How To Make a Table Runner

So, I wanted a new table runner but I couldn't find any I was that thrilled with. On average the table runners I saw were about $20-$25 dollars, so I thought I can totally make a table runner cheaper than that! Well, after buying fabric and thread for the table runner my cost came out to about 20 dollars (which wasn't as big of a saving as I thought). BUT, the reason the fabric cost so much is that I had to buy 3 yards worth so that it would run the length of the table. That meant that I had a lot of fabric left over because I only used about half the width of the fabric. So I think I have enough fabric and thread leftover to make place mats too. I haven't done that yet...but when I do that will save a ton of money. So basically for the price of buying a table runner I was able to buy the supplies to make a table runner and matching place mats.

So, I hadn't made a table runner before but after looking at how they were sewn in the store I figured it was probably a lot like sewing a pillow and after watching a few how to videos online I decided to do it that way!

Making a Table Runner:

1) Measure you table length. (Don't forget to add length if you want it to hang over the end of your table. I added 6 inches to each end of mine)

2) Decide how thick you'd like your table runner. I wanted mine to be 14 inches. So I measured the fabric at 15 inches allowing for a 1/2 edge on each side for stitching it together.

3) Make sure your fabric is clean and well ironed. You want the fabric to be totally wrinkle free so that you can cut it straight.

4) Using a rotary cutter and quilting mat, cut out two strips of you fabric at the measurements you've already calculated. ( I cut out one strip using the measurements on my cutting board. Then I pinned that strip to the rest of my fabric and cut out the other strip around it. That way I knew both of my strips were exactly the same.)

5) If it's not already pinned. Pin your strips together (with the patterned side of the fabric on the inside) You are going to sew it inside out and then flip it much like you would a pillow. So on one of the ends choose about 5 inches that you will leave unsewn so you can flip it. When you decide where to leave the opening place double pins there in order to remind yourself not to sew it shut.

6) Using a sewing machine, stitch the two pieces together leaving about 1/2 inch around the outside. For nice square corners: Stitch a side all the way from end to end. Then backtrack a half inch. Then lift the presser foot while leaving the needle poked through the fabric. Pivot your fabric 90 degrees and begin sewing the next side. Do this for each corner.)

7) When you are finished sewing the two pieces together (except for the 5 in. opening) Turn your table runner right side out.

8) Iron your table runner to flatten. Pay close attention to the seams and make sure to iron them straight. Use tweezers if needed to pull the corners out straight.

9) When your table runner is ironed flat and straight, find your 5 inch opening. Using a small stitch on your machine finish your table runner by sewing the opening closed.