It’s so easy to turn an upcycled vintage sheet into a no sew table runner with a trip to a thrift store and these easy instructions!
It’s no secret that I love finding bargains and creating one-of-a-kind home decor with my discoveries.
A pretty kitchen table (we don’t have a dining room) is important to me since we’re now empty nesters and I can keep it clean!
When the kids were growing up our farmhouse table was the site of many lessons, corrections and endless meals.
As a homeschooling family of seven, life was busy and full and our home wasn’t always pretty. However, it was functional and served us well over 23 years of homeschooling.
Nowadays I love that my husband and I can eat at the table and it stays pretty all season long! Young mamas, the day will come when crumbs and spills won’t be your entire story!
What I loved about this project is there are two ways to “dress” your table using a vintage sheet. It can be used to fully cover the table or simply as a table runner.
Tips for making an upcycled vintage sheet into a table runner:
- Step 1: Locate a sheet you love. This can be from a thrift store, yard sale or even your own closet!
- Step 2. Wash the sheet and iron if necessary so you’re working with clean material.
- Step 3. Cut off the hemmed top section of the sheet.
- Step 4. Fold over this raw edge and iron the entire length, measuring slightly wider than the iron-on adhesive.
- Step 5. Follow directions for iron-on adhesive as to iron heat setting.
- Step 6. Cut fairly short sections of iron-on adhesive and place on inside of ironed hem, paper liner facing up.
- Cut fairly short sections of iron-on adhesive and place on inside of ironed hem, paper liner facing up.
Upcycled Vintage Sheet into No Sew Table Runner
MATERIALS:
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Sheet (I used a twin for my table that seats six)
Iron-on Adhesive
Scissors
Iron
Step 1. Locate a sheet you love. This can be from a thrift store, yard sale or even your own closet!
Trust me, when I redid our tiny linen closet I found a BUNCH of sheets I didn’t need any more! Ask your friends. You might be surprised what’s available!
Step 2. Wash the sheet and iron if necessary so you’re working with clean material.
Since you’re buying used, take the time to wash your sheet!
Step 3. Cut off the hemmed top section of the sheet.
If the top of the sheet is a different pattern cut it off so the table runner won’t look like a sheet!
Step 4. Fold over this raw edge and iron the entire length, measuring slightly wider than the iron-on adhesive.
Step 5. Follow directions for iron-on adhesive as to iron heat setting.
Always read the directions for your product and check the heat setting and length of time ironing.
Step 6. Cut fairly short sections of iron-on adhesive and place on inside of ironed hem, paper liner facing up.
Step 7. Press down for 2 seconds and repeat until surface is bonded.
Step 8. Allow to cool then peel off paper liner.
Step 9. Fold over the top of the material and iron for 6 seconds (more if necessary) until hem is secure.
Step 10. Fold over twice to use as a table runner or cover entire table with vintage sheet.
As a table runner…….
or tablecloth.
I used my favorite DIY rustic wood chargers with simple white dishes to create a simple neutral tablescape.
This table runner could be used for any season of the year. Just keep your mind open when you’re shopping!
For more No Sew projects check these out!
No Sew Buffalo Plaid Table Runner
You hit it out of the park again with this idea, Marty!
Thanks so much, Karen! I love no sew projects!
I love this! So simple yet looks so expensive. I love your taste in decor.
You’re so sweet, Wendy! Thank you!
What a great idea using sheets. Love those chargers as well.
Thanks, Maria. Those chargers are my favorite!
That is very clever Marty, and it looks expensive. I can not even imagine homeschooling one child nevermind 7. Good on you for that and enjoy your pretty home. And that barn door needs a mention. It is stunning.
Thanks so much, Anita! I love shopping thrift stores and yard sales and finding different ways to use and repurpose the stuff I find!
This is a great idea, Marty! I ‘ve got a couple of sheets I could definitely do this with. Thanks for the tutorial!
Thanks, Angie. I’m totally looking for new sheets now too!
Live this idea, Marty. Lot less expensive than buying a new table cloth, too. I like the wood chargers, too.
Aren’t tablecloths ridiculously expensive, Deana? This was a fun idea!
Thanks for the awesome idea and tutorial, Marty. It’s always a delight to see your creativity. Have a great week.
You’re always so encouraging, Meegan. Hope you’re doing well!
LOVE those chargers and the idea of using an old sheet as a runner or table cloth definitely works for me. We have so many threadbare sheets in our linen closet I could do this with.
Thanks, Michelle. The chargers are my favorite, too!
Great idea for a tablecloth. the pattern is nice too. If it’s no-sew I’m in.
Kim
Hi, Kim. I’m definitely a no sew girl too!
What a lovely sheet you found for your table! Love the print and the idea!
Thanks, Libbie. Sometimes you have to be patient when you’re looking for something specific but this came out even better than I imagined!
My family used to laugh at me when I used a sheet as a tablecloth but it was so much easier to find a few plain sheets to put under my lace tablecloth and add that touch of colour.
Love this, Sandra! I’m really glad repurposing and thinking outside the box is more in style these days!
Such a great idea! I need to remember this – My table isn’t typical measurements because it is made from a door! Finding runners that fit are difficult!
What a great idea! I look forward to learning more.