No-Fuss Opulent Gathered Cheesecloth Table Runner DIY

Looking to add some effortless elegance to your next event? Custom dyed cheesecloth table runners give tables a romantic, ethereal style for surprisingly little money or work. Keep reading to learn the incredibly simple process of making your own opulent gathered cheesecloth runners.

With just basic sewing skills and a few affordable supplies from your local craft store, you can create chic runners in any color palette you desire. We'll walk through sizing, dyeing, sewing, arranging, and caring for breezy, luxe cheesecloth runners step-by-step. Transform plain tables into something sensational using our no-fuss tutorial!

Determining How Much Cheesecloth You Need

Cheesecloth sold in fabric stores typically comes in 50 to 90 grade weights. The lighter 50-grade cheesecloth has a sheer, gauzy quality perfect for ethereal table decor. When estimating yardage, account for the fact that the fabric will be gathered, not laying flat. More generous yardage creates a fuller, more lavish effect.

Calculate Table Size

First, measure the length and width of the table you wish to decorate. For a standard 6 ft banquet table, you'd need a runner approximately 6 ft long. To calculate overall yardage:

• Decide how long you want the runner to hang down the sides of the table.
• Add table length + (drop length x 2). Example: For a 6 ft table with a 18 inch drop, 6 ft + (18 inch x 2) = 9 ft total length.

Determine Runner Dimensions

Next, factor in gathering the fabric rather than laying it flat. We recommend the following cheesecloth dimensions for different table heights:

• Cocktail tables (30-36 inches): 24-30 inches wide cheesecloth
• Standard dining tables (30-36 inches): 30-36 inches wide cheesecloth
• Highboy/banquet tables (40-42 inches): 40-45 inches wide cheesecloth

Allow for Additional Yardage

Purchase 20-30% more cheesecloth than your measurements to allow for:

• Degree of gathers - More generous gathering requires more fabric
• Loss during the dye process - Exact % lost varies
• Pattern matching - For multiple runners in same color

Preparing and Dyeing the Cheesecloth

Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye allows you to easily customize cheesecloth color. For deeper shades without dye bleeding, pre-soak fabric in a saltwater solution before dyeing. Follow instructions below for stunning results every time.

Choose Dye Colors

Select dye shades that complement your event colors and decor. For an antiqued effect, mix dye batches in contrasting tones, like pale blue over tan cheesecloth. Combine colors like blush and sage green for ombre variations.

Assemble Dye Supplies

You'll need:

• Cheesecloth
• All-Purpose Rit Dye
• Large sink or bucket for dye bath
• Measuring spoons
• Salt
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Rubber gloves
• Paper towels

Mix the Dye Bath

Fill sink/bucket with very hot water. Add 1 part dye + 1 part salt to 4 parts hot water. For 2-3 yards of fabric, start with one 8 oz. bottle of liquid dye. Stir mixture until salt and dye fully dissolve.

Submerge and Agitate Fabric

Add damp cheesecloth, pushing under water to fully saturate. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Come back periodically to gently agitate the dye bath using your wooden spoon to prevent uneven coloring. Fabric should be moved around but not wrung or twisted.

Rinse and Dry Cheesecloth

After timer goes off, check dye color saturation. Lightweight fabrics dye faster; allow 10-60 minutes for desired color depth. Remove cheesecloth without excessive wrinkling and rinse until water runs clear. Lay flat or hang to dry completely before sewing.

Creating the Table Runner Shape

Once your custom dyed cheesecloth is fully dry, follow our simple steps for cutting, hemming, and gathering the fabric into beautifully draped runners.

Press Dyed Cheesecloth

Gently press finished cheesecloth with a dry iron on medium heat to remove any wrinkles. Be extremely careful not to scorch delicate material.

Measure and Cut Fabric

Based on your table dimensions, measure and cut cheesecloth to desired length using fabric scissors. Cut along the crosswise grain for enhanced movement and draping.

Finish Raw Edges

Cheesecloth frays badly. Finish the cut ends by turning under 1/4" and press. Edges can be secured with a zigzag stitch, narrow hem, or fabric glue like Aleene's Fabric Fusion Peel and Stick Tape.

Mark Intervals for Gathers

Decide how full you want the gathered runner to be. For more gather fullness, mark closer pin intervals. For a sheer look, space pins farther apart. Place pins perpendicular to raw edges as markers.

Sewing the Gathered Cheesecloth Runner

Use a long machine basting stitch to easily gather the delicate cheesecloth at measured intervals. Create dimension by adjusting gathers as desired.

Set Stitch Length

Set sewing machine to longest straight stitch possible, around 5 mm. Lengthening the stitch makes it very easy to gather the cheesecloth later. Attach neutral thread color.

Stitch Parallel Sew Lines

Stitch in the ditch, sewing parallel lines 1/2" apart along entire runner length. Sew perpendicular to the raw cut edges, not along the selvedges. Leave at least 6 inches free at the beginning and end.

Gather Fabric

Gently pull bobbin threads at one end to gather cheesecloth. Adjust gathers evenly, distributed between pins. Secure threads at each end; remove markers.

Steam Gathered Runner

Once your custom runner is gathered and secured, use a handheld fabric steamer to set the shape before placing on the table. Let it cool fully before display.

Hanging and Arranging the Runner Creatively

One of the beauties of DIY'ing your cheesecloth runner is the ability to style it differently for various functions and spaces. Get creative with unique placements that best suit your decor!

Cascade Down Table Sides

Let the runner cascade down either side of the tables at different lengths for dimension and movement. Keep the top more fitted and full.

Cluster Gathers Strategically

Vary density by clustering gathers towards the table center or corners rather than evenly across. Create "puddles" of billowy fabric.

Incorporate Embellishments

Consider adding embellishments like lace trims, fringe, ribbon roses for additional texture and color. Attach them before or after dyeing the cheesecloth.

• Lace trims can be dyed in the bath alongside the cheesecloth for a perfectly matched colorway before attaching to the runner.
• Ribbons in a contrasting or coordinating shade can be tied on for a pop of color after the dye process.

Drape Swags Along Table Edge

Drape swags of excess cheesecloth along the edges of a table for an ultra-lush style. Swag ends can graze the floor for a dramatic, opulent look.

Caring for a Finished Cheesecloth Runner

Cheesecloth table runners can be fragile and require very gentle care. Follow our recommendations so you can re-use your runners again and again.

Hand Wash Gently

Spot clean stains immediately with cold water and mild detergent. Allow foam to penetrate fabric fully before rinsing. For runners with embellishments, dry clean only.

Air Dry Flat

Always allow dyed cheesecloth to fully air dry on a flat surface rather than hanging vertically. This prevents water drop stains as excess dye rinses out.

Lightly Press or Steam

If wrinkled, use an iron on medium heat or fabric steamer to refresh the runner's shape and draping. Avoid directly touching embellishments during steaming.

Store Properly

Fold cheesecloth runners loosely rather than tightly creased. Store in acid-free tissue inside a sealed plastic bin to prevent yellowing over time.

As you can see, handcrafting customized cheesecloth table runners is incredibly simple using our step-by-step tutorial. With a few affordable supplies and basic skills, you can create showstopping decoration for your next event.

We encourage you to experiment with different styles and textures of cheesecloth, as well as natural plant-based dyes. For example, you could scrunch the fabric around dried citrus slices or avocado pits before steaming to transfer bright colors. There are so many ways to make these ethereal runners uniquely your own.

Hopefully you feel inspired by both the ease and beauty of DIY cheesecloth runners. Drape your tables in dreamy, romantic texture for pennies on the dollar compared to professional rentals. Happy gathering!