How to Make Dreamy Gauze Table Runners

Do you want to save money for your event
and make your own dreamy gauze table runners?
You can leave them natural or dye them to match your colors.

 

You know those romantic crinkly strips of fabric

running along the center of event tables?

They look high end and stylish,

but did you know you can make them for a fraction of the cost of buying them?

You don’t need to know how to sew, because these are fine without hems.

However, you’ll want to hang on to them for future uses,

so some hemming or stay-stitching would be helpful.

And the best bonus idea?

You can re-dye them to deeper or even different colors later to get more mileage out of them.

One bride sold hers after her wedding!

 

 

Dreamy Gauze Table Runners

There is one decision you will have to make before purchasing the supplies for making your wedding table runners.

You have to choose between #90 cheesecloth (don’t use a lower number; they’re too loosely woven) or 100% cotton gauze.

Both dye very well, and look great. The gauze will be a little more sturdy and stand up to washing a bit better.

The price is comparable. However, if narrower runner widths work (such as if you want to wind it around the centerpieces on the table rather than lay it flat) it will be better to use the gauze. Gauze is 54″ wide versus 36″ for cheesecloth. So with the gauze you would get two 26″ widths, rather than 18″ widths with cheesecloth.

 

 

What you need:

• #90 cheesecloth or 100% cotton gauze.
• Fabric dye such as Rit All-Purpose Dye
• Latex gloves, measuring spoons and cups, scissors, tape measure
• Dishwashing liquid to add to dyeing water, to promote even coloring.
• Salt

 

 

How to order/purchase the fabric:

1. To decide how much fabric you’ll need, measure the length of your table.
2. Add 4 to 8 feet to the length of the table, depending how much you wish them to hang down the ends.
3. If you want fabric puddles on the the floor, add 4′ to both ends. In this case, an 8 foot table will need 16 feet, or 5 1/2 yards, of fabric.
4. Also remember there could be some shrinkage when the fabric dries.
5. You can order from our Amazon link above, or purchase in-store, such as Jo-Ann’s. If you purchase in-store check for store coupons. Jo-Ann’s has ongoing sales, and they’re super helpful to make sure you get the right price.

 

 

The Dyeing Process

1. There are several ways to dye the fabric. You can use tubs or buckets, large pots on the stovetop, or your clothes washing machine. The instructions for all methods are detailed on this website.
2. Add the salt and dishwashing liquid as recommended for best results.
3. Obviously, the washing machine is the easiest method for large quantities of fabric, like this project. You don’t have to be afraid of ruining your machine; just be sure to follow the cleaning instructions and clean IMMEDIATELY after the dyeing process. I have friends and family who have done this with success, so don’t be afraid to try it.
4. There are recipes for mixing the dyes to achieve the exact color and shade here on the Rit website.
5. We recommend trying your process on a small piece, or one runner, before doing them all. That way you can feel more confident about the end result. However, it’s important to add the correct amount of dye for the size of the project. Don’t add more fabric to a dye bath than recommended, as the color won’t be true. Also, successive dips in the same dye bath will result in lighter end results.
6. You can dry your finished project in your clothes dryer, or hang to dry. To make sure to get straight-ish crinkles the length of the gauze, follow the process in the next section.

 

 

 

How to Dry the Damp Gauze Runner

It’s easier to show the process than explain it:

 

 

How to Style Gauze Table Runners

How you style your table runners depends on the look you want to achieve.

1. Elegant. Lay the runner flat down the length of the table for an elegant look.
2. Rustic. Scrunch and twist the runner around and under the table centerpieces. Let it puddle on the floor.
3. Boho or Farmhouse. Either of the above, tied on the ends with a rag and ribbon bow.