Beautiful Table Runners
Decorator fabric, amount depending on the size of runner you choose to sew.
Lining fabric (amount identical to that of decorator fabric; can also use actual decorator fabric, see above)
Narrow welting to match, no larger than 3/16" or it will be hard to apply. The amount should be equal to or slightly longer than the circumference of the runner itself.
Matching thread
Tailor's chalk or pencil
HINT:
Even if you're a hesitant sewer, you can indulge in buying a patterned decorator fabric, as you won't need more than one fabric width. In other words, you don't need to worry about the pattern repeat. So buy whatever strikes your fancy.
INSTRUCTIONSEven if you're a hesitant sewer, you can indulge in buying a patterned decorator fabric, as you won't need more than one fabric width. In other words, you don't need to worry about the pattern repeat. So buy whatever strikes your fancy.
Add 1" to both length and width of your desired table runner, to allow for 1/2" seam allowances.
Mark and cut a rectangle of decorator fabric.
Cut lining piece to exact same size.
Fold the runner front in half lengthwise so that the cut edges are aligned.
Pin fabric to prevent it from slipping.
On the long sewing edges, and using a long sewing ruler, mark a point 8 1/2" from the end.
Draw a diagonal line from that mark to the folded end.
On that line, cut through both layers of the fabric (carefully!). Make sure that the edges stay aligned as you're cutting.
Repeat for opposite end of the runner.
Remove pins and unfold.
Lay runner on the lining.
Using the runner as a guide, cut the same diagonal lines on the lining material.
Get the welting.
Pin the welting along the outer edge of the right side of the runner fabric. (Make sure that the raw edges are aligned, and the welting is relaxed.) Allow for the ends to overlap on one long edge, and don't pin the tail ends of the welting.
HINT:
"Crowd" the welting a bit at the corners so that it will lie flat when you turn the runner on its right side. At the exact point where the welting has to bend, clip into the seam allowances up to but not through the stitching line. This will allow the seam allowances for the welting to spread open and lie flat. Pin securely, keeping all raw edges aligned.
Set your sewing machine for a straight stitch at 10 stitches per inch."Crowd" the welting a bit at the corners so that it will lie flat when you turn the runner on its right side. At the exact point where the welting has to bend, clip into the seam allowances up to but not through the stitching line. This will allow the seam allowances for the welting to spread open and lie flat. Pin securely, keeping all raw edges aligned.
Attach your zipper foot; adjust it to the right of the needle. If your needle adjusts rather than your foot, move the needle to the left of the zipper foot. Insert fabric into the machine, 2" from the end of the welting.
Slowly stitch the welting to the fabric by stitching over the welting's existing stitches. Pivot at the corners by stopping with the needle down in the fabric where you made the clip, lifting the presser foot and turning the fabric. Then lower the foot and resume sewing. Stop stitching 2" from the point at which the ends of the welting will meet.
Cut the end of the welting to create a 1" overlap. Remove the stitching from the overlapping end so that the inner cord of the welting is visible and trim the end of that cording so that it just meets the other end of the welting. Insert the overlapped end of the welting into the pocket of fabric where you cut the cording. Wrap the welting fabric over both ends to encase; finish stitching, overlapping the stitches where the two ends meet. Remove fabric from the machine. Press stitching line with the tip of your iron; this will relax the fabric and allow the seam to set. Make sure that the fabric doesn't ripple where the welting is attached. Now you're going to attach the lining! Take your lining fabric and pin the front of the table runner over it, with right sides together; make sure that the welting is encased, and the outer edges are aligned. Leave a 7" unpinned opening along one side, so that you'll be able to turn the runner right side in. Insert the table runner into the machine with the lining side down, just in front of the unpinned area. Backstitch a few stitches, then stitch forward making sure to sew over the previous stitches so that they won't be visible when you turn the runner around. Pivot at each corner; stop sewing at the opposite end of the 7" opening. Trim the seam allowances diagonally; turn back the seams in the unstitched area, and press them back 1/2". Reach your hand in through the opening. Take hold of one end of the runner and pull it through the opening, Repeat for other end. The runner is right side out! With a point turner (if you have one; if not, the eraser end of a pencil or the wrong end of a seam ripper should do the job), push out the corners. Press table runner up the welting, smoothing and tugging the welting out to the edges as you go. Close the opening with a slipstitch. Now clean your table with Pledge, lay your table runner out - and admire your handiwork!