Sew a DIY Table Runner Using Fabric from the HGTV Fabric Line

Want a lovely runner for your dining room table? Try sewing a DIY table runner! The fabric for this runner is from the HGTV fabric line at JoAnn Fabric and Crafts.

Table runners are an excellent way to add texture, or a fun pop of color, to your dining table. I prefer table runners over tablecloths for everyday use. A runner complements the tabletop versus covering it up.

Recently, JoAnn Fabric and Crafts sent me a few sample fabrics from their new HGTV fabric line. These fabrics are all so bold and vibrant! I’m obsessed with all of them!

JoAnn Fabric sent me a yard of the Circling Pewter fabric (2nd in the first row) and a yard of the Groove Move Quarts (1st in the second row). They also sent some trim and a cute little card.

At first, I could not decide what to do with the fabric! I thought it was beautiful, but the bold patterns were out of my comfort zone.

Finally, I decided to use the Groove Move Quarts to make a DIY table runner for my dining room table. That room is evolving a lot right now. I added new neutral curtains, so the table could use a fun pop of color.

Sewing a Simple Table Runner

Sewing a table runner is very easy. If you can hem curtains, then you can sew a runner. I decided to sew a fun little half-table runner versus a full-length one.

To start, I cut my yard of fabric in half. This made the fabric about a yard long and 17″ wide. Then, I hemmed up all four sides with my sewing machine.

What is Hemming?

Hemming refers to the sewing technique of folding the edges and stitching them. Hemming is very important in sewing because it keeps the edges of the fabric from fraying. To hem a length of fabric, flip the fabric over and sew from the bottom. Fold over about half an inch to a full inch of fabric. Pin the fold in place. Then sew the edge using a sewing machine.

Sewing this DIY table runner took me less than an hour. And the end result is super adorable. I love that it doesn’t hide a lot of the table top. But it still makes a big statement.

I also debated for a while whether or not I should make another runner with the other half of the fabric and then sew the two pieces together so it would cover the length of the table, but I think I like it better small. 

I will probably make a pillow with the other 1/2 yard of this fabric because I like it so much. But I’m not sure what to do with the yard of Circling Pewter yet. Any ideas? Have you done any sewing lately? Or are you a hem tape person?