Lazy No-Sew Table Runner

Thanks so much to Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting another Metamorphosis Monday.  Today I have a super simple project you could complete in no time at all.  Instant gratification!

 I don't own a sewing machine and my hand stitching makes my Home Economics teacher roll over in her grave!  However, I LOVE fabric and want to add custom touches to my home.  About 6 months ago I wandered into Hancock Fabrics (it's right next to Bed, Bath and Beyond and Ross) and walked around pretending to know what I was looking at.  The woman working there noticed my helplessness and we struck up a conversation where I admitted I wanted to make a curtain panel for my office.  She then introduced me to one of her customers who happened to be in the store.  To make a long story short, this girl made window treatments for her whole house using fabric glue!   Sounded good to me. From that point on, I felt like there wasn't anything I couldn't accomplish with that little bottle of glue. 

One of my first projects was a table runner to match my Dining Room curtains, see HERE.  I try to take the easiest possible route with my projects and this was no different.  I took an old runner that I didn't like and  covered just the top side wtih an extra panel from my dining room curtains.  I laid out the runner on top of the panel and cut around it leaving enough extra fabric to make a hem on all sides..

Then, so there wouldn't be a rough edge, I folded the fabric under on each side, ironed it flat and glued it to  the bottom edge of the underside of the runner.  I did this on both sides. 

                                                      

                                                   

I was even lazier doing the ends.  ( I mentioned earlier that not only do I not sew, I'm not a big fan of cutting  either!).  I just folded the ends in at an angle.

 

Make sure you flatten the fabric smooth before doing the other side.  This way everything is smooth on the top, no stitches or seams show.  Warning:  I used taffeta which is a very unforgiving fabric and didn't lay as smooth as a heavy cotton would.  Also if you are using a fabric with a pattern, try to center it. 

Attaching the fabric to an existing table runner makes for a more finished product.  It will have a heavier, stiff base and built in tassels.  My tassels happen to match my fabric but it would be easy to change them out or even add a decorative edge.  This can all be done with fabric glue!  Even if you don't have a runner, they are very inexpensive at stores like Ross.  Maybe you can find a really ugly one on clearance!  You could also use this method with placemats.  Just do the same thing.  And you don't have to buy fabric from the fabric store (and if you do, they always have coupons).   My local Walmart just added a whole sewing and fabric section and the prices are great.   You can use tablecloths, curtain panels even shower curtains!  I know some people use sheets but I think the fabric is too thin and soft.  If you want your fabric stiffer just use spray starch when you iron it.

The After!

I know this could be a little smoother but this was a tough fabric and my first attempt at a runner.  I really like the fact that I can match this to my Dining Room curtains or you could make one to match the fabric on your chair cushions.  Even if you don't make a table runner, you should really try this fabric glue.  It says it's washable on the label but even if something came loose, you could always just glue it again. 

I want to welcome my sister, Elaine at Creating Wonderful Spaces, to her first Metamorphosis Monday and invite you to stop by and see what she has to show today (she's the artistic one in the family!).  Thanks so much for stopping by. I love to hear what you have to say, so please leave a comment.  I have so many more ideas to share every week so become a follower so you're sure not to miss anything.  Have a great week!

Also linking up to:

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