5 Simple Steps To Sewing The Perfect Christmas Table Runner

Christmas is just around the corner, and there's no better way to add a personal touch to your holiday décor than with a beautiful handmade table runner. Whether you're a seasoned sewing expert or a total beginner looking for a fun and festive project, this guide will walk you through how to sew the perfect Christmas table runner in just 5 simple steps. Plus, we'll cover the best materials, including the ideal fabrics, yarns, and sewing supplies to make your project really stand out.

Table runners date back centuries, with their origins rooted in medieval Europe. Table runners were originally used to protect the main tablecloth from spills and messes during feasts. They provided an additional protective layer that could be easily removed and cleaned. Over time, table runners evolved from a functional accessory into a decorative element, often made from luxurious fabrics and embroidered with intricate patterns.

A custom-made table runner will not only transform your Christmas tabletops, it will fill your home with warmth and charm to thaw the chill of winter. From cosy family dinners to festive parties, a well-crafted table runner serves as a stunning centrepiece that ties all your festive décor together. You can also creatively coordinate your runner with surrounding colours, designs and themes to make your home come alive this December.

Whether you prefer traditional reds and greens or a more modern, minimalist look, create a festive masterpiece using the right fabrics, yarns and tools with Ajanta Studios today!

Step 1: Gather Your Table Runner Materials...

Before you get sewing, it's important to gather all the necessary materials to ensure a smooth crafting experience. Here's what you'll need:

• Fabric: Choose a festive cotton or linen fabric with holiday patterns like snowflakes, reindeer or plaids. Cotton is a great option because it’s easy to sew and maintains its shape well.
• Backing fabric: For the underside, a solid-coloured fabric like red, green or gold works perfectly.
• Thread: A high-quality thread in a colour that matches your fabric (e.g. red, green or metallic gold for a festive touch). Browse our threads range to find the perfect choice for your next table runner project.
• Yarn (optional): If you want to add a decorative fringe or crochet border to your runner, opt for a soft yarn like cotton or acrylic, that’s durable and easy to work with. Ajanta Studios offers a wide selection of yarns for your decorative needs.
• Sewing tools: Don’t forget your scissors, pins, measuring tape, and a sewing machine. A rotary cutter and mat can also help to create clean, straight edges.

Step 2: Measure & Cut Your Fabric

The size of your table runner depends on your table’s length and width. A standard runner is about 14 to 16 inches wide and 60 to 72 inches long, but you can adjust this based on your unique preferences.

• Measure your fabric: Add 1 inch to the width and length for seam allowances. For instance, if your desired size is 14 x 60 inches, cut your fabric to 15 x 61 inches.
• Cut both the top fabric and backing: Lay your fabrics flat, smoothing out any wrinkles and cut them to size.

Make sure your measurements are accurate, as this will affect how straight and neat your final piece looks.

Step 3: Sew The Fabrics Together

Now that your fabrics are cut, it’s time to sew them together. Follow these simple steps:

• Pin the fabric: Place your top fabric and backing fabric together, with the right sides facing inward. Use pins to secure the edges. Ajanta Studios’ pins are perfect for this.
• Sew the edges: Using a ½-inch seam allowance, sew around all sides of the fabric, leaving a small gap (of around 4 inches) unstitched. This opening will allow you to turn the runner right-side out.
• Turn it inside out: Once sewn, gently turn the fabric right-side out through the gap you left earlier. Use a chopstick or similar tool to push out the corners to create crisp, clean edges.

Pro Tip: Press the table runner with an iron to flatten the seams before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Topstitch The Edges

To give your table runner a polished, professional finish, topstitching the edges is essential. This step not only secures the seams but also adds a decorative touch.

• Topstitch along the edges: Using a straight stitch, sew close to the edge (about ⅛ inch) around the entire table runner. This closes the gap you left for turning and provides a neat, finished look.

If you want to get a bit fancy, consider using a metallic thread or a decorative stitch to add extra flair for the holiday season.

Step 5: Add Decorative Details

Your table runner is almost complete. But if you want to take your design to the next level, consider adding some festive embellishments.

• Add a fringe or tassels: You can use yarn to create tassels or a fringe for the ends of your runner. Soft, durable yarns like acrylic or cotton work best for this.
• Embroider a holiday design: If you’re feeling crafty, you can hand-embroider festive designs such as snowflakes, Christmas holly, or stars on the corners or along the length of the table runner. Metallic embroidery thread or coloured yarns can give a beautiful contrast to your fabric.