Bring something new to the table
We can never pass by the baskets filled with vintage linens at the flea market, can you? There's just something magical about the worn-soft feel of the towels, aprons and, our favorite, handcrafted doilies. Far from musty-dusty, these delicate beauties can be floral or geometric...sometimes there's even a touch of sweet embroidery in the center or along the edges.
But what to do with your collection? Today, we're sharing a DIY table runner that'll make those darling doilies the star of the table once again...just in time for Easter! Get all the details below.
Vintage Doily Table Runner
It's easier than you'd think to put a modern twist on these old-fashioned table-toppers!
Before you get started...
Choose doilies from your collection that are in the very best condition. You can choose a variety of shapes and sizes or select similar sizes for a more uniform look. Before working with them, hand-wash, line dry, and gently press with a cool iron all doilies you've chosen.
Here's what you'll need:
• An assortment of doilies
• Matching all-purpose sewing thread
• Hand-sewing needle
Sewing Instructions
1. Arrange the doilies into any shape: a strip, a square for a square table, or a circle.You can leave spaces between some of the doilies to add visual interest, but it isn’t necessary to do so. Start by laying out the largest doilies first, and then fill in with smaller ones.You can overlap them or sew them edge-to-edge. To connect them, simply use a needle and thread to hand-tack the doilies together on the underside.
2. If you’re making a piece for a round table, start with a center doily and work outward in a spiral shape. To give a circular piece maximum visual effect, size it to leave 3" between the finished edge and the edge of the table.
Measure Up
The dimensions of your runner will depend on the size and number of the doilies you have and the dimensions of the table or other surface where you want to display it. Our sample, which we made for a 24" x 50" rectangular table, is about 16" wide and 70" long. This allows about 8–10" of overhang at either end of the table.
Keep on sewing! Here are a few more stiched projects you'll love...
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