Hey Friends! Let me show you a recent sewing project! I enjoy making really simple sewing projects that can be high-impact! In fact, I look for fabric that will make the sewing project easier (by having straight lines or easy-to-follow pattern repeats).
![gray and white kitchen table runner on a table with a vase of hydrangeas in the middle.](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9833-e1441993554497.jpg)
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I had some leftover material from when I made my kitchen valances. I decided to make a very simple table runner. I love having them on my tables because they are basically decor and grounds the centerpiece.
If you are looking for some helpful no sew ideas, I still fix jean buttons this way. And here is a no-sew hack for kitchen valances I did for Christmas.
![Kitchen valances](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9838-e1441992082653.jpg)
I thought I would show you the kitchen table runner. Just in case it inspires you to make a simple seasonal one for your kitchen or dining room table. I had a long narrow piece of material left over and it was the perfect size!
I like sizing the table runners to sit on the table and not drape over. They look prettier that way and showcase rather than hide the table.
Supplies
Fabric - I cut the fabric 4 inches wider and longer than what I want the finished runner to be. This is a single layer piece so perfect for a beginner.
Matching thread - My fabric is cotton to I used cotton thread.
Instructions
Step 1
Ironing hems makes sewing so much easier!! I cut the material to be a total of 4 inches wider and longer than what I want the finished runner to be.
Step 2
I ironed a 2 inch hem. Then, I unfolded the hem and folded and ironed a one inch hem. That way, the unfinished edge is contained. Look in the picture below where the ironed crease is? That's the 2 inch crease. I folded and ironed ½ of the hem and then when I folded the original ironed crease, it was all nice and neat.
![Kitchen table runner](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9784-e1441992212535.jpg)
The two one inch folds equals the original 2 inch fold. I just found it easier to initially measure and iron the 2 inch fold, then open and iron ½ of that.
![Kitchen runner](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9786-e1441992503634.jpg)
See how all the rough end is encased? Now, if I was planning on keeping the runner forever, I think the proper thing to have done would have been to finish the edge (zig zag around the unfinished edge). But, I tend to get tired of things after a few years so it wasn't worth the work to me.
Tips for corners
I do cut some of the corner off when I'm folding at the corner. It just takes the bulk away and it makes it easier to sew the corners.
![Kitchen runner](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9804-e1441992720955.jpg)
![kitchen table runner](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9811-e1441993002388.jpg)
Now, all of that wasn't so hard, was it?
I totally love my table runner!!
![Kitchen runner.](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9837-e1441993171484.jpg)
For an easy to sew project, this is great. A little fyi, if you buy material with straight lines in it, it helps you measure and sew everything evenly.
![kitchen table runner](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/IMG_9833-e1441993554497.jpg)
I've had it on my table for about a month now. You probably have seen it in the background of some of my pictures like my cherry coffee cake.
![Cherry Coffee Cake.](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/IMG_0072-e1439386158369.jpg)
This project is perfect when you don't want to spend a fortune or you see the perfect material in the store!!
What easy sewing project have you done? Isn't it amazing how much it adds to your decor?
![A gray table runner placed on a naturally stained table.](https://momcrieff.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sewing-a-table-runner.jpg)
Originally published Sept. 11, 2015.
Susan
Would love instructions for the valances in these photos.... thank you!
momcrieff
Thank you for the suggestion! I will be making some kitchen valances soon. I'll share a tutorial!