| Natural-Fiber Table Runner |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-305 |
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Q: I'm looking for a unique way to decorate my table with natural materials instead of fabric. Do you have any suggestions? A: (from Nancy Golden, Ask DIY Decorating expert) I've got a great project that uses woven cloth made from straw -- how's that for natural? By backing this material with solid-color cloth and adding a few simple accents, you can create a distinctive table runner (figure A) that will most definitely impress your dinner guests! Materials: Straw cloth of the desired size
Backing fabric of the desired color
Pins
Pinking shears (optional)
Sewing machine
Thread and scissors
Buttons
Glue gun and glue sticks
Note: You can find woven straw cloth in many fabric stores and on the Web sites of a number of online fabric retailers as well. This material is sold in 36" widths; the length or number of yards you buy will depend on the length of your dining table. - Once you've purchased your straw cloth, you'll need to fold over the sides to prevent the material from raveling. Since straw cloth is very loosely woven, it ravels easily along the unfinshed edges (figure B).
- Fold over about 1" (figure C) along each unfinished edge and press the folded strip down with a brayer (a small hand-roller used for spreading ink, shown in figure D); a spoon or ice-cream stick will also work for this purpose.
- Lay the straw cloth on the backing fabric, which can be any color or texture that appeals to you. For this runner, Golden chooses a simple black linen that highlights the texture and contrasts with the neutral color of the straw cloth.
- Next, pin the folded edges in place (figure E) on the backing and finish the edges of the backing material. Here Golden uses simple pinking shears to create an easy decorative edge (figure F). (If desired, the edges of the backing can be finished with a standard hem instead of pinking shears.)
- After you've finished the edges of the backing and pinned the straw cloth in place, it's time to sew the two together. Simply run the pieces under the sewing machine (figure G), using thread in a matching shade. Continue around the entire perimeter until all edges are secure.
- Note: For this project, don't worry if you're not a master seamstress! The wide weave of the straw cloth will conceal any small flaws in your seams.
- To add the finishing touches, find some interesting buttons to attach along the edges of the straw cloth. Here, Golden has chosen tortoiseshell-patterned buttons (figure H) that complement the look and color of the woven material and the backing. Choose buttons of a shape and color that work well with your backing fabric and suit your decor.
Tip: For a great deal on buttons, check out thrift stores and antique shops, where you'll often find jars filled with old buttons for just a few dollars. - Once you've found the right buttons, you'll need to figure out how they should be spaced so that the number you have spreads out evenly along the edges of your runner. For example, if you have an unlimited number of buttons, you may choose to space them close together; if you have just a few buttons with lots of detail, however, you'll want to use only a few.
- Finally, use a glue gun to attach the buttons to the backing fabric at the designated points. Simply apply a small dot of hot glue to each one (figure I), press in place and allow the glue to set.
Now all that's left is the cooking!
RESOURCES :
Nature Crafts (Tabletop Series)
Model: 0865300984
Author: Imogene Forte
(October, 1985)
Incentive Publications
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