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DIY Table Runner

I found this polyester fabric at Walmart that I thought was rayon. I thought it would be beautiful dyed and as a table runner!

Well as I was playing with it, I quickly realized it was definitely not rayon. It was probably 100% polyester. Natural fibers such as rayon take dye very well. Non natural fabrics like polyester, nylon and spandex do not take dye. This was supposed be emerald green!! It ended up being very light teal.

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

What you need to create your DIY table runner
  • Solid fabric (white works best! If you can get all natural fabric it will take the dye much better but it will work as a blend as well.)
  • Dye (I used emerald)
  • Salt
  • Large pot

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye. I started by cutting my fabric in a long strip. I did 15″ x 48″ and I also did some longer ones about 15″ x 70″!

After you cut the table runner the size you’d like it, serge the edges with your serger! If you don’t have a serger just fold over the edge 1/4″ and sew along the edge!

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

Now you will wash your fabric. Washing your fabric is really important before dyeing because it helps the fabric take the color so much better!

At this point I just followed the instructions on the dye packet! You dilute the dye in water and dissolve it.

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

Then you will fill up your pot with 6 liters of warm water and 10 tablespoons of salt. Next you will pour in your disolved dye!

Now you will submerge your fabric in the dye! I wadded mine in a ball so that it would look spotty on purpose. Tying the fabric is a little trick I’ve learned that will make mistakes seem more on purpose when I’m dyeing fabric!

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

Turn off the heat and let your fabric stay in the dye for at least 1 hour!

When you pull it out, rinse it until the water runs clear. I like to do this then also do a ‘rinse’ cycle in my washer before putting it through a full wash cycle!

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

No you’re ready to use your table runner! I love the way table runners add a little pop of color to your table but you don’t have to cover the full table top. Chances are likely you picked your table top because you liked it, not to cover it up!

Table runners are one of the most simple ways to add a pop of color to your kitchen! I made mine from some left over fabric and my favorite dye.

It was really surprising to me how light the color came out on this particular fabric. Because I was curious, I also dyed a cotton towel and it turned a rich dark, deep teal which is what I was hoping for with this table runner! Now I know you need 100% natural fibers. Even blends, such as this, don’t take the color very well.

Thanks for letting me hang out today! You can see more of my style and other projects over at Practical and Pretty!