How To Make Table Runners For Wedding

How to Make Table Runners for a Wedding

Table runners are a beautiful and versatile way to add a touch of elegance and personality to your wedding tables. They can be made from a variety of materials, including fabric, burlap, lace, and even paper. Whether you prefer a rustic, modern, or classic aesthetic, there’s a table runner style to suit your wedding theme. By making your own table runners, you can save money and create unique pieces that reflect your personal style.

Choose Your Materials

The first step in making table runners is to choose the right materials. Consider the style of your wedding and the overall theme of your decor. For example, if you’re having a rustic wedding, you might choose burlap or linen. If you’re going for a more formal look, satin or velvet would be appropriate.

For fabric table runners, you will need to choose your fabric, thread, and sewing machine. You might also consider using fabric glue or iron-on adhesive for a simpler approach. For alternative materials like burlap or lace, you can use fabric glue, hot glue, or a sewing machine.

Measure and Cut Your Fabric

Once you’ve chosen your materials, you need to measure and cut your fabric. To determine the length, measure the length of your table and add 12-18 inches to allow for overhang. The width of your table runner will depend on your personal preference. You can choose to have a narrow runner that runs down the center or a wider one that covers the entire width of the table.

After you have measured your fabric, carefully cut it using a sharp pair of scissors. If you are working with delicate fabrics, consider using a rotary cutter and cutting mat for precise cuts. You can also find pre-cut fabric panels in standard sizes for ease of use.

Sew or Glue Your Runner

Once your fabric is cut, you can begin sewing or gluing your table runner. If you are using a sewing machine, simply sew the edges of your fabric together using a straight stitch. For a more decorative look, you can use a zig-zag stitch or a decorative stitch. If you are using fabric glue, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply glue to the edges of your fabric and press them together gently. You can also use iron-on adhesive for a simpler approach.

For burlap or lace, you can choose to sew or glue them. If you are gluing, use a high-quality glue that bonds well to the fabric. For burlap, you may want to use a heavy-duty glue such as hot glue.

Add Embellishments (Optional)

Once your table runner is complete, you can add embellishments to make it even more unique. You can add lace trim, ribbons, beads, buttons, or even flowers. Be creative and have fun with it! You can also use fabric paint or stencils to add designs or lettering to your runner.

If you are adding beads or buttons, use a strong thread to attach them securely to the fabric. For ribbons and lace trim, pin the embellishment you want to add to the fabric in place, then sew it on using a sewing machine or needle and thread.

If you are using flowers, you can attach them to the fabric with a hot glue gun. Be sure to use a glue gun that is designed for use with fabric. For larger floral arrangements, consider using a decorative wire or floral tape to attach them to the runner.

Keep Fabric Runners Clean

Fabric runners are a great touch for your wedding, but they can be susceptible to spills and stains. Before your wedding, take steps to protect your runners. Consider pre-treating them with a stain repellent, which can help prevent stains from setting in. If you do have spills, clean them up immediately with a damp cloth and mild soap. You can also have your table runners professionally cleaned after the wedding to keep them looking their best.