DIY Placemat Table Runner

DIY Placemat Table Runner

I’ve needed a table runner for my new dining room table for quite a while. I could never find the right one. I wanted something eclectic, funky and cool, but that wouldn’t cost a lot. I found these chevron patterned placemats at a local discount store for $.99 each. I love chevron and the woven grass texture was exactly what my big, hard table needed to soften it up. Since I only had four placemats, I bought some burlap wide ribbon from my local Michael’s craft store to be the base of my table runner. Eyelets–or as I call them, grommets–and ribbon seemed like a cool way to attached the mats together. I did not attach the mats to the burlap, but just laid them on top because I thought I could use the burlap for a different table runner at some point. If you wanted to attach the burlap to the mats, I think sewing along the edge would be cool using a thick, contrasting colored thread. Maybe I’ll do that one day, but for now I’m going to enjoy my funky DIY Placemat Table Runner just the way it is. Happy crafting!

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 What you will need:

table runner supplies collage

table runner eyelet collage

Instructions:

1. Add eyelets to the corners of your placemats. The two end placemats only need eyelets on one side. Follow the package directions for the eyelet tool. I had some trouble with the eyelets because my tool was too big for the eyelets that I bought, but I persevered. My eyelets just look a bit hammered and rustic, which I like.

table runner ribbon collage

2. Roll out the wide burlap ribbon the length of your table. I used two side by side. I also left enough of the burlap to hang over both ends.

3. Cut six ribbon lengths. I cut my ribbons at 12 inches each.

4. String ribbon through the eyelets to make a “x” design. On the back, I did not have to secure the ribbon because it was so thick, it just stayed in place. If you wanted you could hot glue the ribbon ends to the back of the mat. I like the idea of being able to change out the ribbon in the future, so I just left them as is.

5. Lay your mats secured with ribbons on top of the burlap ribbons. I did not secure the burlap to the mats incase I wanted to change things in the future. If you wanted to attach the burlap to the mats, I think sewing along the edge would be cool using a thick, contrasting colored thread.

table runner 12

table runner 13

table runner 15

I think it turned out pretty spiffy and looks cool with my DIY Ribbon Embellished Curtains and my DIY Craft Paper Leaves. Enjoy!