I am so excited to share with you today’s project! If you have ever wanted to know how to create a custom table runner for under $20, then you have come to the right place! With the help of ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape, it is incredibly simple to create a table runner in the exact color and design of your choosing.
For this project you will need the following:
- Tablecloth or fabric cut to the desired length
- T-square
- ScotchBlue.com ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Original Multi-Use (2090)
- Spray paint in your color choice and proper safety equipment
- Iron
- Sewing machine (or hem tape)
Step 1: Measure the width of your fabric
I find that most store-bought table runners are not nearly long enough to drape the length of my dining room table. To solve this problem, I purchased an inexpensive plain-white tablecloth for $8 in the exact length that I desired. This tablecloth costs less than it would have to purchase fabric by the yard. I wanted my runner to be 14 inches in width so cut it to 15 inches. This left a half inch inseam on each side for sewing.
Step 2: Use a t-square and chalk line reel to mark your fabric.
Okay, I will be the first to admit that this is not a conventional way to mark your fabric for cutting, but it works beautifully! If you want to go the conventional route, use an invisible fabric marker to mark your fabric. I didn’t want to purchase a fabric marker, and I had a chalk line reel in the basement. Pull the chalk line reel the length of your fabric using the t-square as a guide and snap the line.
This will create a straight chalk line marking where to cut your fabric. My fabric is 100% silky polyester so the chalk dusted off of the fabric without a problem.
Step 3: Iron the seams of your fabric.
Fold the fabric approximately one ¼ of an inch and iron a straight seam. Do this on both sides. You will then fold that seam over another ¼ of an inch and iron again on both sides.
Step 4: Sew or glue your seams.
Sew a straight stitch for each of your ironed seams. If you do not own a sewing machine, you can use hem tape or even fabric glue to secure your seams.
Step 5: Use ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape Original Multi-Use (2090) to create a design.
To create the pattern for my table runner, I first measured the center of my tablecloth and ran a long piece of ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape the length of my runner. I then used a t-square to measure the spacing between each “arrow” design.
Step 6: Spray paint your table runner.
After your project is taped off, be sure to go back over all of your tape strips to make sure they are secure. I like to rub over each tape piece with a plastic wallpaper smoother. This safeguards for a quality end result! Once you are satisfied with your tape, spray paint your runner in a well ventilated area. Always wear a respirator when spray painting. Spray paint your fabric in 2-3 light coats allowing 5 minutes of dry time between each coat. I used a metallic spray paint to give my project a bit of sheen. You will want to allow your paint to fully dry before removing the tape. And the best part is removing your ScotchBlue™ Painter’s Tape and revealing your glorious design! Removing the tape never ceases to give me a thrill. 🙂
Step 7: Enjoy your gorgeous table runner!
Woohoo! Enjoy your custom table runner that you made for under $20! This runner looks perfect with my new dishes, and I am absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. I can’t wait to show it off to company. By the way, dinner is at 6 pm if you care to join me. Be sure to bring a bottle of wine!
behnaz says
It,s very nice I love it
Emily Maldonado says
Love this! I spray painted stripes on my curtains last summer, and was so thrilled with how it turned out. I don’t know why I haven’t thought of trying a table runner! One more project to add to the list…..
Hannah says
Gorgeous! Love it!
Julie at Being Home says
Gorgeous table setting and runner! Everything looks very well put together! May I ask where you bought those place mats? LOVE!
Beth says
Thanks Julie! The placemats were purchased at a store called Christmas Tree Shop. They were wood but I wanted them to look more like “penny tile” so I primed and spray painted.
Darlene says
I love it, fantastic!!! Two questions, who makes those gorgeous plates and bowls – they are my favorite color and what is the gun like thing you have on your spray paint can? OK, more than 2 questions, have you tried to wash the runner? Did that spray paint smell stay on the fabric?
The whole look is just so inviting, good job! What kind of wine, I’m so there…. 🙂
Beth says
Ha! Come on over (and I like reds and sweet whites so I’m not too picky) :). The dishes are from Marshalls/Home Goods. The gun on my spray paint is a must–it’s by Rustoleum and makes spray painting much easier with more control. I haven’t tried washing the runner, but I will wash it on the gentle cycle and air dry if I need to. Have you ever washed fabric with spray paint on it? It doesn’t budge. Trust me on this one. I have a pair of favorite shorts to attest to this fact. I left the runner out in the fresh air to cure for most of the day and when I brought it indoors it did not smell at all. Thanks for visiting me!