How to Make a Table Runner Using One Piece of Fabric

Table runners are an easy way of revamping an existing table in any room. It is a quick and simple interior design trick used when updating a kitchen, dining room or any accent table. By selecting the correct fabric weight, pattern and accessory, a one-ply table runner will add sophistication and a rich appearance to any room in the home.

Instructions

Table Runner: Fabric Selection

1

Select the fabric weight for your table runner, accounting for the style of the room; a contemporary room with stylized furniture calls for a texture-driven medium-weight fabric as opposed to a soft hue country kitchen palette, which works best with a pattern-driven light-weight fabric. A runner will stand out in a solid texture accent color.

2

To measure the runner pattern, start with the table dimensions, such as width, length and height. This directly relates to the runner specifications. For example, a 90-inch-long table showcasing an overlapping runner would look best with a 108-inch-long runner. If the same table measures 40 inches wide, a 20-inch-wide runner, including a 2-inch-wide self-fabric binding will highlight the table.

3

Select the end points for the runner. Some finish in a diamond or triangular shape to accommodate a tassel and others may finish oval- or square-shaped to showcase fringe and other decorative trims.
The key to the one-ply runner is the width of the binding and accessory selected. To keep costs low, a self-fabric binding will secure seams all around the runner during everyday use.

4

Making a one-ply runner does not call for interfacing or fusible. Select the runner binding width. If following the example in Step 2, cut two pieces of the same binding pattern; once the runner fabric is cut, the binding will secure the raw edge fabric and give a clean finish. Add at least 1/2-inch seam allowances to each side of the binding pattern width. You may opt to stitch and turn inside out binding for a smooth border look.

5

When selecting a diamond runner end, it is optional to add a separate binding piece where triangular end shape begins. Mitering corner seams will prevent uneven sides. For example, using the 108-inch length dimensions, the binding pattern length will be 98 inches and the diamond separate pattern piece length will be 12 inches long. Although there is an excess 2 inches in the pattern, this will account for attaching seams and mitered corner tuck in at center point.

Pin accessory extension into corner tab prior to stitching and secure ends with self-fabric facing.

6

When featuring applique or embroidery at center runner piece or binding, add these details prior to construction. Highly skilled sewers and cutters can incorporate scalloped and decorative edges as well as decorative braid binding.

Insert the one-ply runner into the binding. Secure with pins horizontally to avoid uneven sewing. The longer in length the runner is, the probability of the fabric shifting during the stitching process increases. Check for skipped stitches. Feed fabric slowly while sewing, removing pins and continuously checking for fabric or stitch shifting. Leave openings where needed to insert selected trims.

7

Add decorative stitches after the runner and binding have an all-around secure straight stitch. Thread color selection is important when topstitching. Dyed-to-match thread color will lead the eye to fabric pattern or texture, where as a contrasting thread will become part of the overall design scheme.