1. This wrapping paper table runner idea from Martha Stewart Weddings would be a good way to use up a leftover roll or two.
2. Consider borrowing Loft & Cottage's idea of joining colorful napkins into a runner using fusible bonding.
3. Weave together strips of jute garden webbing to make this pleasantly natural-looking runner from Tara Dennis. The original project calls for you to sew along the ends, but a bit of hot glue should do the job.
4. Make a straightforward runner by finishing the edges with fusible bonding. To be even more festive, try something like the red ticking stripe that Hi, Friend used.
5. Let Borrowed and Bleu lend you their idea — hide raw fabric edges by adhering ribbon or lace with fusible bonding.
Images: As linked above.





Shaw's Original Fir...
A shop nearby sells beautiful hand screened wrapping paper that I've been wishing I had a use for - it's just too pretty to put tape on it, and is somewhat expensive. I'd love to use it as a table runner, but I wonder if it could be sealed somehow so that it won't get messy and have to be thrown out after a meal? Does anyone know what I might be able to paint on the surface?
These are all lovely, but I think I would rather just sew the hems than mess with the fake stitching stuff. Still, for someone without a sewing machine, that could be a good option.
tmoore, what about Modge Podge?
So basically, fusible bonding?
At least it's not that heinous fabric glue. :shudder:
@tmoore, you could cover the paper with clear contact paper, but it would be a painstaking process to avoid air bubbles and creases. Maybe if you have a helper and work very slowly, unrolling both materials a little at a time...
Laminating with a machine would also work, but probably be too expensive.
Or, you could lay out the paper and lay out a wider piece of clear vinyl from the fabric store on top. As long as nothing spilled and seeped beneath, you should be able to save both things to use again.
As for me, my table is round (oval witht he leaf) and I don't think runners work too well with that shape. (They tend to make the table took too crowded.) So I go for tablecloths instead -- and I sew.
I also LOVE using multiple ribbons just floating down the length of the table and choosing one of them to use as a napkin ring.
Hey Kim, thanks for the shout out on my little project! ~Casey
I am an ar-tist and work with linen canvas. That said, the material rips easily and straight. I have several runners that are simply torn canvas. Simple, simple, buy oh so chic!