DIY Dress Appliqué Table Runner: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 29/01/2025

Transform your dining table into a vibrant masterpiece with this delightful DIY project! Dress appliqués, those charming fabric embellishments often seen on clothing, offer a unique and surprisingly simple way to create a stunning, personalized table runner. Forget expensive store-bought options; this guide will empower you to craft a one-of-a-kind runner that reflects your style and adds a touch of handmade charm to any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned crafter or a complete beginner, this project is accessible and rewarding.

Imagine the compliments you'll receive as your guests admire your handcrafted table runner. The beauty of this project lies in its adaptability; choose your favorite fabric, select playful or sophisticated appliqués, and let your creativity shine. Ready to bring your vision to life? Let's dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions and begin creating your unique DIY dress appliqué table runner.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric
  • Fabric Adhesive (HeatnBond recommended)
  • Dress Appliqué Pattern
  • Iron
  • Lightbox (or window)
  • Ribbon (optional)
  • Fabric Glue (optional)
  • Embellishments (beads, etc.)
  • Sewing Machine
  • Batting
  • Muslin (or backing fabric)
  • Spray Adhesive
  • Safety Pins
  • Rotary Cutter (optional)
  • Walking Foot (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use a stable, flat surface for cutting and working to prevent accidents. Secure fabrics to avoid slippage.
  • Handle sharp tools like scissors, needles, and pins with care. Keep them away from children and store them properly after use.
  • If using an iron, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Iron only on an appropriate heat setting for your fabric to prevent burning or damage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Dress Appliqués

    • Trace the dress pattern onto the paper side of the fabric adhesive, leaving extra fabric around the lines. Cut out the appliqués.
    Prepare the Dress Appliqués: Trace the dress pattern onto the paper side of the fabric adhesive, leaving extra fabric around the lines. Cut out the appliqués.
    Prepare Dress Appliqués

  2. Prepare Fabric for Appliqués

    • Iron the fabric adhesive to the wrong side of fabric scraps (approx. 5x8.5 inches).
    Prepare the Fabric: Iron the fabric adhesive to the wrong side of fabric scraps (approx. 5x8.5 inches).
    Prepare Fabric for Appliqués

  3. Assemble the Dresses

    • Place one dress appliqué in the center of each 8x10.5 inch background fabric rectangle. Peel the backing paper from the appliqué and iron it to the fabric.
    Assemble the Dresses: Place one dress appliqué in the center of each 8x10.5 inch background fabric rectangle. Peel the backing paper from the appliqué and iron it to the fabric.
    Assemble the Dresses

  4. Add Optional Embellishments

    • Add ribbon belts, aprons, or other embellishments before ironing the dress completely to the background fabric.
    Add Embellishments (Optional): Add ribbon belts, aprons, or other embellishments before ironing the dress completely to the background fabric.
    Add Optional Embellishments

  5. Secure Dresses to Background

    • Stitch around the edge of each dress to secure it to the background fabric.
    Sew Dresses to Background Fabric: Stitch around the edge of each dress to secure it to the background fabric.
    Secure Dresses to Background

  6. Prepare Border Fabric

    • Cut four 2.5-inch wide strips and one 8x10.5 inch rectangle from the border fabric.
    Prepare Border Fabric: Cut four 2.5-inch wide strips and one 8x10.5 inch rectangle from the border fabric.
    Prepare Border Fabric

  7. Attach Border Strips to Dress Blocks

    • Sew border strips to one side of each dress block (two left, two right).
    Attach Border Strips: Sew border strips to one side of each dress block (two left, two right).
    Attach Border Strips to Dress Blocks

  8. Assemble Dress Blocks

    • Sew the two left blocks together, then sew the two right blocks together. Press the seams towards the border.
    Assemble Dress Blocks: Sew the two left blocks together, then sew the two right blocks together. Press the seams towards the border.
    Assemble Dress Blocks

  9. Attach Center Fabric

    • Sew the center fabric rectangle to the left and right dress blocks, creating the main table runner panel.
    Attach Center Fabric: Sew the center fabric rectangle to the left and right dress blocks, creating the main table runner panel.
    Attach Center Fabric

  10. Attach Side Borders

    • Sew two long strips together if necessary. Sew one strip to one side of the table runner panel, then the other strip to the remaining side. Press seams towards the outside.
    Attach Side Borders: Sew two long strips together if necessary. Sew one strip to one side of the table runner panel, then the other strip to the remaining side. Press seams towards the outside.
    Attach Side Borders

  11. Prepare Quilt Sandwich

    • Cut backing fabric and batting slightly larger than the table runner. If using multiple pieces of batting, carefully sew them together with a zigzag stitch.
    Prepare Quilt Sandwich: Cut backing fabric and batting slightly larger than the table runner. If using multiple pieces of batting, carefully sew them together with a zigzag stitch.
    Prepare Quilt Sandwich

  12. Baste Quilt Layers

    • Baste the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric together using spray adhesive and safety pins.
    Baste Quilt Layers: Baste the quilt top, batting, and backing fabric together using spray adhesive and safety pins.
    Baste Quilt Layers

  13. Quilt the Layers

    • Quilt the layers using free-motion or straight-line stitching.
    Quilt: Quilt the layers using free-motion or straight-line stitching.
    Quilt the Layers

  14. Bind the Table Runner

    • Cut 2-inch binding strips, fold in half, and iron. Attach binding to the back, wrap to the front, and stitch down.
    Bind: Cut 2-inch binding strips, fold in half, and iron. Attach binding to the back, wrap to the front, and stitch down.Bind: Cut 2-inch binding strips, fold in half, and iron. Attach binding to the back, wrap to the front, and stitch down.
    Bind the Table Runner

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Use a lightbox or window to trace the dress appliqués onto the fabric adhesive for better visibility.
  • Don't cut the fabric adhesive exactly on the lines; leave a little extra for easier handling.
  • Strategically place the batting seam to hide it under a seam or busy pattern in the quilt top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Appliqué Placement

Reason: Rushing the process or not using a template can lead to appliqués that are crooked or spaced inconsistently.
Solution: Use a template and carefully measure and mark the placement of each appliqué before adhering it.

2. Incorrect Fabric Choice

Reason: Using fabrics that are too thin or too thick can affect the overall look and feel of the table runner, and may make sewing difficult.
Solution: Choose a lightweight to medium-weight fabric for both the base and appliqué pieces, ensuring a pleasing balance between visual appeal and ease of handling.

3. Insufficient Adhesion

Reason: Using an inappropriate adhesive or not securing the appliqués properly can result in them coming loose over time.
Solution: Use a high-quality fabric glue or fusible interfacing and press firmly to ensure secure and long-lasting adhesion.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for the appliqué and the table runner base?
For the appliqué, choose a sturdy fabric that holds its shape well, like cotton or linen. For the table runner base, a softer fabric like cotton or linen works well, or even a heavier fabric like canvas for a more durable runner.