This is part 20 of our series 31 DAYS of Giving Handmade! You can find links to the entire series, in order, on our Giving Handmade Index Page. I'll add each new link as that day is published.
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{ruffled burlap table runner}
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I love mixing textures and materials in an unexpected way. The rough burlap next to the soft, flour sack ruffles is the perfect mix.
To make this table runner, you'll need:
2 1/2 yards of burlap
1/2 yard fabric for ruffles. I used the leftover from my tablecloth dishtowels.
How to:
1. Cut the burlap into a rectangle, 16 inches wide and 7 feet long. This fits my 6-foot table perfectly, so adjust as needed to fit yours. To cut a straight line on burlap, pull a string in the weave at exactly the right spot, and pull it out.
The space left over makes the perfect cutting guide.
2. Turn 1/2 inch under on the long edges, and sew using a straight stitch. This will give your runner a nice folded edge. ( I didn't tuck the raw edges into the fold. That would have made it too bulky. Just leave them on the underside.)
3. Cut strips for ruffles. The strips should be 6 inches wide and 1 1/2 times the width of your runner. My runner is 15 inches wide with finished, so I cut my strips 22 inches long.
4. Roll the raw edges into a hem on three sides of each ruffle. Both short sides and one long side.
5. On the remaining side, stitch two long lines using your longest stitch length. Loosen your tension if needed. Then, holding one end of both threads, pull gently to gather until the ruffle length fits the end of the runner.
6. Pin into place, right sides and raw edges together. Shorten your stitch length and sew along the edge, about 1/2 inch seam allowance.
7. Fold the raw edges under to the burlap side and top stitch through all layers, 1/4 inch from the end of the burlap.
8. Press, clip threads, and set your table. You're done!
A table runner like this would make a great gift for a friend, your mom, or a hostess gift. Pair it with a set of homemade dishtowels for even more impact.
