DIY Burlap Table Runner

Learn how to create a DIY burlap table runner with very little time or money. An inexpensive burlap runner or burlap tablecloth is surprisingly easy to make, creating the perfect fall table runner for your table.

Fringed Burlap Table Runner Tutorial

Burlap is a great addition to your fall table decor.  It provides a rustic, yet soft element when used as a table runner for a casual or more formal table setting.

Burlap is not just for fall! It has a look that is totally season-less. It looks great for every season. In fact, due its organic texture and neutral color, it works just as well for spring as it does for fall.

Examples of Using Burlap Throughout The Seasons

I love to entertain and creating beautiful tablescapes is one of my favorite activities. I love to add a natural element to the center of the table with my homemade burlap table runner or burlap tablecloth. No matter what color scheme I choose, the organic texture of the burlap runner warms up the space. 

It looks perfect on top of the table, as well as layered over a simple white polyester tablecloth or even one with a subtle pattern.

In the springtime, it adds a touch of whimsy under my girls Easter baskets. Summertime arrangements of daisies and sunflowers complement the burlap runner. I often add a burlap bow to my flower vases as well.

A Burlap Runner Adds Charm For Any Season

Fall tablescapes of deep orange and rust linens with mounds of pumpkins display nicely on the rustic table runner.

And of course gold rimmed china and fine crystal plays nicely with my homemade runner, making an otherwise formal display look warm and inviting. There’s a reason that the burlap lace look has been so popular in rustic weddings for years! 

Where to Use a Table Runner

This burlap table runner can work in a variety of areas in your home decor. In addition to the dining table, this runner has graced our kitchen counter top when we have served a meal buffet style!  It looks beautiful on my mantle as well as over the piano, complete with a flower arrangement and a picture frame or two.

• Add it to a buffet or china cabinet for an extra layer of texture and charm in your dining room.
• Add a burlap runner or burlap tablecloth to your dining table for a rustic contrast to your formal china and flatware. 
• A burlap runner looks great as a layer in your living room as well – consider adding one to your coffee table or a sofa table. 

Burlap can be purchased in several different colors, but I gravitate toward a natural jute burlap that is easy to spot clean and hang dry. This decor staple takes minutes to create with very little investment! I love it so much, that I have given a few to close friends.

Ready to learn how easy it is to make your own DIY burlap table runner? The instructions are below!

DIY No Sew Burlap Table Runner

You’ll Need

• 2.5 yards of burlap (90″ in length) in the desired color.
• Scissors
• Iron (optional)

How to Make A Burlap Table Runner

Pull one thick thread at your desired width (I did 2′ or 5 threads).  It creates an easy guide to cut a straight line.  Cut.

Pull a thread, one at a time, to fray the edges on all 4 sides.

I pulled 5 threads on each side to achieve this frayed edge look:

If needed, iron and store in a roll to prevent wrinkles.If you’re gifting it, secure with a ribbon.

Create a Burlap Tablecloth 

Need something wider than a traditional table runner? Another great option with burlap is to create a full burlap tablecloth. This can be an inexpensive way to cover folding tables when you are hosting large groups. Table cloths can be so expensive! 

Burlap comes in so many colors now! For the paler ivory color that I’ve used throughout these images, you can buy a 60″ width of burlap fabric that will accommodate a variety of table sizes. This makes it so simple to cut and create exactly the size of table cloth you’ll need. Burlap also comes in darker shades of tan, and even blue!

Are you planning to make this burlap runner for a future fall tablescape or to gift to friends this season? I’d love to hear from you! If you create this rustic burlap runner for fall (or any season!) please come back and share in the comments. 

Burlap is a wonderful material for many different types of crafts and DIY projects. In the past, I’ve also used it to make a burlap pennant banner.