I am all about collecting large amounts of fabric and letting them hang out until I get an idea of what to do! Walmart had this rayon/polyester blend that I thought would make a gorgeous table runner because it laid really flat!
Typically I blog over at Practical and Pretty but I am so excited to be contributing over here on All Things Thrifty! This is one of my all time favorite blogs so I am beyond honored.
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
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
