How to Make a Short Table Runner

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This fun short table runner is unique because of its size...it's a miniature version of a normal table runner. I designed it to use the "wrong" way on the table, instead of up the center of a table. And then I used three runners all together to add some fun interest to a simple tablescape. See how to make your own short custom table runner below.

This sweet little short table runner is a quick sewing project. I did a bit of light quilting on mine, but nothing fancy. And the quilting part is totally optional and done on your sewing machine. If you need a quick way to dress up your table, this is your ticket. AND...you'll never guess what my color palette inspiration for these was!

Is it just me, or does this whole color combination just scream summer? Can you guess what the inspiration behind this custom table runner was? Paper plates, y'all. Paper plates that I picked up at the dollar store. The colors were so pretty that I found some fabric at Hobby Lobby to match my plates perfectly.

Aren't they so pretty? It's fun to match things to the unexpected. Plus, paper plates are my go-to outside dinnerware. I am a die-hard real plate or even china user on the inside of our home. But, if we're taking things to the backyard, it's paper plates all the way. 

How to Make a Short Table Runner

To make this short table runner outdoor-friendly, I used a heavier cotton duck fabric so it wouldn't blow right off the table. I also sprayed it with outdoor fabric spray after I had finished sewing it together. The length of your fabric will completely depend on the width of your table. Our patio table, (which is actually a table made from a door), is wider than most standard table tops. I also didn't want a pool of fabric in everyone's laps while they were seated at the table, so I just did a couple of inches more than the actual table. And honestly, this worked out well...my fabric was 45" wide and my table was 40". I only had to cut off the selvage and I was good to go with the length. I did the width in a standard 12" table runner size.

Short Table Runner Supplies:

• cotton duck fabric (for outdoor use, feel free to use a lighter weight fabric for indoor use)
• Refer to my above instructions for the amount of fabric you'll need. I used this same fabric on both the top and bottom of my custom table runner.
• In case you're wondering, the fabric I used in this post is "Marble Multi" from Mellisa De Pasquale. I purchased it at Hobby Lobby.
• Heat n' Bond Fusible Fleece (I prefer the high loft)
• I just use one piece of fusible fleece inside my custom table runner. If you'd like a thicker runner, you can use two pieces.
• I purchase this big bolt of Heat n' Bond Fusible Fleece here on Amazon a couple of times a year. Y'all, the price on this bolt is AMAZING compared to buying it by the yard in the fabric shop. Do yourself a favor and grab one. 
• coordinating thread
• straight pins or Wonder Clips
• Wonder Clips are life-changing. Grab a pack here on Amazon.
• standard sewing supplies: sewing machine, scissors, etc.
• clear, acrylic quilting ruler
• I use this Omnigrip ruler from Amazon here.
• water soluble pen or marker
• I use the FriXion Erasable pens that erase from fabric with the steam of my iron. Grab a pack for the best price I've seen here on Amazon.
• optional: zipper foot for your sewing machine
• I like to use a zipper foot when I work with fusible fleece. It allows me to get as close as I possibly can to the fleece when I'm sewing up against it.
• optional: Scotch-Gard to protect your fabric from spills and such (and the elements, if you're using outside)
• Grab a bottle of Scotch-Gard here on Amazon.

Sewing Your Short Table Runner

• Start by cutting your fabric to the dimensions I talked about earlier. I desired a finished piece that measured 12"x43". So I cut two pieces of my cotton duck fabric in 13"x45" sizes. I use pretty liberal seam allowances in this project, which gives me a little wiggle room if I don't adhere my fusible fleece perfectly the whole way down the piece. 
• Cut your fusible fleece to your end specifications: mine was 12"x43".
• Iron your fusible fleece on to the wrong side of one of your pieces according to its package directions. You need a larger seam at one end of the table runner (for my cheater binding). So your ironed-on fusible fleece should look something like the following diagram: 

• After your fusible fleece is adhered, place your two fabric pieces right sides of fabric together (so your fusible fleece will now be on the outside). 
• Pin or clip your fabrics together (as pictured above).

• You will now sew around three ends of your custom table runner pieces. Leave the shorter side with the large seam allowance open (I usually put a few pins on that side as a reminder to stop sewing when I get there). 
• Use a basic stitch and stitch right against your fusible fleece. A great little trick is to use your zipper foot on your sewing machine. It allows you to get as close as possible to that fleece.

You can see in the above photo how close the zipper foot allows you to get to the fleece. Zipper feet come standard with most sewing machines. You'll have to get the kind for your machine, but in case you can't find your zipper foot, check out the ones here on Amazon (I bought one here for my machine and it worked perfectly; read carefully that it is a zipper presser foot).

• Once your three sides are stitched up, clip off your corners on the sewn side of the short end. Be careful not to clip into the stitching (you'll be super sad if you do that!). This will allow you to have nice, crisp points once you turn your piece right-side out. (See the above photo for how this looks.)

• You can use a pointy-ish object to gently push those points out. The above is that sewn side. Below, we'll address how to close up the open side.

• Take the open side of your custom table runner and tuck it inside itself, until you've met the edge of the fusible fleece. Give it a nice press. 
• Then, using a basic stitch on your machine, sew about a half of an inch into the piece, closing that side (see below).

• The far right line of the table runner (above) is the stitch to close that end of the fabric. 
• Using your quilter's ruler and water-soluble or erasable sewing pen, mark lines every two inches on your runner. These are perfect to do an easy quilting on top of...to add some extra dimension to your custom table runner. If you'd like to just skip this step, I recommend doing a duplicate stitch on the other short end of your table runner so it matches this one...then press your whole piece and call it good. 

• I don't do much actual quilting, but if it's simple, straight stitches, I go for it. I just sew right on top of my lines. I use the tiniest little backstitch at each end to tack the lines...but not enough that it would show.
• After sewing these lines, all that's left is a nice ironing. 
• I also gave my custom table runner a couple of coats of outdoor-grade Scotch Guard to protect it from the elements and make spills easy to clean.

Using Your Short Table Runner

I just love how this miniature table runner came out. I refinished our patio table just a bit from last year...it's now a lot darker (but more weather-resistant...long story). These gorgeous little mini table runners give it a nice brightness and pop of color that I think it needs. I created three of these table runners, in all. 

I dressed up plastic flatware by rolling it in my linen napkins. Even though I prefer paper plates and plasticware outside, nothing beats a cloth napkin. I added a purple polka-dotted bow for one more pattern.

This short table runner placed in this particular direction easily acts as a placemat, too. They're easy to just throw in the wash if they get any spills or food on them.

Our back patio is really coming together for the season. We love eating our meals out here as often as we can. See the  transformation of this space in the video below.

The perfect lil' summer picnic, no?

Looking for More Table Runner Ideas?

• Check out my reversible custom table runner tutorial, too. It's perfect to use for two seasons or holidays.
• I also made this easy (and budget-friendly) lace-edged table runner out of a drop cloth. 
• This No-Sew Burlap Custom Table Runner from Shine Your Light is super sweet.
• I love this simple, quilted custom table runner from A Spoonful of Sugar Designs.