Thursday, November 11

Tutorial: Thanksgiving Burlap & Corn Husk Table Runner


Remember this little table runner from my Amanda's Parties To Go Thanksgiving dinner table featured earlier this week? Well, today I'm back with a little tutorial on how to make it.

But first, I wanted to remind everyone about the FREE Thanksgiving Kids' Table Printables deal I've got going on.
Aren't they cute? And there are lots of files in the collection, too -- FREE!

Just become a FAN of Shindig Parties TO GO on Facebook by clicking the "like" button, send me your email with the SECRET CODE (found on my Facebook page by clicking the "Discussions" tab at the top of the screen).
Now.... back to the corn husk runner..... I've had quite a few people asking to purchase it, but it's so simple to make that I think I'll just show you how and help you make your own. Just think of how proud you'll be to make it yourself!

Start with getting your materials together. I made mine with a sewing machine, but it would be possible to make a similar version with a no-sew method. You just have to get a little creative -- I'll tell you about that later in the post.

You'll need the following for an 8-9 foot runner:

  • 3 yards of natural colored burlap
  • sewing thread to match
  • 2 bags of corn husks (I bought mine at Walmart in the Mexican food section)
  • scissors
  • dental floss
  • sewing machine and iron

FIRST: The cutting -- Cut your burlap into 8-9 foot long lengths by 13" widths. You'll need two pieces, one for the top of the runner, one for the liner. Now for the burlap ruffle on top of the runner, you'll cut strips of burlap from your remaining original 3 yard piece that are 2" x the length of the runner pieces that you previously cut. Cut 4 strips out (they will be 2" x 8-9 feet each).

Go to your sewing machine and sew 2 strips together, end to end, to make one very long strip to be used for your burlap ruffle. Now repeat with your other 2 strips. You'll end up with two long strips 2" x 8-9 feet each.


STEP 2: Sewing the Corn Husks on --Now that everything is cut, you'll start working on the main part of the runner and sewing your corn husks on. Take the 2 big pieces of burlap for the top and bottom of your runner and your corn husks (separate them into individual pieces) over to your machine. Line your burlap pieces up one on top of the other and place a corn husk in between. Begin sewing these 3 pieces together.

STEP 3: Repeat Step 2 over and over again. Add a corn husk in between your fabric pieces and sew down. Repeat all the way until the end of the burlap runner strip.

STEP 4: Finishing off the end of your runner -- When you get to the end of your burlap strip, just roll the burlap two times to covered the frayed end of the fabric. Now cut your threads and take your runner to the ironing board. Continue to roll the fabric at the end of the runner over twice to hide the frayed end and iron it down. Go back to the sewing machine and topstitch over the end of the runner to create a nice, finished edge to your runner. Now go and do the same thing to the other end of the runner, finishing the edge of both ends.

Next it's time to sew the corn husks to the other side of your runner. Turn the runner around to repeat sewing the corn husks in between the two layers of burlap. When you're done with this step, you'll have a burlap runner with corn husks going down each side.

STEP 5: Making your burlap ruffle -- Take your small burlap strip pieces for your ruffle and using a wide zig-zag stitch, sew back and forth over a piece of dental floss (excellent to use for making a quick and easy ruffle). Zig zag all the way to the end of the strip, being careful not to actually sew onto your string. Once your done, cut your threads, leaving a longer piece of dental floss at each of the strip. Carefully pull on your dental floss to start creating small ruffles along your burlap strip.

STEP 6: Attaching your ruffle - Get your ruffle approximately the same length as your runner by pulling on your dental floss and adjusting your fabric. Once they are about the same length you can begin to sew the ruffle down. Turn the end of the ruffle strip under the back side of the runner to begin sewing. Now just top stitch the ruffle all the way down to the end of your runner. Finish off the ruffle ends like you did before and you are done, my friend.


It's actually really easy to make. Somehow writing all the steps down makes it seem a little more complicated, but it's really not. Don't be afraid -- just do it, girls!


And in the end, this is what you'll have. Yay, you! You did it!!

And now you'll have quite the conversation piece for your family Thanksgiving meal.

Isn't it pretty??

And if you like those pretty cards and candle wraps on the table, make sure to check out my Thanksgiving Printable Collection -- a huge set of everything you need to set a beautiful, personalized Thanksgiving table this year -- it's on SALE NOW over 50% OFF!

FOR A NO-SEW METHOD: I think it's possible to make a similar version of this runner by using hot glue instead of a sewing machine if you don't sew. Follow all the same steps in cutting out your main pieces of the fabric runner and glue the corn husks in between the two pieces of burlap instead of sewing them. Then you may want to buy some ribbon, may brown grograin, and glue it on top of the burlap at the seam with the corn husks. It will add a little decorative touch -- not a ruffle necessarily, but I think it would still be pretty cute.

Photobucket

34 comments:

Kristin said...

