Monogrammed Table Runner

Last week I shared with you the simple Thanksgiving Table Centerpiece that I recently made for our Thanksgiving Feast.  I also shared how to Build Your Own Box for the centerpiece.  Did I mention that Thanksgiving is at my house for the FIRST time with our entire family?!!  I have the centerpiece covered now but it needed a little something extra, so I decided to make a simple Monogrammed DIY Table Runner.

I have ALWAYS wanted a table runner and FINALLY had the perfect excuse to make one.  It could not be easier.  If you can sew a straight line, this project is for you!

I bought 2 yards of burlap, but any heavier fabric like linen or muslin will work too.  Then measured and cut two pieces…14 in x 88 inches.

My table (which actually has not been built yet…long story…more on that later) is going to measure 60 inches square.  I wanted the runner to hang over the edge of the table, 14 inches, on each end.  So that meant that I needed a total length of 88 inches (60 inches for the table + 14 inches +14 inches = 88 inches).

Since everyone has different sized tables, you will need to figure out what length and width you would like your runner to be and plan accordingly.  You can also make a table runner that just lays on the table and doesn’t hang over the edge like I show in some of the final pictures.

Then I took the two pieces and pinned them together with the wrong side of the material facing each other. Then sew some black (or another color) bias tape around the entire table runner.  Now some people freak out about sewing on bias tape.

*Here is a little trick that I do that makes it a LOT easier to work with.  I don’t actually pin mine on.  I sew slowly and put it in the correct place and sew it on as I go.  It makes it so much easier for me and it doesn’t pucker.  Also, make sure to put the side of the bias tape that is slightly wider on the bottom so you are sure to catch it with the thread.

Then I made a simple stencil with my Silhouette Cameo and some vinyl.  I cut out two of them to stencil a monogram on each end of the table runner.

This is another project that you could whip up in an hour or during naptime pretty easily.  Now…here is where I fess up to a little secret…I actually have NOT finished this table runner completely.  Gasp!

My sewing machine suddenly just quit working MID Project!! Gah! So I have to get it fixed or run up to my mom’s and finish it before Thanksgiving. BUT—I wanted you to be able to make one if you wanted too and give you enough time to get it done before the big holiday rush. So don’t look TOO closely ;)!! You can see the pins in a couple of places which I just put in there to hold the bias tape on for pictures! #keepingitrealpeople

But even halfway finished, I am really excited about how it turned out!  I love how simple it is but it adds a little extra “umph” to your Holiday setting!

Oh…and as I alluded to above, we currently do not have a kitchen table that fits our entire family.  We have a square table that seats 6 and now that the baby is no longer a baby in a high chair (she’s 5!!) we have to pull out an extra chair to fit us all around.  My boys are both now full sized adults and we are running out of room (and food)!

We have searched high and low for a table that would fit our odd space and our family.  What we have found is way out of our budget…so…we are going to build one.  I KNOW!!  Think we can do it before Thanksgiving?  We will see.  Life gets crazy so we are going to have to play this one by ear and see how it goes…!

Linking up here:  Not Just a Housewife