DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels

DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels.
Easy, no sew step-by-step tutorial with pictures.
Great for cottage, farmhouse or vintage style decor.

Last year about this time I shared a couple of burlap runner projects that were easy and required no sewing. I wanted to add this DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels but never got it finished. Fringed burlap has a rustic look and is the perfect addition to cottage or farmhouse decor. To dress it up a little, all you have to do is finish off all sides of whatever you are making. In other words, no raw edges. That’s what I did with this runner and it has a more refined look.

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DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels

Here’s what you need:

1. Figure how much burlap you need: Measure the length of your table. A 12 inch drop on each end is plenty so take the length of your table and add 24 inches. For example if your table is 70 inches long you will need 94 inches of burlap. That comes to 2.6 yards so I would recommend buying 3 yards. Always round up the amount you need when working with burlap.

2. Prepare the burlap: This is not a necessary step but one I highly recommend. Washing and drying the burlap will make it so much easier to straighten (and iron.) Click HERE for my post on how to prepare burlap.

3. Decide how wide you want your runner: Most runners measure between 15 and 20 inches wide. Add 2 inches to your desired width measurement. Now you should have the length and width of your runner. Following the method explained in my post, cut a piece of burlap to this measurement.

4. At your ironing board turn over the long sides of the runner about 3/4 inch and press well.

5. Now you have a right and wrong side to your runner. Start pulling the threads from one end until you have a fringe about 6 inches long. Repeat with the other end.

6. Working from the sides of the runner in, start making knots as close as possible to the edge of the burlap. Use 7 or 8 strings per knot. When you get to the middle, you may have a couple of knots with slightly more or less strings. Just fudge a little to make them as even as possible. Remember this is hand-made so don’t worry about the knots being perfect.

7. When each end is knotted, at your ironing board, tuck fusible webbing tape along the folded-over sides and press well. This will finish off the sides of the runner nicely and prevent any unraveling.

Press your runner one final time. That’s it…you are finished!

If you like burlap but are not a fan of the unfinished look, this runner is for you. It takes a little time but is easy and the end result is really pretty.

If you’re wondering what to do with the burlap left over after you cut your runner, here are some easy projects that make great hand-made gifts.