A Handmade Christmas - Project 1 - Burlap Runner

A Handmade Christmas - Project 1 - Burlap Runner

This was a very simple inexpensive project that took me about an hour to complete.  Here is how I made it.

Buy or find some burlap.  I actually bought this piece from Goodwill.  I ALWAYS check out the fabric at thrift stores.  This piece still had the store tags on.  The whole piece was $1.99.  I have enough to do several projects. 

Decide on the width of your runner.  Cut it at least 2 inches larger on all sides.  Then start to fringe it by pulling apart the weave.  Don't throw those strings away, even Winter birds like to use this for their nests.  :)

I wanted to do holly leaves, so I made a paper template and traced it on different color felt.  Cut them out and lay out your design. 

Thread a darning needle with yarn and stitch the holly on with a simple running stitch. 

I added a button for the holly berry.

I thought it needed something, so I ran a running stitch along the edge of the runner.  Your stitches don't have to be perfect, that's the beauty of homemade! 

And there it is.  I like it.  This could be for your home or as a gift for someone.  The whole runner was less than $1.  The fabric stores have many different colors of burlap.  I could see a blue one with snowmen, a green one with cardinals, tan one with fall leaves....so many possibilities. 

Good luck and happy crafting.  Remember Christmas isn't about gifts, rather giving....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.