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.

Single-Sided Table Runner

This project consists of one step; adding a trim with mitered corners to the perimeter of a piece of fabric and covering up the raw unfinished edges.

A border adds a tailored touch and an opportunity to introduce another color, matching or contrasting whatever you choose.

You can use this method to finish placemats, table runners, tablecloths, or just about any fabric project you’d like to enhance.

It adds a nice touch to your table and home decor.

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

Reversible Table Runner

To make the project reversible, you will need to purchase two times the amount for the base in another type of fabric.

Consider varying the color or pattern to increase the piece’s functionality and use.

Choose ANY fabric you love for the base and trim, and it can have a completely different look!

I made this table runner and matching DIY napkin rings (tutorial HERE) 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 HERE) 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 tutorial. Unless it is huge, you should only need 1/2 yard of fabric for the border on most tables.

Materials Needed for a Table Runner

Fabric
Bias Trim
Thread
Pins or Wonder Clips
Snippers my favorite
Scissors or Rotary Cutter
Iron my cute new iron
Ironing Board helpful
Thread Trimmer optional
Straight Edge optional

How to Make a Fabric Table Runner

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 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!

Now you know to make a table runner and how easy it is! Let me know if you try it.😃

Thanks for visiting.
xo,
Cindy

Subscribe to Bloom’s Sewing Emails

Sign up here for Bloom email updates and to receive sewing ideas.

There are newsletters for other topics also, including crafts, gnomes, recipes, entertaining, and home & garden.

After you subscribe, simply update your interests by clicking “manage your subscription” at the bottom of the email you receive. That way, we send you only what you like. Enjoy!

Explore More

SHOP for info & resources to buy
RECIPES for more recipes
INSPIRATION for creative project ideas
START HERE for blog home

Some products contain affiliate links. When you buy through affiliate links on my site, I may earn a commission at no cost to you. See the shop page for more information.