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Make Your Own DIY Table Runner

DIY Table Runner

DIY table runner
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Entertaining at home is such a lovely way to spend time with friends and family. If your family dinner table could use some sprucing up, try creating this DIY table runner! Constructed from only two materials, the ombre color palette lends this creation a sophisticated and pulled-together vibe. The simple tutorial can be your little secret when your guests ooh and ahh at how intricate this piece looks when it's set on a table.

Gather Materials

Materials for DIY table runner
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

As you gather your materials, try to ensure that the pieces of felt you find are 9" x 12"; that will be the perfect size to cut strips of felt for this particular project. If you find that you can't locate the colors that you'd like at your local craft store, search online for a more in-depth color palette of felt sheets.

Materials:

  • 9" x 12" felt sheets in an ombre range of colors
  • glue sticks

Tools

  • Scissors or a paper cutter
  • Glue gun

Cut Felt Strips

Cut felt strips for a DIY table runner
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Start by cutting your felt strips. If you have access to a paper cutter with a measuring grid, this part is fast and easy! Simply cut each 9" x 12" sheet of felt into 12 strips that are each 9" x 1". If you don't have access to a paper cutter, use a ruler and scissors or a rotary cutter to cut the strips. You should end up with 12 strips of each color that you have. A good rule of thumb is that 12 strips make about one foot of table runner, so if you want a 6-foot runner, you'll need 6 sheets of felt.

Lay Out Strips

Lay Out Strips
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Start with your first color. Lay 6 strips of this color in a diagonal pattern, as shown here. Then choose your next color and lay 6 strips of that color right next to the first 6 strips.

Glue Strip Ends

Glue Strip Ends
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

 Place a dot of glue on the top end of the first strip.

Lay Cross Strips

Cross Strips
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Start laying your cross strips as you glue. The cross strips should connect at the top with the original strips, then cross over two strips, and connect with the bottom of the next strip. You'll want to place a dot of glue at every top and bottom connection of two strips.

Glue Middle Cross Sections

Glue on DIY table runner
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

Once you have all of your colors laid out and all of your cross strips glued at the top and the bottom, go back with a glue gun and place a dot of glue at the points where the strips cross over in the mid-point of the runner. This extra point of adhesion will give the runner a bit more stability and security.

Trim Ends

Trimmed felt on DIY table runner
The Spruce / Lovely Indeed

When you are satisfied with the length of your table runner and all of your glue points are secure, trim the excess felt off of either end of the table runner. You can trim however you like, creating a pattern, or just cutting off any excess felt tails from your runner.

Lay It Out

DIY felt table runner
Lovely Indeed

Lay your runner out down the center of your dinner table and add a pretty table setting to finish off the look! This runner would be perfect in different colors for different holidays, seasons, celebrations, and so much more.