I bought a new dining table this week and decided that I needed a table runner that matched my decor. I was in a rush so the idea of setting up my sewing machine was just not appealing. By using iron-on hemming tape/web and some cotton fabric, I created this table runner in less than an hour. I also used one large piece of fabric which meant that I didn’t have to spend ages measuring and cutting out two different pieces. It’s the perfect project if you’re not keen on sewing or if you just want to quickly transform your dining table. And since it takes less than an hour to make this DIY table runner, you can create lots of different table runners to suit your mood or occasion.
By the way, Ikea has a great selection of inexpensive fabrics if you’re wondering where to buy fabric from. I’ve visited Ikea twice in the past 2 weeks and parted with more money than I had planned. I don’t know about you, but I go into Ikea with a list of the things I need but then end up leaving with a number of other items that I’ve fallen in love with but don’t necessarily need. There’s something about that store that cleverly entices one to spend. Hmmm, I think I’m being hard on myself for overspending, I blame the Ikea fairies for seducing me! Next time, I will be on guard against their sorcery!
Give this project a go – you’ll be surprised at just how easy it is and you can proudly show off your handiwork to your guests. I’m so looking forward to entertaining!!
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
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You will need:
Fabric (at least 46 cm longer and 25 cm wider than your table)
Measuring tape or a tailors ruler (i.e., a 1 meter wooden ruler)
Dressmaking Pins
Scissors
Tailors chalk
Iron-on hemming tape or web (I got mine from Ikea and it’s called ‘SY’)
An iron & an ironing board
Instructions:
1. Measure the length of your table and add 46 cm (or 18 inches) to this number so that your table runner hangs off the sides of your table elegantly. Measure the width of your table and add 25 cm (or approximately 10 inches) to this number. Then measure and cut out your fabric using these dimensions. My table is 185cm long and 90cm wide, so I cut my fabric length to 231 cm and the width to 115cm.
2. Iron your fabric to get rid of creases.
3. Fold over approximately 3 cm from each end of the table runner and secure with pins (this should be the short edges of your fabric). Iron this fold to get a sharp crease. Cut your iron-on tape to size, then place it inside this fold and iron to create the end seams. Do this to both ends of your fabric.
4. Then fold your fabric in thirds lengthways.
5. There should be a 14 cm overlap between both long edges giving you a table runner with a width of 50cm (but you can vary the width of your table runner as you wish). Pin in several places and iron the edges of the table runner to get a crisp finish.
6. Then cut the iron-on tape to same length of your fabric, place it under the topmost layer of fabric and iron to join both layers together. If your top most layer of fabric has a raw edge, fold and pin 2 cm of the edge inwards, then iron flat before securing with iron-on tape.
7. To seal the ends of your table runner, cut a piece of iron-on tape to the same length, place it in between the layers of fabric and iron.
And that’s all there is to it. It truly is very easy to create a nice looking table runner. So give this project a go and get your creative juices flowing.
♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣
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