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DIY Table Runners

DIY Table Runners

By Lindye Galloway of Lindye Galloway Events

Looking for a way to spice up your tables? Look no further! Table runners are a great way to accessorize the tables at your wedding.

No, not the doily kind of runners you are thinking about at grandma’s house. I’m talking chic runners that are a reflection of your theme and add interest to each table.

It is important to note that this is a project for you artsy, “get your hands dirty” kind of brides. But if you are up for the challenge, creating runners will change the entire look of your tables.

Whether you are working with a simple linen provided by the venue or a more flamboyant one, runners can complement your theme, add texture and color, and create a nice area for your centerpieces to rest.

The first step is to select your fabric. Yes, choosing fabric can be overwhelming. But don’t walk out before you walk in! Just keep these things in mind when you are making your decision and you will do just fine:

  • Look for interesting textures, nothing too thick… or too thin
  • Coordinate the colors and patterns to your wedding theme
  • Feel free to mix and match complementary fabrics for different tables

And finally, before I send you on your merry runner-making way, I have one last tip: think outside the box! Create runners that lie across the length of the table or the width! Feel free to make them extra wide or extra narrow. And always add simple treatments for extra spice!

Now it’s your turn…

DIY Table Runners

Steps for the Trimmed Style –

1. Cut fabric to the desired size, leaving room to hem the edges. This runner was 11” wide by 130” long, to touch the floor on either side of a 6ft rectangular table.

2. Hem the runner by slightly tucking under the frayed edges and sew by hand, machine, or using fabric tape (my weapon of choice).

3. Attach the trim on each side of the runner by sewing or using fabric tape. Feel free to place the trim on the very edge of the runner or leave a small space between the edge of the runner and the trim to add interest.

The Finished Look –

DIY Table Runners

Steps for the Ruffled Style-

DIY Table Runners

1. Cut fabric to the desired size, leaving room to hem the edges. This runner was 18” wide by 130” long, to touch the floor on either side of a 6ft rectangular table.

2. Hem the runner by slightly tucking under the frayed edges and sew by hand, machine, or using fabric tape.

3. Now that you have the basic runner created, cut several strips of fabric to create the ruffles. They should be about double the width of the runner. Each one of these strips was 4.5” long by 40” wide.

4. Depending on the fabric you select and the look you want, you may not need to hem the strips, as the frayed edges can add to the look for this one. But if you want a cleaner look, hem each edge.

5. Using thread, put basting stitches at the top of the long side of the strip, tying a knot at one end.

6. Once the stitches are in place, gather the fabric towards the knotted end until you have your desired ruffled look. Then tie off the other end to secure it in place.

7. Sew each ruffle strip to the runner, slightly overlapping one over the other. Add as many ruffles as you would like to complete your look!

The Finished Look –

DIY Table Runners

Steps for the Puckered Style –

DIY Table Runners

1. Cut fabric to the desired size, leaving room to hem the edges. Each one of these runners was 13” wide by 88” long, to lie across the width of the table.

2. Hem the runner by slightly tucking under the frayed edges and sew by hand, machine, or using fabric tape.

3. Decide where you want to place the puckering detail and simply put basting stitches through the width of the fabric, tying a knot at one end. The number of stitches you add will determine the look of the puckering. More stitches will create a tighter puckering and fewer stitches will create a looser puckering.

4. Once the stitches are in place, gather the fabric towards the knotted end until you have your desired puckering look. Then tie off the other end to secure it in place.

The Finished Look –

DIY Table Runners

Check out the finished styles in table settings –

DIY Table Runners

DIY Table Runners

DIY Table Runners

Lindye Galloway Events specializes in high scale and unique events. Lindye draws inspiration from fashion, art, culture and daily life to design events as unique as her clients are. Check out her blog for sophisticated wedding ideas and advice.

Credits: Design by Lindye Galloway Events // Photography by Mark Brooke Photographers // Linens & Chairs from Fusion Linens