I was just all over the dining room this weekend. I dusted everywhere (no small feat in this room full of whatnots), washed the sofa slipcover, and switched out the old, faded, and shrunken tablecloth for a cool burlap runner.
I got some burlap at Hobby Lobby for $4/yard (plus a 40% off coupon). The color was “oyster” and I only needed about two and a half yards for this project. Once I got it home I soaked it in some warm, soapy water to soften it up a bit and then laid it out on the back deck to dry (so it wouldn’t get all fray-ified in the washer and dryer). A freak rainshower came through while it was out there, but when it was finally dry I brought it in and cut it to length and then in half lengthwise. I used my sewing machine to run a big ol’ zigzag stitch across the width about four inches from each end, then folded in the sides about half an inch and stitched a simple hem along each side. The reason for the zigzag stitch on each end was so I could do this:
I strategically unraveled the ends to create a fringed edge. The zigzag stitch makes sure that it doesn’t get frayed any further than I want it to. I pulled out the horizontal fibers one at a time until I got to my line of stitching. I found it easiest to work in short sections, since burlap is really rough and it can be challenging to pull out a 20″ fiber without things getting a little tangled.
With my sides hemmed and my frayed ends protected by a hefty zigzag stitch, I popped this baby in the dryer for a serious de-lint-ification, then spread it out on my dining room table. It’s now soft(ish) and 100% fuzz-free.
I really love the texture that it adds, and the fact that the color relates back to the dropcloth sofa across the room is a nice touch.
Love it!!! I made burlap curtains once. (I had a bed frame made from fence posts…Burlap or gingham seemed to be my only choices.) Here is a hint..burlap does not do well in the washer and the dryer will destroy it. To clean my drapes, I would put the dry curtains in the dryer along with a clean, wet towel. I would run it about ten minutes. The curtains would come out clean and the towel dirty. The dust and dirt would all stick to the towel.
Genius! Thanks for the tip, Janet!
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