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.

A set table with a burlap table runner.

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. 

An Easter table setting with a jute burlap runner

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.

burlap runner with white plates plaid napkin and a pumpkin

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! 

thankful for card next to plates, glassware on burlap
Table set for Thanksgiving, wheat on top of napkins at place setting.

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. 
An Easter table setting featuring a burlap runner, pretty glassware and white plates.

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.

burlap tutorial with text overlap pull  thread as a guide to cut

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

finger puling thread of burlap

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

frayed burlap on wood table

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

Burlap table runner rolled up with ribbon to secure it

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!

A small textured Easter bunny on a spring table setting, placed on top of a burlap tablecloth.

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. 

An Easter table setting featuring a burlap runner, pretty glassware and white plates.

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.

More Fall Tables to Inspire You

I love creating beautiful tablescapes for every season! Check out a few of these ideas for fall table settings that you’ll love. You can use your burlap tablecloth or fall burlap runner with ANY of these table centerpieces for an extra layer of rustic charm your guests will love.

A set table with a burlap table runner.
5 from 1 vote

Burlap Table Runner

Create a beautiful easy no sew Burlap Table Runner in minutes! A burlap runner adds a beautiful layer of texture to your table and makes a thoughtful gift!
Cook: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Pin Rate Print

Ingredients  

  • 2.5 yards of burlap 90″ in length)

Instructions 

  • Pull one thick thread at your desired width {I did 2′}. It creates an easy guide to cut a straight line. Cut.
    pull one thread from burlap to create a straight line
  • Pull a thread, one at a time, to fray the edges on all 4 sides. Pull 5 threads from each side in all.
    frayed burlap table runner on wood table

Tips

Iron, if needed.
Roll to store to prevent wrinkles.
Tie with a ribbon to gift.

Equipment

Optional: Iron

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