How To DIY A Simple Drop Cloth Table Runner

In this quick tutorial, I’m going to show you how I created a creamy, classic, and simple drop cloth table runner.

If You Can’t Find What You Want, Make It

I have probably 4 table runners. I occasionally pick one up here and there on clearance or at thrift stores along the way. But of all the ones I owned nothing screamed classic and simple.

I also have these six beautiful vintage linen napkins I wanted to pair with it in a Romantic Tablescape for Valentine’s Day. If you want to read more about that visit How to Create A Handmade Romantic Tablescape.

Vintage linen has a beautiful creamy color and all of the table runners I have clashed with it terribly. So, what was I supposed to do?

Typically I don’t just run to the store when I am looking for something. Usually, I’m patient and either hunt for it diligently at thrift stores or make it myself. And I didn’t have time to patiently wait for it, so that left making myself a drop cloth table runner. And I’m not mad about it.

Watch the Tutorial On YouTube

Drop Cloth Fabric Can Be Vintage Farmhouse Chic

Used to be when you said the word drop cloth people only ever thought of painting rooms and covering your floors. But some genius discovered that it’s actually pretty awesome, especially when bleached, for an alternative to vintage feed sacks and even linen. It’s got all the feels and charm of vintage, but without any of that price tag.

Bonus, it was in my stash so I didn’t have to pay anything for it. If you are not as fortunate to have drop cloth in your ahem hoard, this one comes highly recommended.

The Steps to Sew A Drop Cloth Table Runner

Disclaimer: I am not a professional seamstress by any stretch of the imagination. I have limited knowledge about sewing terms or even how to troubleshoot machine problems when I encounter them. And I manage to make some really cool things using a machine. My sewing projects are not all effortless. But I love to sew. And using a machine enables me to accomplish tasks in a fraction of the time as hand sewing. So, believe me when I say if I can do it, so can you.

Step #1 Choose And/Or Prepare Your Fabric Of Choice

In this case, I chose a drop cloth fabric and prepared it by bleaching it then washing it multiple times. Prewashed fabric is optimal in my opinion because it will preshrink before you cut out project dimensions. The top benefit to preshrunk fabric is eliminating shrinkage down the road.

Why do I love and Recommend Drop Cloth Fabric?

Some of my top reasons for the conclusion that drop cloth is the ultimate DIY choice include:

1. Low Cost – Which makes it the obvious and best choice for those working on a small budget.
2. Thickness & Strength – The material is extremely durable because it’s original purpose was for heavy use in construction sites. Therefore it is extremely durable, perfect for a house full of kids!
3. Doesn’t Stain Easily – My kids and cats often get their dirty little feet/hands on it and leave stains and it easily washes off.
4. Naturally Water Repellant – It doesn’t soak in water as quickly as other fabrics making it a really great choice. (After bleach and several washes this feature does wane).
5. Becomes Soft & Creamy When Bleached – It comes out of the package feeling pretty coarse and looking very tan. But with bleach and a soak it can easily turn into beautiful crisp white (or a lovely vintage cream color). Making it really easy to maintain in a house full of kids.

The entire bleaching process and all the details are in How to Bleach Drop Cloth for Vintage Vibes.

Step #2 Wash, Dry, And Iron

This step is pretty important because it gives you a real idea of true size before you make any cuts. It also makes it easier to start your seams in the next few steps.

You’ll need your iron again, so don’t rush to put it all away.

Step #3 Measure Your Table And Add Seam Allowances

First, measure the length and the width of your table and decide how wide you would like your table runner. I chose to make mine 3/4 of the width of my table as opposed to traditional runners which are 1/2 at the most.

Second, I had to take into account that I wanted it to hang over the edge lengthwise at least 4-5″.

Third, account for seam allowances. Since drop cloth is a thicker fabric it was easier to work with making larger seams. Instead of 1/2″ seam allowances, I did more like 3/4″. And since I was doing a double fold hem to hide the raw edge I multiplied that by 2, which meant seam allowance of 1 1/2″ on both sides, lengthwise and widthwise.

Drop cloth fabric is known to fray when washed. Therefore I wanted to hide the raw edge in a pocket so I wouldn’t ever deal with that issue.

Fourth, be intentional about using the presewn sides of the drop cloth. Since I was able to use 2 sides already sewn that meant I only had to sew 2 sides.

Fifth, after I had measured and done my math twice (measure twice, cut once) I started to cut into the fabric. With drop cloth, once you’ve started a cut you can simply tear the rest of the way until you hit the bottom seam, then cut.

Step #4 Ironing Your Seams to Create A Double Fold Hem

First, I eyeballed 3/4″ and started to fold my first hem down. To make it that much easier I ironed the seams as I pressed them down. Then the second hem fold. This way I didn’t have to use pins, which eliminates one more step and extra time.

You can use pins if that makes it easier to start.

Second, iron all the seams you are going to sew. You may need to insert a single pin into each corner. Since the fabric is very thick layered up it will be bulky and not want to stay.

Step #5 Tips For Sewing Your Table Runner Hems

First, I chose my thread which is actually a thicker cream-colored upholstery thread from Coats & Clark. It matched the coloring of my fabric almost perfectly. I filled my bobbin (I only needed one for my work) and threaded the machine.

Second, when starting to sew I chose to start beyond my first corner simply because starting with the thickest part and trying to get it to keep moving through did not work well. I came back to the corner after I’d gone all the way down past the second corner.

Third, to strengthen the stitch I start and end each section by going forward, reverse, then forward just an inch or so. I always use an easy straight stitch when sewing a quick project (a shortened length stitch, so the stitches are closer together). It’s a #6 on my Brother Machine (I actually borrowed my teenage son’s machine) and I keep the tension set at 4.

Step #6 Finish It Off

First, I went ahead and snipped off any extra strings to clean it up.

Second, I ironed it a second time to really make it beautiful.

Third, enjoy your fresh and beautiful creamy drop cloth table runner with vintage vibes!

I hope I’ve given you some inspiration to start on your drop cloth journey today and equipped you with the steps to accomplish it. Do you love drop cloth too? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

Julie