How to Make Elegant Ruffled Tulle Table Runners

Looking for a quick way to add color and drama to your next party? These tulle table runners create a huge impact and take just a few minutes to sew. Use two layers of tulle, three layers or more, mix colors, or stick with a monochromatic approach. Whichever way you choose, it will be fabulous.

I made these gold, two-layer, tulle runners for a party I threw for my daughter’s birthday earlier this summer. Paired with fresh flowers and white tablecloths, I had a stunning setting for family and friends to gather and plenty of energy left to enjoy the event.

Supplies

• 4 yards of tulle in the color of your choice (this is enough to make two table runners that measure 11″ wide and 72″ long)
• Matching thread

Step 1) Cut the tulle.

Fold your tulle in half lengthwise (as it comes off the bolt), and then fold it in half again.

Cut the tulle along the folds so you have a stack of four pieces of tulle, 11″ wide and 4 yards long.

Step 2) Ruffle the fabric.

Take a stack of two pieces to gather with your sewing machine.

Set your machine to a stitch length of 5 and increase the tension to 9.75.

Starting about 2″ from one of the short ends of the tulle stack, back stitch three times and then stitch down the center of the tulle, allowing the tulle to gather.

Continue sewing until about two inches from the end of the tulle. Stop stitching and backstitch to secure your threads.

Because tulle will not fray there is no need to finish any of the edges. You are finished!

Drape the runner down the center of your table and enjoy the drama you’ve created.

If you’d like, you create multiple table runners and vary the width, then layer them for even more drama.