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DIY Knotted Table Runner

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Back in January, I set a goal to add a little more color to our home.  I had grown bored of my beige/white/blue routine and longed for a little more whimsy and fun in my decor.  At the time, I really thought I’d spray paint a lamp green here and paint a picture frame yellow there.  I had no idea that once I got started adding color, I’d soon want to redecorate my entire house.  I’m having way too much fun with this!

My latest “this-needs-color-STAT-gah!” victim is the antique sideboard that sits in my entry way, directly across from my zebra shaded, green ruffled dining room.  No, no, no – don’t panic!  I didn’t paint the sideboard.  Its finish is lovely and original, and I want to keep it that way.  Instead, I finally got around to using my new  Ikea fabric to make a funky, knot-covered, Anthropologie-inspired runner to drape across it.

I am really feeling the bold colors and twisty knots that create an interesting shape.  Tom, on the other hand, is not.  He’s always honest with me about my projects, and this one is not his favorite.  When I asked him if it was the design of the runner or the brightly colored fabric that he didn’t like, his answer was, “Yes.”  My hope is that once it’s accessorized properly, he will grow to appreciate it.  I’m going to attempt to work on a vignette this week, and of course, you will be the first to know when it’s completed.

Whether you are on Team Lindsay or Team Tom on this one, I do think there may be a place for this knotting technique somewhere in your home.  If you aren’t looking to add such a bold print, try it with white fabric or even burlap.  I’ve seen several tutorials using the knots for fabulous knock-off Anthro duvet covers, and the same general technique is applied here.

DIY Knotted Table Runner

You’ll need:

  • Length of fabric measuring about 1/3 longer than you want your finished project to be;
  • 4″ diameter circle template;
  • Pencil;
  • Embroidery floss in color matching your fabric;
  • Needle;
  • Double fold bias tape or quilt binding (optional).

Directions

1.  Cut your fabric to the length and width wanted for your runner.   Because my runner is for my sideboard, I didn’t want it quite as long as I’d put on a regular dining table.  My finished length needed to be about 2 yards long, so I used 3 yards of fabric.  Your finished width will be roughly the same size as the piece of fabric you cut.

2.  Finish all four edges.  You can simply turn under the edges, press and hem (either with a sewing machine or iron-on hemming tape), or you can sew bias tape on the edges.  I just used the prepackaged extra wide, double fold quilt binding that you can find in any craft/fabric store.

3.  Using a template that’s roughly 4 inches in diameter, trace circles with a pencil on your fabric.  I centered each of my circles down my runner and spaced them about 5 or 6 inches apart.

4.  With your embroidery floss and needle, sew long stitches around the circle.  Don’t cut or tie off the thread at this point.

5.  Pull the extra length of thread taut so that it gathers your fabric.  The tighter your pull, the more it will gather (this is why you want to use embroidery floss – regular thread would break if you pull too hard).  Pull up the center of the circle so that it forms a little point.

6.  Twist the little point and stick it back down inside the gathers with your finger.

7.  With the still threaded needle, run three or four passes through the middle of the knot, securing it into place.  Tie off the thread on the under side of the fabric.

8.  Now, just repeat this knotting method for the rest of your circles.

The process seems complicated, but it only takes a few minutes to complete each one.  If you are like me, you can add it to the list of things you’ll work on while watching a Bring It On franchise movie marathon on TV.  Brrr!  It’s cold in here.  There must be some Toros in the atmosphere.

Even though the jury is still out for Tom, I really do like the finished product.  It’s different, funky, and incredibly easy to throw together.

What do you think?  Is this a fresh take on a boring table runner or is it just flat out weird?

Oh, e, oh, e, oh.  Ice. Ice. Ice.

P.S. – If you read my blog outside of a reader, you’ll notice that I’m changing things up a bit and overhauling my blog design.  As with most everything, I’m DIYing this bad boy, too.  Each time you visit, things may look a little different or maybe even be broken.  I decided not to work on it offline, because what’s the fun in that?  This way, you’ll be able to see one of my projects done in real time.

 


 

About Lindsay Ballard

Lindsay Ballard is a former college mascot turned political geek turned roller derby playing, DIY fanatic.

Lindsay chronicles her projects, design ideas, and lifestyle tips here at Makely, where she shares tutorials and inspiration. Her DIY designs are bold and graphic, while her spirit is fun and full of color.

Comments

  3. amanda says

    I’m feeling it! I’s so glad found your blog a long time ago when I purchased the same carpet cleaner as you, and googled it to see if I had made a good decision!

    Reply

  6. Joanne B. says

    maybe just a bit too much going on here! I would have liked to se this fabric in a few throw pillows for your sofa with the bright blue trim incorporated somehow, or mayb even this technique on a throw pillow?

    Reply

    • Lindsay says

      That should totally have been my middle name – “a bit too much going on here.” LOL That applies to SO MANY aspects of my life. Ha!

