Handmade Holidays

How to Make a Hand-Painted Burlap Table Runner

Rustic burlap is given new life as a sophisticated holiday table runner with the addition of pleated trim and hand-painted details.

By Marian Parsons. Mustard Seed Interiors
Filed under: Table Linens, Holiday, How To, Christmas, Crafts, Handmade

Sew Pleated Trim

Cut pleated trim to exact width of runner (Image 1). Insert trim into open end and pin in place (Image 2). Repeat on other end. Sew trim into position by stitching a line right on fold of burlap, then stitch a second line 1/4 inch in (Image 3).

Paint Stripes

Using painter's tape, mask off two stripes approximately 1/4 inch wide (Images 1 and 2). Brush on white acrylic paint with a size 6 artist flat brush, using a dry-brush technique to prevent paint from bleeding under tape (Image 3). Tip: To dry-brush, load paint onto brush and blot on paper towel to remove most of the paint. Remove tape immediately (Image 4).

Paint Lettering

Lettering can be painted freehand or with the aid of a stencil. If using a stencil, tape it into desired position and lightly paint lettering with 1.0 liner brush (Images 1 and 2). Remove stencil and paint over lettering a second time to strengthen the lettering (Image 3). Repeat on other side of runner, if desired. Allow paint to dry. Press runner prior to use. Spot clean stains when needed.