Table Runner Pattern

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Today, I've got another sewing project and pattern for you. This time I've got a table runner pattern for you. I had never made anything like this before and just made it up as I went along. So, there may be a better more 'official' way to make a table runner, but this worked and was fairly easy, which is always something I like. 

As long as I was going to take the time to make a table runner, I decided to make mine reversible. That way I get two table runners for the time of one...like, like and like! This table runner pattern is pretty easy, in other words, if you can sew a straight (or mostly straight) line, you can  make this. 

To start, I measured my table. My table is 63" long and 40" or 42.5" wide (the wider is if you include the decorative parts that jut out). I knew I wanted my runner to hang over the edge of the table by 2-3"(I think it ended up longer than that, but I like the look, so it all works). I cut my fabric at 69" by 15". 

If you want to make your own with the same amount hanging down, measure your table and add 6" to the length. Decide on the width that would look good on your table. I wanted my finished table runner to be 14" wide. I added 1" for the seam, making my cut 69" x 15".

If you are making your table runner reversible, cut out two pieces of fabric the same dimensions. 

Next, we need to work on the ruffle at the bottom of the table runner. I wanted my finished ruffle to be about 3" long. Knowing that extra fabric would be taken with the ruffling process, I cut my coordinating fabric 5" long. I almost doubled the width of the runner to get a nice ruffle. I cut my ruffle pieces 28" x 5". 

To make yours, double the width of the table runner and cut 5" long. 

To make a ruffle, first iron and hem your fabric on three sides. I used a .5" seam allowance. Then, change the setting on your sewing machine to the widest stitch you can make. Stitch across the top of your fabric being careful NOT to back-stitch. To gather the fabric and make the ruffle, you pull gently on one of the threads you just sewed, at the widest stitch, while gathering and/or gently pulling the fabric back. Usually you will find that one thread will pull easily and the other doesn't seem to want to move. Just try your best to do this gently so that you don't rip the thread and have to start over. 

Once you have ruffled/gathered the fabric to the same width as your table runner, make the ruffle as even as possible and pin it to the end of your cut long piece for the table runner. You are pinning the right sides together. Make sure to switch your sewing machine stitch back to its normal setting. Sew the ruffle in place, being careful to sew far enough away from the ruffling thread that it won't show on the right side.

Turn and press your seam. Do this 4 times to add a ruffle to each end of your two pieces of fabric for your reversible table runner. 

Pin the right sides of your table runner together and sew using a .5" seam allowance the full length of the runner (including sewing the ruffles together). 

Carefully press the seams  so that when you turn the table runner right side out, it will lay flat and you won't be able to see the fabric on the other side. 

Voila! Valentine's table runner!...or...is it a spring table runner?

It is both. Which side do you  like more?

With a cute ruffle!

The Valentine side of this table runner is part of a Valentine's tablescape/centerpiece I am working. I will be showing you the rest of that next week! Of course, if you saw my printable Valentines post, you may have caught a glimpse of one of the other elements making its way into my Valentine's table and decorations.

See you next week!

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Savy Southern Style

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