For a beginner seamstress, making a table runner is an perfect project to help you learn the mechanics of machine sewing. Produce a table runner using two distinct fabrics on the front and rear to give it double purpose at various times of the year. Wash and dry your stuff before cutting and sewing to avoid issues with shrinkage after sewing. Even without a lot of sewing experience, you should have the ability to finish this job in about an hour or two.
Patriotic Runner
After selecting a red, blue and white fabric or a fabric with American flags or other patriotic symbols, then cut a backing to meet its dimensions from red felt. Sew the two pieces together, right-sides facing, leaving you end unsewn to turn the runner inside-out. Run top-stitching 1/4 inch in from the edge on the finished side of this runner once you turn the right sides out. This closes the end and adds decorative stitching which helps it lay flat.
Refined Runner
To make a table runner for an elegant dinner party, then choose a satin or acetate using machine-embroidered long-stemmed leaves and flowers. Pull one of those colours from the flowers to your backing in the exact same or a similar material. For instance, a deep silver or gold fabric with golden stems and burgundy flowers works best using a burgundy financing. For extra flair, then make the table runner longer than your table about 18 inches if you want it to hang down on both sides.
Reversible Quilted Runner
With two distinct fabrics for each facet of the runner, all you need is flat fiberfill material to sandwich between the two sides to give the runner some body and lift. After sewing the pieces together, right-sides facing, leave 1 end open to turn the runner right-side out. Complete the end seam by quilting 1/4 inch in from the border, with the unfinished edges tucked in under the stitching. Insert hexagonal machine-quilted stitching atop to complete it. Iron it flat.
Bands of Color
If you want a table runner which works for all seasons, then cut strips of fabric in different-colored solid fabric pieces at least 3 inches wide and 16 inches long; Combine them together, repeating the sequence of colours with 1/2-inch seams until you’ve got a single piece the length needed. You will need 30 3-inch bands for a 60-inch runner. Cut a backing from a soft or felt material if you want add a sheet of interfacing or fiberfill sandwiched between both layers. Sew the two pieces together and include top stitching along the border. Pick three to four analogous colors — colors next to each other on the colour wheel — to keep the colour scheme in the exact same family, like crimson, red-orange, orange and orange-yellow. Or pick a colour scheme that suits your fancy.
Making a Table Runner
Most table runners measure from 12 to 16 inches wide and run the distance of the table, 60 inches or more, or curtain somewhat over its border. Simple runners take the form of a rectangle, readily sewn together by stitching the fabric, right-sides together, together both sides, 1/2 inch in from the edges, and as one end. Catch the opposite end open to turn the fabric right-side-out. Iron the seams for them flat and finish with top-stitching 1/4 inch in from the edge for a finished appearance. If you would like to add lace, add it near each end and in equidistant locations along the runner. Or make one from wax and also sew muslin onto it for its backing.