How To Sew A Simple Table Runner

My kitchen table is always dressed. I mean, it always has some sort of table runner, place mats or tablecloth on it. I think this encourages everyone to keep their stuff off the table. You know how tables collect clutter or aka everyone’s stuff.  Plus it helps to have a designated area for stuff.  That’s for another post. Just remember …..not on the table.

Anyway, sewing table runners is by far the easiest and cheapest project I know of to decorate your home. Especially when using a utility fabric like ticking. This fabric is durable. It presses well, launders well, and is inexpensive. This fabric is available at Walmart, Jo-Ann and Hobby Lobby. The only downside to this fabric is it shrinks terribly. Definitely pre wash your fabric before you sew it.

I have also sewn zippered pillow covers with ticking fabric. This is an easy project, too.

This table runner has a flannel backing which gives it stability.

I like the red and white. It goes with so many holidays. I made this table runner before Easter. I used it for my Easter table. I’ll dress it up for Fourth of July, too.

Here I have paired it with my homemade narrow box, filled with blue mason jars. The mason jars have battery operated tea lights in them. Makes for great atmosphere. The look is simple and elegant.

How Wide To Make A Table Runner

Ideally, your table runner should be 1/3 the width of your table.

Most commercially made table runners range in size from ten to fifteen inches wide.

You can make your table runner any width you like. However, I believe that going with the one third width of your table, is the most pleasing look. This will give you room for a dinner plate without it resting on the table runner.

My table is 70 inches long by 38 inches wide.

I decided that my table runner would be 12” wide. That suits my table. I could have made the table runner thirteen inches wide. Either size would be fine.

The length is up to you. I wanted mine to go the length of the table with a small overhang. So, it is 80 inches long which gives the table runner a 5 inch overhang.

How To Sew A Table Runner With A Backing

The first step for sewing a table runner is to measure your table. Include both the length and width.

Supplies Needed

• Up to 2 yards red and white ticking fabric. Wash fabric before using due to shrinkage.
• Up to 2 yards flannel fabric for the backing. I like flannel for the backing because it isn’t slippery. It will stay put on the table.
• Thread
• Iron
• Sewing machine

Cutting The Fabric

Cut your main fabric the length of your table plus overhang if desired. Allow one inch hem allowance.  Cut the width of the fabric to your desired width plus 3 inches. This includes  1/2 inch seam allowance.

Cut your backing fabric the length of your main fabric. Cut the width of the backing fabric the same as the main fabric minus 3 inches. This includes  1/2 inch seam allowance.

Sewing

Stack the  main fabric and backing together, right sides together. You will notice that the backing fabric is shorter in width than the main fabric. That is the beauty of this method. After sewing the two long sides together, the main fabric automatically folds to the back. No fussing with sides not aligning. Let’s sew to see what I mean.

Sew each long side, using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. I sew with the flannel on the bottom. The main fabric has a bubble on top of the backing. This is good. Sew both sides. Don’t worry about the bubble.

Now turn the table runner inside out and press. There! Do you see what I am talking about? No fussing with side seams. It automatically  folds to the back.

Fold each end 1/2 inch inside to form a hem. Press.

Sew each end to close the ends. Then topstitch each long side 1/2 inch from the edge to secure the sides so they don’t shift when washed. This is not necessary for construction but it makes for a more professional finish.

Give the table runner a final press. Now, go dress your table with your new table runner.