31 Days: Day 19 - Table Runner

Today's gift, I actually made to match the Coasters I made yesterday.  I think that Table runners are so easy to make and people love them too.  I know, for myself, I rarely think to buy them for myself.

For this project, you will need:

• Cotton material in the size that you want to make (I made a large one that started out as 16"X70")
• 1/2 yard Contrasting material for ruffles
• Sewing Machine & notions for sewing project

1.  Cut out the material to the size that you'd like, adding 1 inch to all sides to account for the hem.

2.   Press all edges 1/4", and then press it up another 1/4" all the way around.  (This makes the raw edge hidden inside.)

3.   Unfold the pressed edges at the corners and clip the corners at a diagonal, making the corners less bulky.

4.   Sew a straight stitch all the way around, lining the edge of the presser foot up to the edge of the runner.

5.  You could end your project here, but I like to add a little ruffle on the end. 

6.   I'm going to make my own ruffle, but you could use a purchased one, or even use lace or whatever you have on hand.  For the ruffle, cut two strips about twices as long as the end of the runner by 4 inches.

7.   Press the strips in half.  (You could  sew together the wrong sides and make a tube.  Then turn it rightside out, to get a finished edged ruffle.)  I like the rough edge on it to give it a little primitive look.

8.   Sew a basting stitch down the rough side of the ruffle, to make it gather.

9.   It may start to gather on it's own, or you can pull one of the threads to make it gather.

10.   Pin it in an even gather along each of the short ends.  I pined the edge of the strip around the back of the runner to finish it off.

11.   Put it on your table, or wrap it up with your coasters from yesterday and give it to someone you love for Christmas!

I love the finished edge, yet a little bit homespun, too!

Please check out all the blogs I love to link up to and all the other projects I have done in the 31 Days of Handmade Christmas Gifts.