How to make a no-sew table runner and placemats

Dining tables come in all shapes and sizes so it can be difficult to find linen to fit.

If that is the case in your home, follow these easy instructions to make runners and placemats in the exact size and look you want.

Cost: none

Skill Level: none

Start to finish: Less than ½ a day

Tools

Iron with a steamer

Materials

• 2 yards of upholstery fabric to make 6 placemats
• 2 yards contrasting fabric for the lining
• 3 yards of coordinating upholstery fabric for the table runner

Determine placemat size

Placemats are usually between 12” x 18” to 14” x 20”. Make sure yours will fit on the table at least two inches away from the edge of the table runner. You may want to make one or two extra placemats in case you need a replacement in the future. Add four inches to width and four inches to the length (two inches on each side). This is the total size fabric you will need for each placemat.

Layer and iron

Lay one yard of upholstery fabric pretty-side down on your work surface then lay the fusible bonding web on top of that. Lay the contrasting lining, pretty-side up on top of that. Insert a few pins to hold the layers of fabric in place. Start ironing in the middle of the fabric and work your way out so you don’t get any bumps. If necessary, use a piece of non-stick ironing sheet to protect your fabric. Repeat the process for all your placemats.

Double hem

Fold the edge of the fabric in a 1/2” on all the long ends and iron flat. Fold one more time, another 1/2” and iron flat. Cut a strip of the fusible webbing to size and place it between the layers of the double hem and iron on with steam. Run the iron back and forth a few times and make sure it’s stuck together. Repeat the hem on the shorter sides.

Double-sided

To make sure the corners lay flat, add an extra drop or two of fabric glue underneath the hem.

Determine table runner size

Runners look the best when they are 1/3 the width of the table, so for the finished width of the runner, divide the width of the table by three. Add two feet to the length of your table for the length of the runner. Add four inches to both the width and length (two inches on each side) for hem allowance. That is the total size of fabric you will need.

Hem length

Cut the table runner fabric to size. Make a 1/2” double seam around all four sides (just as you did for the placements). Tuck the fusible webbing underneath the second hem to hold it in place.

Hem width

To make sure the corners lay flat, add an extra drop or two of fabric glue underneath the hem.

Set a fancy table

Do not spend too much on table linen, make your own and use the extra money on good food. Not only were these double-sided placemats and table runner inexpensive to make, they were super easy too.