So, have you ever had one of those crafts that has a whole saga behind its creation? This DIY burlap table runner is one of those. I found this beautiful burlap with gold metallic dots that I am in love with, and I really really wanted to use it for my table runner! But it’s $15 a yard, and I just couldn’t justify spending $45 on burlap fabric for a table runner.

So I decided to get plain burlap and use gold paint to put dots on it myself. I thought I’d save a ton of money and get the same look for less. So simple, right? Apparently not! Little did I know how incredibly difficult it was going to be to get that same metallic gold dot look from paint on burlap.

This DIY burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for any holiday! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

I must have tried every gold metallic paint our local craft stores offered, but with no luck. Once I painted the metallic paint on the burlap, it just didn’t have that same metallic sheen. It always ended up looking copper or dark yellow, with nothing metallic about it.

So when I was at the craft store for the tenth time, I found some shiny metallic ribbon and decided to forego the paint method and weave the ribbon through the burlap, which turned out wonderfully. I was originally disappointed my first idea didn’t pan out, but I am thrilled with the end result. Crafting lesson of the day: It might not turn out how you originally thought it would, but it could be even better!

I love this DIY burlap table runner because it is perfect for any holiday. I used a gold metallic ribbon for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but you could also use some orange ribbon for Halloween, or some patriotic ribbon for the Fourth of July, etc. The options are endless!

And if you really want to get creative, you can switch out the ribbon for different holidays, thus creating an interchangeable table runner! Did I mention how much I love making interchangeable holiday decor? It saves so much time, money, and storage space. For more interchangeable holiday decor, check out my interchangeable wreath. It’s perfect for any holiday and season!

Materials Needed to Create DIY Burlap Table Runner

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

  • Burlap (see Step 1 to figure out how much burlap you’ll need)
  • Ribbon (long enough to run the length of your table runner twice)
  • Measuring tape
  • Fray Block (or other fray stopping product)
  • Scissors
  • Pen/Marker

Steps to Create DIY Burlap Table Runner

1. Measure your table to determine the size you want your table runner to be. To give you a guide for your measurements, I added 2 feet to the length of my table and divided the width of the table by 3. You can make yours shorter or longer or whatever size works for you and your table, that’s the beauty of DIY.

2. Cut your burlap to the size of the measurements you determined in Step 1. It is really important that you cut the burlap in straight, even lines, so check out my tutorial on how to cut burlap the right way to ensure you get a nice, straight cut for your table runner.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

3. To add fringe to the edges of your table runner, carefully remove a few rows of burlap. I wanted my table runner to have a little fringe on the edges, so I removed about 3 rows of burlap from the edges. If you want more fringe, remove more rows of burlap. If you don’t want fringe, then just leave the edges alone. If you prefer finished edges on your table runner, you can forego the Fray Block and use iron-on adhesive tape or just sew the edges under.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

4. Follow the directions on the tube of your Fray Block (or whatever anti-fraying product you are using), and apply it to the edges of the burlap. This will help ensure more rows of burlap don’t come out on their own. Let it dry.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

5. Measure and mark where you want to start your ribbon on the table runner. To give you an idea of placement, I ran my ribbon lengthwise about 1 inch from the edge and started it about 3 inches from the end of the burlap. Use your pen or marker to lightly draw a line the width of the ribbon at the end of the table runner. This is where you will make your first cut.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

6. Cut a slit in the burlap along the line you drew. Be very careful to only cut the burlap strands that run lengthwise along your line.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

7. Use your tape measure to follow the line you cut and continue cutting slits in the burlap on the same strands. I spaced my cuts so my ribbon is on top of the burlap for 4 inches and underneath for 2.5 inches. It’s up to you how often you want your ribbon to be above and below the burlap. Cut the slits for the entire length of the table runner and then repeat this on the opposite side.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

 

8. Cut 2 strands of ribbon as long as your table runner. Carefully weave your ribbon through the slits you cut on both sides of the table runner. Tie a knot in the ends of the ribbon on the bottom side of the table runner to ensure they stay in place.

DIY Holiday Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for the holidays! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

9. Place your DIY burlap table runner on your table and admire your handiwork!

DIY Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for any holiday! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

Isn’t she pretty? I just love the ribbon weaving through the table runner. It is a wonderful shimmery metallic gold that picks up the light beautifully.

DIY Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for any holiday! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

And I love the fact that the gold ribbon is really appropriate for almost any holiday, but if I ever wanted to change it I could just pull the ribbon out and weave a new one through. Perfect!

DIY Burlap Table Runner- This burlap table runner is so pretty and perfect for any holiday! Get the full tutorial here! | decorbytheseashore.com

So tell me, what kind of table runner will be gracing your table this holiday? If you enjoyed this post, feel free to share it with friends and family. And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter below to get my latest craft and home tips delivered right to your inbox!