Post # 1

Member
461 posts
Helper bee
I bought a huge (and I mean huge) bolt of burlap/jute to make my own table runners. my mother is going to crochet lace edges on them. But the problem is, I have no idea how big they should be. Does anyone have any suggestions?
We are having 2 different sized tables.
8′ Banquet Table (rectangle- seats 8) and 72″ Round Tables (I think that’s the size – they seat 8-10).
How long should the runners be?
Post # 3

Member
3709 posts
Sugar bee
@TerraWellness: When I did the runners for my sister’s wedding we added 3ft to the length/width of the table so that there would be an 18 inch overhang on each end. So for an 8′ table, the runner should be 11′ and for the 72″ table, the runner should be 9′
Post # 4

Member
461 posts
Helper bee
thanks for your help JamaicaBride! 🙂
Post # 5

Member
117 posts
Blushing bee
You might also want to experiment with the width of the runners – especially for the 8′ tables… we made 8′ runners for our 6′ tables, but tried a few different widths before settling on 10″ wide because the width of the runner can make the table look shorter/longer when you look at it from the end (if that makes sense?).
If it helps; our 6′ tables are pretty narrow; only 24″ (2′) wide, so 10″ runners leave enough space for plates either side…
Post # 6

Member
461 posts
Helper bee
thanks!
Hhahaha I feel like I’m just getting more and more confused. I wish I had both sized tables at my house in front of me – that would make playing around with it SO much more easy!
Post # 7

Member
46331 posts
Honey Beekeeper
Most table runners are 14 to 17 inches wide.
If you are going to center one place setting on the runner,it needs to be wide enough for one place setting plus 3-4 inches so the setting doesn’t look cramped.
Generally speaking, the runner is about 1/3 the width of the table. It needs to be wide enough to give a generous base for your centerpiece, but stay clear of the place settings on either side.
Cut newspaper the diameter of your tables. Set in on the floor. Place your dishes, cutlery, wine and water glasses and experiment to see what looks best.
Post # 8

Member
5106 posts
Bee Keeper