WOW! I can't WAIT to make this runner! The first time I saw the photo of your table, I thought you must have purchased it from a fancy boutique! LOVE IT!!!

Reunion Committee said...

Oh I LOVE this. So orginal and oh so stylish! Great job!
~Tana

Lizzy said...

Visiting from Somewhat Simple--that is a beautiful runner! What a great idea to use husks--and thrifty too!

Renée said...

Congratulations, your Burlap & Corn Husk Table Runner made this week's Top 5 Hits. Come check it out, grab a button if you'd like and thanks for sharing such a fun idea!

Rachelle@atticgals.blogspot.com said...

I absolutely LOVE this! I'm doing it! I looked everywhere for the perfect runner to go with my fall decor, but couldn't find it (everything fall is gone in the stores - replaced with Christmas already, but this I can do. Come peek at my fall decor. Thanks for your brilliance!

michelle@somedaycrafts said...

I'm in shock! This is the most gorgeous tabel runner I have ever seen. I'm in love. I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com. Grab my "Featured" button.

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup said...

What a great runner!! If I could sew, I would totally make this!!

Anonymous said...

That is so beautiful! I second the notion that if I could sew, I'd be all over this project! :)

Amanda at Amanda's Parties To Go said...

Girls, I really do think you could make something similar with a no-sew version. Hot glue! Hot glue! Hot glue!

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

What a beautiful table!! I've made burlap runners before but not with corn husks! Fantastic idea, and it looks great!!

Debbie said...

This is so creative and lovely! I found you from a Singing With the Birds. I'm so glad I did.

Honey at 2805 said...

What a great creation! I plan to do this for my Thanksgiving Buffet Table. About 25 family members are coming, and I'll have you to thank for making me look so smart!

Unknown said...

what a PRETTY table! come on over and link up to MMM :)

Kayleigh said...

unrelated to the runner (which is beautiful, I'm obsessed with burlap right now) please please PLEASE share where your dishes are from/what brand they are. I'm getting married and trying to pick dishes for my registry... I love the mix match that you have on your table! please share!!

Ms Bingles Vintage Christmas said...

Oh, my goodness....this is the prettiest thing, Ever!
Thank you for sharing!
Leticia

Anel said...

this is absolutely beautiful, thanks for the tutorial i love it!

Amanda @ Frills and Frolic said...

I love LOVE your table runner. It definitely stopped me in my tracks this morning when I stumbled across it from Someday Crafts. I posted a link back to your page on my blog! Great name by the way ;)

Amanda

frillsandfrolic.blogspot.com

Becca said...

this is awesome!!! I'll be featuring it tomorrow on BCD!Thanks for linking! p.s. I have a Macy too!!!

Unknown said...

This is soooo awesome!!! I LOVE it!!

Elizabeth said...

This is lovely! Would love for you to come and link up at Made with Love Monday at Sew Chatty! http://bit.ly/bSsG5b

Anonymous said...

You did such a lovely job! I would love to feature your shop in my Window Shopping Wednesday post. Let me know if you would be interested!

wildflowersandwhimsy.blogspot.com

homepodge said...

I love this runner. It's rustic, warm, and beautiful - perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks for the fantastic tutorial!

Alexandra and Julia said...

Oh, my! What a beautiful table runner! Visiting from Tartertots and Jello

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Hi Amanda, This is simply gorgeous! I love the texture of the ruffled corn husks - brilliant idea. Thanks so much for joining the Sunday Showcase Party - I greatly appreciate it. I have featured this today - Stop by and grab a featured button if you like. Hope you are enjoying your week. ~ Stephanie Lynn

Jami said...

This is totally adorable! I love the idea of using real corn husks! Please stop by and link up this post to my Theme Party Thursday if you get a chance. I'd love to see you there!

Coleen's Corner said...

Fantastic! What a beautiful table you have. The table runner is absolutely stunning. Thanks for the tute - I was going to make a corn husk wreath this year - but the fields are all covered in snow. Dang.

Kate said...

Great tutorial! I wish I could sew...

Thanks for joining my Flaunt it Friday party... come back soon!

DANA said...

That's great! I would love for you to come link this up at my Strut Your Stuff Party, and enter the giveaway as well!
http://danajeanward.blogspot.com/2010/11/strut-your-stuff-link-party-and.html

Marigene said...

I ♥♥♥ your table runner!

Sara @ Mom Endeavors said...

Found you on Skip to My Lou and LOVE this!! Beautiful, thrifty, and simple--now that's my kind of DIY project! Just pinned it! :)

Shirley said...

Amanda,
the table runner is adorable! LOVE it! Just shared it on Pinterest! :)
You are so creative!
Come over and visit me at my blog sometime.
http://organizethings.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Such a great Thanksgiving table! Love it!

Patt P. said...

It's good that I came across your blog. Each of your post is unique!
Lingy

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