Hand Cut, Hand Dyed Table Runners and Napkins

When designing tablescape looks for an event, table runners and napkins often make the “need to get” list. However, these items can put a pretty big dent in any budget, especially when table counts are high. And we don’t know about you, but more times than not we prefer to avoid using polyester material. There’s nothing wrong with polyester, other than it gives us the “banquet” vibes. So in cases where we are keeping budget, cloth material and specific color in mind, we’ve found that making hand dyed table runners and napkins are a great alternative to purchasing or renting!

We’ll show you how we hand cut and hand dyed our own, as well as how you can tackle this project on your own.

The Time We Cut and Dyed Custom Table Runners and Napkins

When hired to create a look for a surprise baby shower, we started planning and sourcing materials with this client’s budget in mind. In order to create the full scale vision we had pitched, we knew we had to get creative with ways to trim costs where necessary. We are very proud to report that we spent 1/3 the cost we would have if we had ordered these table runners and napkins rather than making them ourselves!

Here’s a look at the final hand cut, hand dyed table runners and napkins that we made for this momma-to-be’s beautiful outdoor elegant baby shower.

How To Cut and Dye Custom Table Runners and Napkins

I followed along with this article: DIY Cheesecloth Wedding Table Runners

1. 1. What you will need:

      • Yards of cheesecloth (I purchased from Amazon – 100 yards, Grade 90)
      • RIT dye(s) (use their website to find the correct desired color)
      • Large bucket for water
      • Scissors and measuring tape to cut and measure the cheesecloth
      • Racks or clotheslines to hang the cheesecloth when drying
      • Solicit helping hands for ease (I did this activity with my mom and grandma!)

   2. Measure and cut

      

      We recommend measuring and cutting the table runner’s to length, but not cutting napkins individually until after they are dyed. Do the math and use long pieces for napkins for ease of dying and drying, then you can cut to size later.

      *Pro Tip: Cut yourself some strips of fabric to test later before dying any of your measured cloth.

   3. Make your dye

      

      We followed the directions on the RIT bottles and the RIT website.

   4. Dye test strips

      

      Using the extra strips of fabric you cut in step 2, take one and dip in dye for 10 seconds. Pull the strip out of the dye and hang to dry. Then, using another strip, increase the time spent submerged in dye. And repeat. Once the strips have fully dried, you’ll see the variety of color saturations and be able to decide on timing when you move to dyeing your table runners and napkins.

   5. Dye your table runners and napkins

      

      Since you’ve already found your desired color saturation by dying strips of fabric in step 4, this part should be a breeze! Why we recommended test strips is because you’ll see how quickly cheesecloth soaks up the water and dye.

   6. Dry your table runners and napkins

      

      Hang dry your dyed fabric on racks or clotheslines. Doing this outdoors made the drying process quick and easy!

   7. The Final Fabrics

      

      Take a look at the final table runners and napkins that were used as part of the tablescapes of this momma-to-be’s beautiful outdoor elegant baby shower.

We hope this DIY look finds its way to your table!

If you are planning an event and need help developing a custom look and feel, LOBO House to Home is ready to work with you. Whether you have ideas or we’re starting with a blank slate, we will create a look together for any occasion. Browse our previous custom event looks or contact us to get more information.