DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels

Two methods for making a DIY burlap table runner with tassels. Just follow the easy, no sew, step-by-step tutorials for a custom burlap table runner that’s the perfect accessory for farmhouse or cottage decor.

Burlap has been around for hundreds of years, and it’s still one of the most popular decorating accessories today. Fringed burlap has a rustic look, and it’s the perfect addition to cottage or farmhouse decor.

There are two different methods for making a burlap table runner included in this post, and both of them have darling tassels. Method No. 1 uses burlap fabric that needs to be prepared and straightened. Method No. 2 uses no-fray burlap that comes on a roll.

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DIY Burlap Table Runner with Tassels: Method No. 1

Here’s what you need:

Step 1: to 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 4: at your ironing board turn over the long sides of the runner about 3/4 inch and press well. Both long sides now have a finished edge. We will adhere the edge later.

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

Step 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.

Step 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 prefer a more finished look, this runner is for you. It takes a little time, but it’s easy, and the end result is really pretty.

Burlap Table Runner with Tassels: Method No. 2

This method for making a burlap table runner is not only super easy, it’s quick & budget-friendly. Unlike the first method that uses burlap fabric, method no. 2 uses no-fray burlap that comes on a roll. Think of it as a very wide roll of burlap ribbon.

What you need:

**I did not wash the roll of burlap before I made the runner below. The roll did not smell, and I liked the fact that it was slightly stiff.

Step 1: Begin by deciding the length of your runner. The width is already decided, since the roll of burlap has finished edges.

Step 2: Cut a piece of burlap to your desired runner length, plus 4 inches. I did not want my runner to drop over the edges of our table, but that is a personal choice.

Step 3: It’s time now to straighten the ends of the runner. Keeping your runner measurement in mind, pull a thread from each end of your piece of burlap, forming a channel. The distance between the channels should equal the length of your runner.

Step 4: Using the channels as a guide, evenly cut the ends of the burlap.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO STRAIGHTEN BURLAP.

Step 5: Pull threads from each end of the burlap until you have fringe about 6 inches long.

Step 6: Working from the sides of the runner in, start making knots, as close as possible to the body of the runner. 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.

Step 7: Iron the runner and enjoy!

Handy Quick Links:

burlap table runner with ruffles
easy, no sew burlap table runner
how to cut burlap (includes how to wash burlap & drying tips)

Thank you so much for stopping by…see you soon!