How to Make a DIY Table Runner

Learn how to make a DIY table runner to beautify your table.

If you’ve ever looked for a unique table covering for your home but cannot find what you are looking for, it’s time to make your own!

Today, I will show you how to make a table runner. It’s an easy DIY. Beginners could complete this project.

Why I Love This Project

This table runner is an easy win, just one main step, and you’re done! All you do is add a trim around the edge of a piece of fabric, using simple mitered corners to give it a clean, finished look.

It’s such a fun way to dress up plain fabric and cover those raw edges at the same time.
The border edge adds a pop of color or a little contrast, depending on the look you’re going for. And once you learn this trick, you can use it on so many things—placemats, tablecloths, napkins, or any fabric project that could use a little extra pizazz.

It’s a quick upgrade that makes your table (and your whole space) feel more pulled together!

I added a border the same way to this wrap skirt project.

Variations

Make it Reversible
To create a reversible table runner, simply use two different fabrics for the front and back. Cut both to the same size and sandwich them together before adding your trim. Just be sure to buy double the yardage for the base fabric. 😉

Play with Pattern and Texture
Mix things up by pairing a solid fabric with a fun, bold print or combining different textures, like linen and cotton. This is an interesting way to make your runner feel custom and add visual interest to your table.

Add Decorative Stitching
For a little extra punch, topstitch along the border or use a decorative stitch from your sewing machine. It adds charm and makes the piece feel extra special, especially if you’re gifting it or using it for a special occasion.

Find inspiration for table decor color ideas in this post.

I made this table runner and matching, cute DIY napkin rings for our Father’s Day celebration.

These fabrics would also be fitting for a masculine party of any kind, from a little boy to an adult man.

Buying Fabric

Shopping for fabric is definitely the fun part. For the best results, pick a medium-weight, washable material which is easy to sew.

This project does not require much fabric. You may consider spending a little more per yard to get finer quality material.

Keep in mind your dinnerware and centerpiece colors if you are making DIY napkin rings tutorial to match existing tableware. Select colors to match or contrast.

The final size is up to you based on your table size. My table runner is 90 inches long and 16 1/2 inches wide.

Standard sizes are available in stores, but this is the perfect chance to make it exactly the size you want. Take advantage of it. 😁

If you are not lining the table runner or making it reversible, buy the amount of fabric for the size you are making. That’s the easiest sewing equation ever.

To line the tablecloth, double the amount of fabric. Or buy the exact same amount in your lining fabric.

To line or make the table runner reversible, stitch the two rectangular fabric bases together around the edges, within the seam allowance, before adding the trim.

For a reversible runner, be sure both fabrics are opaque, not transparent, or you will see the fabric’s design through the opposite side.

To make the bias trim, see this bias trim tutorial. Unless it is huge, you should only need 1/2 yard of fabric for the border on most tables.

Materials

Fabric
Bias Trim
Thread
Pins or Wonder Clips
Snippers my absolute favorite!
Fabric scissors or Rotary Cutter
Iron my cute new iron
Ironing Board helpful
Thread Trimmer optional
Omnigrid my favorite ruler

Instructions

First, wash and machine-dry or let your fabric air dry. Next, press with an iron.

You’ll need a continuous bias strip for the trim. You can make it yourself or purchase it at a craft store. 

With the right sides together, pin the trim to the edge of the table runner base fabric. If you are a confident sewer, you could skip this.

See the photo below.

Using your chosen seam allowance width, stitch all the way around. 

Then, see this corner-making video to help you understand how to do the corners.

Flip the corner diagonal “miter” piece over and stitch, going the other straight away. See below.

When you have attached the trim all the way around, turn or fold it over to the right side. See below.

You can pin at this point a little bit just to get started and keep you on track.

Now, complete the mitered corners on this side as well. It’s much easier on this side!

I like to slide it out of the sewing machine to adjust. Then, tuck it back in the machine to sew it down.

There you have it—a custom-made table runner. Enjoy!

Please comment below on how your DIY table runner turns out! I’d love to hear from you. Be sure to subscribe or follow me on social media for more inspiration!

Thanks for visiting.
xo,
Cindy

Did you try this project?

I would love to hear all about it! Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!

Thank you!