The Last Minute Table Runner Tutorial (Using just one piece of fabric!)

Do you need a table runner? Do you need it right now? Well, this is the tutorial for you.

This table runner is super quick and easy to make and involves just one piece of fabric. Perfect for that special occasion like Christmas, Halloween or Thanksgiving.

last minute table runner tutorial - quick and easy

To make this table runner you’ll need just one piece of fabric. We recommend a sturdier type of fabric, something like you would find in the furnishing section of your fabric store. Having said that however, we did successfully make one of these using quilting fabric, it’s just not going to be as sturdy, but hey, this is a last-minute table runner and it will still look great on your tabletop.

Watch the video tutorial below or scroll down for the written instructions

TOOLS USED IN THIS TUTORIAL

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Method

How to Work Out the Fabric Size for Your Table Runner

To work out what size that piece of fabric needs to be cut at, work out how wide and long you want the table runner to be. For example, in the video tutorial, we chose 15″ as the width and we decided to go with a length that pretty much measured the width of the fabric which was around 63″. So we settled on a finished size of 15″ x 60″.

Once we have the measurements, we need to multiply the width by 2″ and add 1″ for the seam allowance.  For the length, we just need to add a 1″.

Example 1:

Here are our calculations for a finished 15″ x 60″ table runner.

For the width – (15″ x 2) + 1″ = 31″

For the length – (60″ + 1″) = 61″

So now we need to cut our piece of fabric at 31″ x 61″.

Example 2:

Here’s another example for a 16″ x 40″ table runner

For the width – (16″ x 2) + 1″ = 33″

For the length – (40″ + 1″) = 41″

So we need to cut our piece of fabric at 33″ x 41″

  • Once your piece of fabric is cut, fold it in half with right sides together and sew along the long edge with a half-inch seam.

last minute table runner tutorial

last minute table runner tutorial

  • Move the seam to the middle of the fabric tube and iron it open.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • If like us, your selvages are still attached, now is the time to trim them off.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • Center the open seam in the middle of the fabric. Just line it up your mat to find the halfway mark or you can eyeball if you wish. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
  • Pin and sew the edge with a half-inch seam.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • Repeat the process for the opposite end but leave an opening of about 4″ to enable you to turn the table runner through.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • You can see how the opening will look in the image below.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • Clip each of the 4 corners taking care not to cut through the stitches. This will provide for sharper corners when you turn the table runner through.

last minute table runner tutorial

  • Reach into the opening and pull the fabric through.

last minute table runner

  • Iron the table runner.
  • Topstitch around the entire edge of the table runner with a quarter inch seam. This will seal the opening.
  • Topstitch a second stitch approx 1½” inches from the edge.
  • You can use decorative stitches if you prefer.

last minute table runner tutorial

This is one we made in a different fabric.

Last Minute Table Runner