Reversible Table Runner {with removable Pom Poms!}

Hello, Real Housemom readers!  I’m Katie from View From The Fridge, and I’m just thrilled to be here today!  I usually blog about DIY projects, crafts, kiddo activities, and a little home decor.  Today I have a fun project for all your late summer / fall outdoor entertaining … A Reversible {Outdoor} Table Runner!  And … since I can’t just stop there, this one also has some Removable Pom Poms built it!  You know … just in case you’re in the mood to amp up the whimsy at your next BBQ! So … this project involves a bit of sewing.  If you’re not an expert seamstress … DON’T RUN!!  I’m far from an expert, but if you can sew four straight lines, you can make this … I promise!  In the end, your stitches aren’t even visible (you’ll see … I used bright red thread!). This table runner is fun for several reasons …

1. You can use one side (the circus elephant side) if you’re feeling colorful OR use the grey and white pattern if you’re going for a bit more sophisticated look.  One project … two fun patterns!
2. You can add yarn Pom Poms to the table runner if you’re going for a more fun look (any color … any size).
3. AND … you can remove those poms to wash your table runner after a fun (and messy) party!

Sold yet?  Here’s how you make one … SUPPLIES

1. 1 yard of outdoor fabric 1 (elephants)
2. 1 yard of outdoor fabric 2 (grey pattern)
3. Yarn in color of your choice
4. Jewelry clasps
5. Thin coordinating/contrasting ribbon
6. Liquid Stitch (heat activated sealer)
7. Sewing machine and thread

And here’s how it all goes down … PROCESS Sewing the table runner:

1. We’re making a 72″ long runner.  To do this with one yard of each fabric, you’ll need to cut TWO pieces of each fabric;  each 20″ wide x 36″ long.  Try to match up the pattern to create a more ‘seamless’ look when finished.
2. For each fabric pattern, sew the two pieces together.  To do this, place RIGHT SIDES FACING and align one of the 20″ edges.  Sew those pieces together with a small seam allowance (~1/4″).
3. Iron seam open. (and repeat steps 2 & 3 for the other fabric pattern).
4. Cut small pieces of thin ribbon (~5″), fold ribbon piece in half to create a loop, and pin onto fabric.  Loop should be placed facing IN on the right sides of the fabric.  Attach one loop in each corner and one in the center of each 20″ side (total of 6 loops … 3 on each end).
5. Pin fabric 1 and fabric two together, RIGHT SIDES FACING.
6. Sew these two fabrics together leaving a gap on one side to allow you to flip right sides out (here’s where the four straight lines come into play).  Backstitch at beginning and end to secure stitching.
7. Flip runner right side out.  6 loops (3 on each end) should pop out!
8. Now for that gap;  iron edges along gap then apply liquid stitch as shown above.
9. Iron over the gap to ‘seal’ the runner.
10. Add Poms!  {see below}

Easy Pom Poms:

1. Wrap yarn around three fingers … oh, about 36 times (approximately)
2. Carefully remove yarn ‘bundle’ from fingers and cut a long piece of yarn to tie up bundle.
3. Tie yarn around ‘bundle’ tightly.
4. Cut through loops all around bundle
5. Trim pom to desired size and shape

Now … here’s for the fun part!  Add jewelry clasp to pom using one of the long strands of yarn used to tie up pom.  Simply clip poms to ribbon loops sewn into table runner for instant whimsy!

Think of all the possibilities?  You could make some cute little outdoor pillows to match with some Poms in each corner!  Ahhh … I can picture it now! Thanks so much having me here today, Aubrey!  I’ll be back next month with some more craftiness, but until then, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello! Here’s to enjoying the last weeks of summer!