Remember the days when doilies and embroidered cloths were on all your grandmother’s dressers, buffets and tables? If your home is decorated in contemporary styles, topping those tables and dressers in a new way is fun and creative.
Talbe runners don’t have to be complicated. With all the beautiful decorator fabrics, you can make one in an hour or two. Good choices are microsuede, damask, faux silk, jacquard, taffetas, tapestry or decorator cottons. Measure the length you want and determine the width. Cutting the ends of your runner to a point gives it a finished look. Choose a decorative tassel or beaded tassel to sew between the two layers of your runner fabric at the points. to do this simply lay the two cut pieces out right sides together. Place your tassel string at the point with tassel itself facing the center of the runner. Now stitch all around the runner leaving about four inches open for turning. Turn, press and hand stitch opening closed. If your tassel is beaded, you will want to stitch it in place by hand.
Piping is another good way to finish a dresser scarf or table runner. This gives it a less formal look. Experiment with different fabrics and finishes to complement your home in a look that is pleasing to you!
