"Round" Table Runner

Welcome to my entryway table.  Generally, well, the last-four-years "generally," my entryway table was as shown, below.  A bright and quite big and bulky floral arrangement.  This year, especially with all of the inspiration, not to mention, I'm r-e-a-d-y for a change.  Did I mention I'm ready?  I am lightening up to a burlap runner with less bulky accessories.

I thought it would be fun to bring you along with me and show you how to make this "round" table runner, too.  I guess a better name would be Table Runner for a Round Table, but that's a bit long and cumbersome - bleh.  It's going to look like this when we're done.

soft draping over the edge

a few gathers

Dramatic lighting -- no wait -- that's here
It's hard to tell this back shot from the above front shot.

I'm going to switch out my antique keys and decorative spheres, as soon as I find my stash of seashells...

Ready?  Let's get started.  You will need 2 yards of burlap.  (I paid $3/yd.)  I cut my long side pieces 33 1/2" long by 28 1/2" wide.  (My tabletop is 29 1/2" in diameter, you may need to adjust measurements for your table.)  For the ends, I cut a soft V shape.  See, below, there is a slight angle, not overly pointed.  Hem the three sides that will not be gathered.  I fold under approx 5/8" and sew with a large zigzag stitch.

Next cut your center piece.  This is 13" side to side and 12 1/2" end to end.  On the left and right, I have softened the corners to help the fabric lay better after it is sewed.  It's kinda hard to see it on burlap, 'cause burlap does what it wants to do.

Gathering Tutorial.

I hope you can see this - burlap was not the right fabric choice for a good visual - sad face.  BEFORE you start, put a pin in the middle of your center piece edge where the gather will be sewn on to AND a pin in the center of the side you will be gathering. 

Top left:  A single line of stitching was done approx. 5/8" from the edge of the fabric on the largest length stitch possible (on my machine it's "4").  Leave ends UNCUT about 3" long.

Top right:  Of the two threads (the top and bottom of your stitching line) grab ONE THREAD ONLY.

Bottom Left:  Hold your fabric firmly with one hand.  With your other hand GENTLY PULL THE THREAD from the previous step.  With the hand holding the fabric, GENTLY push the fabric down the thread till it starts gathering.  Bottom Right:  What it will look like.  For this project, instead of pulling the entire length of the edge, I pulled till it was gathered HALF WAY, then repeated Steps 2-4 and from the other end and pushed the fabric toward the middle.  Remember I had you mark the half way point on both pieces of fabric?  Now you can match them us so you are middle to middle -- this will help keep the gathers evenly spaced.
Pin and stitch seams: 

It actually looks more like a bow tie table runner when you're all done.

As far as I know, this style of table runner was invented right here at the Cheap Chic Home.  So if you copy it, I'd sure like to know (not to charge you a copyright fee or anything, just to see it :). )   Note:  I would NOT recommend burlap if this is the first time you're trying gathering.  Use something like muslin to practice with.

Ahh, nicer-er and lighter-er

Now for the news I mentioned last week.  I am excited to announce I'm going to join the Linky bandwagon and start a Fabric Fun Thursday party.  Starting when?  This Thursday!  There will be a button on my sidebar soon.  So.  Any fabric that you've

• stapled
• glued
• tacked
• clipped
• swagged
• draped
• painted
• slipcovered with
• framed
• sewed
• You get the idea...

is all welcome here.  Please spread the word!

I'm linking with these charming hostesses: