I am an avid table decorator! I believe a well dressed table is a critical element when hosting a dinner. To me… it doesn’t matter if I’m hosting 2 or 12… that table will be special! While the style of my tables may differ depending on the occasion, a table runner is almost always the building block for whatever setting I create.
A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post on a pair of Cherub Napkin Rings that I had upcycled. When setting up the photo shoot for those napkin rings, I went to grab a black table runner…. only to discover I did not own one. WHAT?!?! I seriously have no idea how that’s possible. I have a pretty wild array of table runners so it is beyond me how I never ended up with a black one. My guess is I’ve always just assumed one was hanging there with the rest. Nope. Yikes – oversight!! So, naturally I decided to do what any craft loving blogger would do.. time to bust out the sewing machine and make my own gorgeously gothic table runner!
I know this is not the most exciting project I’ve ever done, but every amazing tablescape has to start with a base…. and since I was working on this project, I figured I’d take you along on the journey!
I am definitely NOT one to believe “less is more”, so instead of a plain, solid, single color runner (which I own plenty of) I thought it would be fun to make a two sided runner out of coordinating fabrics, and top it off with a decorative tassel. Why not get a two-for-one as long as you’re putting in the work!! This tutorial also applies if you wanted to use the same fabric on the top & bottom, or if you only wanted a decorative top and a backing on the bottom. Just make sure, whichever method you use, the fabrics will react the same to laundering & drying.
I couldn’t find a tassel I was happy with, so I made my own. You’ll notice I added that Me and Annabel Lee touch with a black skull bead. Leave me a comment if you’d like a tutorial on making tassels, and I’d be happy to put together a quick post.
What you’ll need:
- Tape Measure
- Top Fabric A (See note below for yardage requirements)
- Bottom Fabric B (See note below for yardage requirements)
- Fusible – optional
- Tassel x 2
- Pattern Paper – optional
- Scissors
- Pins
- Needle
- Thread
- Sewing Machine
Note – if you love my fabric choices, I found both the Black Flocked Velvet Damask and the Shimmering Red Rose Velvet at Joann Fabrics.
How to determine yardage requirements:
A standard runner should have a 6″ drop at either end of the table. To determine the length of your runner, simply measure the length of your table, and add 12″ for the drop (6″ on each end), and 1″ for the seam allowance (1/2″ on each end). For the width, one third is a good rule of thumb, and add 1″ for the seam allowance.
Instructions:
Depending on your confidence level of drawing and cutting a straight line, you can choose whether or not to create a paper pattern. I have every intention in the world on making more of these runners, so I decided to do myself a favor and make a pattern I could re-use. Any roll of paper will work as long as it’s long enough. I used a roll of craft paper I had picked up at the hardware store. When making the pattern, remember that you only need to create a pattern that equals half of the total length, with one end being the point, and the other being a fold.
Start by cutting the pattern out in the shape of a rectangle.
To create the point, mark the center of one of the short edges, and fold the corners into 90 degree angles.
Trim along the fold line.
Lay out your fabric, and fold in half, so the two cut ends are touching.
Pin the pattern to the fabric, ensuring the fold line is along the folded edge of the fabric.
Cut the fabric. Repeat for Fabric A, Fabric B, and the optional fusible.
Some fabrics are heavy enough that they will not require any fusible. But if you’re working with something flimsy, you’ll want to add fusible.
Follow the instructions to attach the fusible to wrong side of Fabric A.
Pin Fabric A to Fabric B with right sides facing each other. Secure the tassel at the point, and ensure it’s caught in the stitches.
Sew the pieces together leaving a 1/2″ seam allowance all the way around. Leave an opening just big enough to pull the table runner right side out.
Add a topstitch across both points to ensure the tassels are secure.
Turn right side out.
Fold the seam allowance of the opening inward, and using a needle & thread, sew the opening closed.
Press the seams.
Now let the table decorating begin!
I love the fact that I can just flip this runner over and I have a totally different vibe.
Need a little more inspiration for decorating your table? Take the tour this Toe Tag Inspired Table or my Halloween Weekend Dinner Party Table for more ideas.
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great tassel, love your pages!
Thank you so much!!!
Tassel tutorial, please! Totally makes that runner which, of course, is totally gorgeous! Sx
Ha Ha! Thanks Sue! I know… isn’t it funny how projects work out like that? I set out to make a runner, and the damn tassel turned out to be my favorite part. I had just whipped them up without thinking much of it or taking any step by step pictures… only to see the final project and realize I probably should’ve!! Tassel tutorial coming right up! 🙂
“love it all, Gothic”!!! Thank you so much for sharing… xoxo
Thank you Jane!! xoxo