Have a nice dining table you want to show off but not quite committed to a full table cloth? Create your own custom table runner with only one yard of fabric! Just a little cutting, sewing, and fringing and you’re on your way to a beautiful piece that will accent your table for all your holiday hosting needs!

Supplies:

Sewing MachineThreadIronIroning boardScissorsTape measureCutting boardOne yard of linen fabricPins

Instructions:

1.Depending on the width of your table and your fabric, you should easily be able to create a runner out of one yard of fabric. If you have a longer table (that seats 8 or so), you can cut your fabric (here we used a fabric that was 55″ wide) into thirds. If your table is shorter, you can cut your fabric in half (but keep in mind the runner will be wider so take the time to plan it out and predetermine your decisions). Cut your fabric as straight as possible which will make the following steps easier (you can also have your local fabric store pre-cut these strips for you if possible).

2.Once you have your strips of fabric, iron out all the wrinkles using your iron and ironing board. Depending on the iron you use, you may need to use a cover cloth over your linen fabric to keep from damaging it with your iron. You can also use a low heat setting on your iron or steam out some of the wrinkles (just allow time to dry before you move to the next step).

3.Once your fabric strips are ironed out, place two strips of fabric together, right sides together, wrong sides out. Pin at the top and sew across the short edge. This will create one long skinny strip of fabric. Remove your pins and iron your seam one direction or the other so it doesn’t stick up when you lay the runner flat on a surface. Repeat this step with the last strip of fabric if you end up cutting your fabric into three strips for your runner.

4.Once the runner is sewn together, fringe the sides of the fabric. Do this by by pulling out the closest thread on the side of the runner that runs parallel to the long sides of the runner. Continue pulling out threads from the side until you create a nice fringe. Continue this on the other side of the runner. This will create a nice neutral fringe and allow you to avoid hemming the edges.

Place your runner down the center of your table, set your place settings, serve your meal and enjoy your beautiful table and company!