HOW TO MAKE A TABLE RUNNER OUT OF A DROP CLOTH

Linda
by Linda
6 Materials
$25
1 Hour
Easy

Drop cloth decor is becoming more and more popular. So here is an easy way to sew your very own drop cloth table runner for pennies

What is a drop cloth? It is a canvas material that painters use to protect the floor, furniture or anything from paint. And where would you use this table runner? It can go anywhere especially your dining table during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and so on.

Step 1: Let's get started by pulling out all your supplies. You will need a drop cloth large enough to fit the longest length of your table with an extra 12" on each end. Sewing machine, scissors, chalk, long metal ruler, sewing pins.

Step 2: Lay drop cloth over top of your table where it hangs down on one side about 12 inches.

Step 3: Fold the drop cloth until you get the width you desire. Now cut off the other end about 12 inches long. You have your longest length.

Step 4: Next cut all the way down where you folded the drop cloth to get your width. I made sure to keep one fold so all I had to do is sew one side.

Step 5: Next sew the longest side as shown in this photo. Then turn the fabric right side out.

Step 6: Next grab some of the extra fabric to cut off the ruffles. Make sure to use the same side as the piece you cut off the ends. Now lay a ruler on the fabric and give an extra 1/2". Next use the chalk to draw a line above the ruler and then cut the fabric.

Step 7: Now use the largest stitch possible on your sewing machine and sew down one side of the ruffle fabric. DO NOT back stitch. Next pull on string to start making a ruffle.

Step 8: Now line up one side like shown and pin the ruffle into place. Repeat this all the way down the shortest side pulling the ruffle as needed until it fits perfectly from end to end. Sew the ruffle into place.

Step 9: Once your ruffle is sewn onto the end of the runner lay the runner on your machine and top stitch the hem underneath into place. You do not have to do this step but it allows the ruffle to lay nicely if you decide to do it.

And there you have a beautiful farmhouse style drop cloth table runner. For more detailed directions and photos click on my link below.

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Linda
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  • Chris J Chris J on Nov 29, 2018

    When you start to make your ruffle, use quilting thread for sewing the ruffle. It's much stronger than regular thread and may not break as easily as regular sewing thread might do. Or, set your machine for a wide zig-zag stitch and sew over dental floss. I used to make lots of Civil War outfits for myself and dental floss or quilting thread were lifesavers. Also, put one of your straight pins at one end of your strip and wrap your thread ends around it in a figure-8 pattern. It will keep your thread ends from slipping out and having to start over. I learned these through trial and error and used a lot of bad language. LOL

  • Mary Mary on Apr 17, 2020

    Whoa. Sewing machine, here I come!

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