burlap table runner and fall freebie print

Autumn. Ahhh, so pretty – and the air feels so clean. I know that’s not really accurate but it just seems that way. The humid summer is behind us, no more stale air conditioning and I get to wear pretty scarves and fun boots! I do miss swimming in our pool (ok, I miss sitting out by our pool), and wearing flip flops but my boys’ football games make up for that!

I made this burlap table runner last week. It’s so easy and seems like a nice fall piece to put on your table. And burlap is soooo in right now (I’m working on a burlap wreath next). The steps are pretty simple and you can choose any trim that you like. I especially liked this trim because it hides my bad sewing abilities. I’m lucky to have a wonderful fabric store in town that sells lots of funky trims – too bad they don’t sell online…

• SUPPLIES •
burlap • trim of your choice • glue gun • thread & needle

• STEP ONE •
• cut burlap to the dimensions you like •
I made mine so that it doesn’t hang off the edges. You can do the same or have it hang over to any length you like. I like to see the fun trim on top of the table! My table is 42″ wide x 72″ long. My runner is 24″ x 58″. I left an additional 1/2″ on all edges for “hem”.

• STEP TWO •
• glue the edges for a “hem” •
I glued – the long edges only – with a glue gun so that the edges didn’t frey. I’m surprised it worked and the glue didn’t come thru the other side! Much better then sewing it.

• STEP THREE •
• sew the trim on to the short sides •
Sewing is not my thing but this is pretty basic stuff and I always go freehand vs. sewing machine. The trim allowed for errors. I wrapped the ends around to the other side and finished sewing.

That’s it!

Here it is on my kitchen table. As you can see, my table has lots of dings and scuffs. I used to stress about these but then I realized that each one was put there (most likely) by one of my kids and from the numerous dinners we sit down to together. I’ve learned to cherish those dings! Plus the runner hides most of them now!