Easy Drop Cloth Fall Table Runner
A fall table runner is a first step in changing out seasonal décor from summer to autumn. I crafted this runner from a drop cloth and some fall fabric that I inherited from my mother-in-law’s stash. With the addition of a bowl gifted to me from a friend’s mother and some volunteer gourds harvested in my garden, my kitchen table is ready for fall.
How To:
1. Determine your finished table runner width and add 1”. Cut drop cloth to this measurement.
2. I like to hem my own edges to make them neat, so I cut off the hemmed edge that came on the drop cloth, plus a little extra to make the runner the correct length for my table.
3. Press all sides under 1/2” with a hot iron and stitch into place. (My iron left some black marks, luckily only on the back side of the drop cloth where it won’t be seen.)
4. Iron Heat N Bond to the wrong side of fall printed fabric. Cut out leaf shapes. Peel the paper from the back side of the leaves and iron on the runner in a pleasing position.
5. Enjoy! 
I had the best time enjoying watching the volunteer gourds that I used in the bowl for a centerpiece grow all summer. They sprouted from seed in compost applied to the garden in spring. I snapped this photo just before I harvested the gourds. The crazy vines grew all over my tomato cages and even on the deer netting on the side of the garden.
I like a volunteer plant that has decorating uses!
I am considering adding a border to either the ends or the sides of this runner to give it a bit more color and interest. What do you think? Sides, ends, both, or leave it alone?
Happy almost fall!
I’m sharing with Susan’s Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch.
Your table runner is perfect just the way it is! Love the gourds in the bowl. I had the same thing happen to me. I threw some decorative gourds into the compost bin, and the next year the seeds sprouted. So I transplanted them to the garden. I had so many gourds that I didn’t know what to do with them. Used some in decorating for fall, of course!
It is really pretty the way it is. If it were me, I would like a little ruffle or something on the ends, but that’s just how I roll! Isn’t it so exciting that it’s time for fall decorations? What a happy thing!
All I know is that I want one! When I was Fall decorating a lil bit the other day in my house, I noticed that I did not have a Fall runner. Michaels here I come!! 🙂
I like it the way it is because if you add anything to it I think it would detract from the leaves. Your table is so cute!
Your runner looks great. If you add anything, I would just add a ruffle from the drop cloth material. How cool that those gourds were all volunteers. They make a great decoration, don’t they?
What a perfect fall tablescape. Love your runner Paula, you did good! It is so nice the way it is, but if you choose to add more…please share!!!
I love it, but I think adding something to the ends would be great too… maybe bring some of that fall color to the ends with a strip of binding or even a ruffle.
I think it’s adorable!! If you add anything, I like the ruffle idea, or even a thin border of grossgrain on the end to match the leaves?
so seriously? bottle up some of your energy and send it to Georgia, please 🙂
I Paula, I came for a visit and so enjoyed reading your blog. I put you in my blog list, so I won’t miss anything, 🙂