DIY Project 5 - Make Your Own Table Runner

I actually made this table runner with things that I had around the house so it's about as cheap as you can get. The fabric is canvas painter's dropcloth that originally came from Sherwin Williams. I bought it to make a slip cover and pillow and had quite a bit left over from that project.The stencil was bought for a painting project in my master bedroom that has still not been completed (or even started for that matter)and I used leftover white wall paint. The trim on the ends was leftover from a bulletin board project. (I will show that DIY later on.) This project took about 2 1/2 hours and included minimal sewing. (You could also do no-sew with stitch witchery.)




Items that you will need:
Fabric
measuring tape
pencil
sewing machine w/white upholstry thread or stitch witchery
stencil
painter's tape
paint
trim
hot glue gun

The first thing you will need to do is measure the length and width that you want.
I used dropcloth that was already hemmed on two sides so that made it easy to only sew one width and one length with white thread. If you don't know how to sew, you can use stitch witchery which can be found at any fabric store and just involves ironing the tape to join the fabric together. You can follow the instructions on the package. I have to tell you that I used to be intimidated by a sewing machine because I hadn't done much with one since 7th grade home ec. but I finally got up the nerve to purchase one and I have to say that it was really easy to use. They come with simple instructions for basic sewing and I basically taught myself. I still don't do things like zippers but I'm working on it.

After you measure fold over the unfinished ends, pin, iron flat and sew.

The trim was a happy accident. I told you that I taught myself to sew, right? Well the ends did not look so great so I hot glued the trim on the ends over the messy thread. Sometimes you just have to improvise!

The stencil came from Hobby Lobby. I started in the middle of the runner then added two patterns on the ends and then measured in between, found the center and so on...Tape the stencil down with painter's tape. Note: use a dry brush or spongue so that the paint does not go underneath the stencil.

Let it dry and you have a new CHEAP table runner. You could be really creative with fabrics, paint color and trim here. I was going for a shabby chic neutral white on white but you could really have some fun with this. Pre-made table runners at the stores or so expensive these days and this project will give you one that is uniquely yours. That is unless your friends come over and want you to make them one!

Shared with Courtney at her Feathered Nest Friday Linky Party