Easy DIY table runner and napkin tutorial. Includes step-by-step instructions on how to sew a dazzling mitered edge runner with matching napkins. The perfect addition to any holiday dinner party!

Easy DIY Table Runner and Napkin Tutorial

Goodness gracious Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Are you ready to host Thanksgiving dinner? Let me help make your life a little bit easier by sharing one of my favorite little design secrets that I do every time I host a party. This secret will help your Thanksgiving tablescape be one-of-a-kind. My secret lies with the often forgotten and humble table runner! Haha, it may sound silly but I’m totally serious!

If you look back at pictures of my parties that include food, chances are you will find a simple table runner that somehow adds more dazzle when added to a tablescape. Here’s another secret I’m going to share with you, I nearly always make them. You might be thinking to yourself, “Wouldn’t it just be easier to buy one?”

Well, I have many reasons why I choose to make my own.

Reason #1- It’s sooooo EASY! Simple enough that even if you have never sewn before this is the perfect first project to wet your feet.

Reason #2- Hosting a party gets expensive and by making my own runner it’s almost always cheaper than buying one at the store and helps cut overall party cost.

Reason #3- I want all my parties to be one-of-a-kind! By making my own table runner it helps give my party that unique personal touch.

Reason #4- A bonus to purchasing fabric is the leftover material. Making matching napkins, fabric ribbons, or banners to incorporate a matching theme throughout the room is often a nice touch.

Reason #5- It’s Easy! Oops, I said that already, but with my instructions, this point can’t be overstated.

Trust me when I tell you that if I can make one so can you! If you know how to string up a sewing machine, sew a relatively straight line, and use an iron, then I promise you got this! I’ll hold your hand the entire time by showing you each step to sew an elegant table runner along with six matching napkins. They will be the perfect additions to your holiday tablescape. You can and will take pride in the fact that you made it! Before I begin, I feel the need to tell you that I am a self-taught seamstress so please forgive me if my sewing terms aren’t entirely correct. I will, however, try to make everything as clear and simple as possible. Are you ready!?! Here we go….

Supplies List for a Simple Table Runner with Six Matching Napkins

3 yards of fabric (The runners overall finished product dimensions will be 14″ width by 104″ long. Long enough for a 7-foot table.)
Sewing machine
Coordinating thread
Scissors
Tape measure
Straight pins
Iron and ironing board
Disappearing ink sewing marking pen

Step # 1

Lay fabric out flat and cut runner 18″ in width by 3 yards (108″) in length. Use remaining fabric to cut out six 18″ by 18″ napkin squares and set to the side.

Step #2

Before you begin sewing your runner, first fold and iron over your edges. Along the edges of the fabric, fold over a 1-inch hem and iron out the fold. Then fold over and iron out another 1-inch hem around the table runners perimeter. Firmly press down on all four corners with the iron. This will give a nice crisp edge, making it easier to sew a create a clean mitered corner.

Step #3

1. Unfold the edges. Use a ruler to gently trace along the ironed fold with a fabric pen. Note the 4 squares along the corner. With the ruler, measure out 3 inches from the corners and mark.

2. Use the straight edge of the ruler to draw a line from mark (point A pictured) to mark (point B pictured) and cut off the triangular section.

3. Re-fold the first 1-inch hem, then fold right sides together and each corner so that all creases line up and pin in place. On the dotted line is where you will sew your 1/2″ seam.

Step #3

1. Sew a mitered seam 1/2 inch in width along the corner.

2. Trim off excess fabric while trying not to cut the corner seam.

3. Turn corner right side out.

Step #4

After you finish the other three remaining corners of the table runner, secure them in place with straight pins and sew a top stitch approximately 3/4 inch in from the outer edge around the entire table runners perimeter. Make sure to use coordinating thread!

Step #5 Napkins

The napkins are very similar. Do the same exact thing that you did for the runner except instead of folding over 1 inch hems, only fold over 1/2 inch hems (remember to do it twice!) along with all four sides. Your mitered edge seam will only be a 1/4 inch hem (not 1/2 inch like the runner) in from the corner edge of the fabric.