Table runners are a fun home decor project to make. Think small quilts just for your table! There are so many options to make one for you or make it as a gift.
The method I use in this how-to article is a perfect sewing project for beginners! Start with a top that can be pieced, like I did – or use a single piece of fabric. The basic steps are to layer your top with a piece of felt and a backing fabric. Sew the two side seams. Turn right side out and then add bindings to each end. Super simple!
Here is our easy DIY tutorial to make a homemade table runner:
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How to Make a Table Runner Tutorial
Why spend a lot of money on store-bought table runners when you can make a DIY table runner in an hour or less?
Learn how to make an easy table runner or table topper with these easy, basic directions and our step-by-step process.
Materials
- Finished pieced table runner top or single piece of fabric for the table runner
- Felt for the center layer of the table runner, I prefer felt instead of batting in the middle of my table runners
- Backing fabric for the table runner
- 2-1/2 inch wide strips of fabric for the ends
- Coordinating thread
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Rotary cutter
- Cutting mat
- Iron
- Pressing surface or ironing board
Instructions
- Complete the top for your table runner or have a single piece of fabric the size you'd like. I pieced two diamond borders with some burlap. I like the look of the burlap, but don't recommend it - it kept growing! I had to quilt it closely after it was made.
- I like to layer my table runners with felt in the middle instead of batting. The felt makes it more stable and flatter. Here I'm laying the finished top with felt and the backing fabric.
- Cut the back fabric the same size as your top. Take it to your sewing machine and with the right sides together, sew the sides ONLY with the backing fabric wrong side down, runner top right side to the right side of the backing, and then the felt. Sew with a 1/4-inch seam allowance to sew a straight line on the long sides of the table runner.
Turn the runner right side out. Note: The short side ends are still open. - Press the side seams nice and flat.
- Topstitch along both sides 1/4-inch from the edge of the runner.
- Prepare the binding. Start with strips of fabric 2-1/2 inches wide. Press 1/4-inch along one edge. Lay a strip on the right side of the runner aligning the raw edges. Make sure there is at least 2-inches extra on both sides. This is necessary for finishing the binding.
- Sew the binding to both ends with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
- Fold the binding back over and line up the folded edge, right sides together, with the stitching line. Sew as close as you can to the runner for a nice corner.
- Trim the excess fabric and turn the corner right side out.
- Press the binding in place.
- Pin the binding to the back of the runner.
- Hand stitch the binding to the back of the runner.
- Give the runner a good press and enjoy it on your table! Here is my finished table runner.
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What are some ideas for making a table runner top?
Pick a fabric you love. Find a quilt block or pattern that you want to try. Table runners or toppers are the perfect way to test something before you commit to a big project. And, you feel accomplished!
Most projects will take a day or two, a few hours each day. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just need a quick and easy project that gets finished!
I wanted to try the diamond border by QuiltSmart. My top is made from two strips of diamonds using QuiltSmart patterns printed on interfacing and a piece of burlap. Making the diamond borders with the QuiltSmart printed interfacing was so easy (and fun!). All you need are some 2-1/2 inch strips of fabric and follow the easy directions to make the diamond strips. I used these borders along the sides.
Quiltsmart also has an acrylic template that makes it super easy to cut the pieces exactly the right size from your 2-1/2 inch strips. It even has the diamond shape and lines if you want to fussy cut a design for your diamonds.
Here is one of the strips all pieced for the table runner.
I trimmed up the two rows of diamonds and added them to a piece of burlap for my table runner top.
What’s the difference between a table runner and a table topper or overlay?
Table runners will run the length of your dining table and have an optional overhang off the ends of your table. Table toppers, sometimes referred to as overlays, are centered on your table. Both add decorations to your table.
What’s the optimal size for a table runner?
Table runners can be used just for decoration, or be used with placemat at mealtime. Generally, they are 1/3 or 1/4 the width of your table. If you are using them with placemats for meals, make sure it is narrow enough that the placemats don’t overlap the runner with the table setting.
The length of the table will determine the length of a table runner. I like them to be about 12-inches from each end of the table. Then I can have placemats at each end and not overlap the fabric table runner.
What fabrics can I use to make a table runner?
Pretty much any fabrics! If you plan on laundering the runner, make sure you wash the fabrics you use to make the top, the backing and the batting or felt BEFORE you sew them. You don’t want to put a lot of work into something to have it shrink, run or fall apart when you wash it.
The best fabric? The one that makes you happy! I like using quilting cotton because I know it can be washable – which is important in my home!
Runners are a perfect way to try new quilt blocks or use up some orphan blocks you have in your stash. You can make this simple runner with one piece of fabric, too. There are so many nice fabric designs nowadays! That makes this a super simple project.
Use many pieces of fabric for a scrappy look, or your favorite fabrics. If you decide to use home decor fabrics, make sure they are washable – and pre-launder them before putting your time and energy into making your special occasion table runner. Home decor fabrics generally are 54-inches wide. You’ll only need 1/2-yard to make a table runner for most tables.
Make a reversible table runner to double your home decor look! Use different a different color scheme for wherever you’ll be using the runner – coffee table, kitchen table or dining room table.
Here is a completed table runner with a table arrangement.
How much fabric do I need to make a table runner?
The size of the table runner depends. Determine how wide and how long you want your runner. Take those measurements and add seam allowances. You’ll two (2) strips of fabric 2-1/2 inch wide for the binding on the ends. Measure the width of your runner and add 4-inches to that to determine how long you’ll need for the two strips for the ends.
If you want a runner that goes off the end of your table, measure the length of your table and add 12-inches. This will give a 6-inch drop on each end. This is a good size for the drop as it gives length but doesn’t interfere with the chair at the end of your table.
Things to consider: If you have a little one in your home that loves to grab things, I’d make table toppers. Otherwise you might find that beautiful vase with flowers on the floor! Also a consideration if you have big dogs that like to play and pull things.
How can I make a table runner lay flat?
I like to use felt instead of batting inside my table runners, as then they lay flat. Also, make sure to quilt your runner. See the picture above? The burlap was stretching a bit and forming some bubbling in the fabrics. Below is the table runner after I added quilting in 1-inch increments down the center burlap.
Top tips and ideas for making your own table runner
- Looking for a super easy table runner? Make a double-sided reversible quilted table runner with two fabrics. Cut two fabric strips the size of your finished runner, and sandwich them with a piece of felt. Have fun quilting them together and finish as the tutorial explains.
- Table linens are expensive. An inexpensive way to dress up your table is to make your own runner. This is a great project for trying out a new quilt block or using up your scrap fabrics. There are no strict rules! Have fun making it yours!
- For holidays and special occasions, try some appliqué pieces related to the event – like hearts down the center strip for Valentine’s day, or bunnies hopping down the table for Easter, or flowers to celebrate sprint.
Here is a runner I made for Valentine’s Day. I decided not to put hearts all over it but to keep it in cheerful red and pink colors so that I could use it any time of year. I used the Quiltsmart Wavy Table Runner printed interfacing which made it super easy to make. And, quick! It took me just over an hour from pulling out the fabrics until final press!
Browse through more home dec projects on Create Whimsy.