      Reply

  7. Meag says

    I like the fabric, and I like the runner, but I don’t care for them together. Like Joanne, I feel there’s too much going on here. But I totally dig the runner idea; I may have to try. 😀

    Reply

    • Lindsay says

      The more I look at it, the more I’m starting to come to the same conclusion. Hmmm…how do I work this so that my husband doesn’t get to claim he’s “right”?

      I think I’ll try it in another fabric and see how it turns out.

      Reply

  9. nopinkhere says

    I’m with Team Tom, but I’ll reserve final judgment until I see the final set up. Love the new blog banner.

    Reply

  10. Berit Berndes Raymer says

    Love the new blog design! Hoping the runner looks better once accessorized… I think the throw pillow idea might be great for that fabric. I admire you for being brave and bold with colors!

    Reply

  11. judy in carefree says

    Love the fabric, but somehow it just doesn’t strike the right cord with me on that piece of furniture.

    Reply

  12. Rose says

    Sorry: team Tom on that one!
    Usually I like your creations a lot better: funky but a little less “interesting”!
    Maybe in another setting it would work… I love the bright colors, but I admit the shape, the volume of it just doesn’t fit that piece of furniture… Look forward to the next post on that runner…

    Reply

  13. Jenni says

    After reading the comments, I just have to say, “Way to risk and open yourself up for opinions!!!” You are truly humble when you can do this and not be offended but take it as help. Kuddos to you! I can’t wait to see what you decide.

    Reply

  14. Judith Ann from Cape Cod says

    Hey, gang; I understand how most of you feel about this as as table scarf. It seems it would be difficult to place objects on top of the scarf, and I’d hate to give up the display area of such a large space,

    But what I see here is an awesome, fabulous, supercala you-know-what idea for a — drum roll please — fashion scarf! Thank you, Lindsay — I’ve been meaning to find out how to create this type of fabric manipulation, and now you’ve shown us. I am in the midst of painting the living room, but as soon as that’s done, it’s back to the sewing room to try out this technique.

    Lots of love and a big ole “wave” from Cape Cod,
    Jude

    Reply

  15. Diane says

    I’m all for funky style, but I am not loving it. I think that the fabric is too blotchy (forgive me, I’m not having a good way with words this morning) for the knotted design. It reminds me of a pile of laundry on your side table, and I’m pretty sure that’s not the look you are going for! With that large type of print, it already has so much texture and depth that it needs to be a smooth surface, or it will look messy.

    I bet that would look amazing in a solid fabric, though! Maybe the runner would work well as a runner for your dining room table during a festive dinner, with lots of colorful accessories. Or possibly as a draped thing on your curtains, like bunting.

    I hope this wasn’t too harsh- I love your blog! You can’t have a home run every time up to bat though, right?

    Reply

  17. Jeannette says

    I think this would be cute attached to some pillows.It doesn’t seem to work as a table runner but I do like it.Perhaps a smaller print would work? I dunno it is nice though and I would attach to a pillow or even a lamp shade.

    Reply

  18. Ashley Ez says

    Love the piece, just not on that piece of furniture. I think this would be really fun on the end of a made up bed. Or as a runner on a dessert table.

    Reply

  20. Heather@The Black's Best says

    I really like the technique you used and think there are endless possibilities for it. I would love to try this in something in a more subtle pattern. Thanks for all of the instruction on how to do, I got it even though I don’t sew!

    Reply

  21. Maggie @ Black and White {Side by Side} says

    This is really fun too! I agree that your new & improved green runner works better on this piece of furniture. But I still love this bold version. Maybe on a big outdoor table? or a white table/buffet? The technique is awesome!

    Reply

  23. Jennifer Creviston says

    I love it! It is exactly what I’ve been looking for! I have a very oddly built in buffet style counter top in my kitchen under 2 windows and its off center. (what was the builder thinking??) I don’t display much on it because its far away from the work area of the kitchen and I honestly don’t need more stuff sitting around if I do need to use it for having guests over. (this is where I display food) It is perfect for the simple nature of it, I love it! I love the colors..bright and happy.

    Reply

  24. dellilah says

    Dear Lindsay ! though you get a million comments of praise each day but still i want to be the hundred millionth admirer of your work. I have been reading your blog for as along as two years and after all the inspiration it was hard not to take the plunge into the “blög world”. 🙂 Keep the inspiration coming .xoxo .Do drop by @ http://threevikingsandaking.blogspot.com/

    Reply

  26. Mary says

    I love the tutorial for this….I use fabric draped on my buffet tables and always think they look a little messy. I am going to try this and I bet it will make a dramatic display. I am falling in love with your blog!

    Reply

  27. Joni says

    I loved this knotting technique. I will definitely try this. Thank you for the instructions. I think pretty items nestled into the folds would be lovely.
    I love your blog. I found you “accidentally” on Pinterest. How much fun is that site? I’m addicted. I will look you up facebook.

    Smiles,

    Joni

    Reply

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    Reply

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