short edge of the fabric. Now, make a mark at the center of each short edge of fabric with a fabric-marking pen. With the help of a yardstick, draw lines to connect these points and cut along these lines.

* Repeat the above step for the lining fabric as well. Now, you end up having two pieces of fabric which are pointed at the ends.

* Fold ½ inch of each fabric edge and press it inwards towards the wrong side of the fabric. Use a steamed iron to ensure that the pressed edges stay in place.

* Now the table runner front has to be pinned with the lining fabric. Remember to pin up the wrong side of each fabric together. The pressed edges of each fabric should evenly match and the fabric pieces should be neatly pinned with all its edges and centre intact and in position. The pin should be at right angle to the fabric edge and at a distance of 1½” each.

* You would require a sewing machine now. Stitch the fabric, keeping ½ inch away from the edge of the table runner. Carefully stitch all four sides of the fabric. Once this is done, stitch around the fabric edges again, this time keeping a distance of 1/8 inch away from the fabric edge.

* You can sew a small button on each end of your table runner end. The buttons are to be placed at a distance of 1½ inches away from each edge. These buttons can be used to hang tassels to further beautify the look. Add table mats and napkins and your table is dressed up for use.