kat112000

I have been asked to make some burlap table runners for a wedding this weekend. I have found a few tutorials but they don't mention starch or stiffening the burlap. Has anyone done anything like this before?? The people brought me burlap that you wrap your trees with to protect them in the winter. It seems really flimsy.

Deborahlees

Holy Mollie.....why would they pick that !!!!
Be careful as there is a 'preservitateve' or something in it that a whole lot of people are allergic to.....
when I worked in a fabric store, over half the staff could not go near the stuff....
I personally would have a serious talk with the bride and come up with a possible atternative.....

Tartan

I can't imagine sewing an edge on burlap. It tends to move because it is so loosely woven. If they just want rectangles, I would straight stitch the outline shapes into the burlap BEFORE cutting. This will at least make the edge more stable and you can fold the stitching in and fold another 1/4 inch over on top of it and stitch again.
Another idea would be to sew a narrow piece of matching trim to the underside to make a stable edge and pull a couple of string off around all the edges beyond the trim to form a fringe edge.
Another thought is to buy the narrow fusible strips that you can iron on to to fuse the folded edge but you would have to protect your ironing surface in case the fusible leaked through the open weave.GOOD LUCK!

TanyaL

Hard to imagine the casual decor selected for a wedding theme that makes the burlap the fabric of choice. Please take pictures of the whole reception for us, I'm sure it will be usual. I would stitch along the edge and then fringe the edge. Or burn the edge.

Monroe

Can you fuse trim about 1" in from the edge, zig zag to secure it well if necessary, then pull threads to have a frayed border? Is the color scheme gingham/ western or country? If there's a BBQ please give me the address! Some folks are allergic to the dusty fibers in the burlap, so it should be vacuumed and aired out. You might find some clues by searching shabby chic/recycled decorating sites. Maybe even Martha Stewart?

oh munner

Burlap..... really? That's the craziest idea I've ever heard. Please.... post pictures when you've finished.... can't wait to see what you came up with.

judith ann

I tried to post yesterday but it is not here. No need to do anything. just cut to size required.
2nd marriage for her 1st for him. Farmer sewer/quilter .To combine we used we used burlap layered with linen,quilts and lace.[ATTACH=CONFIG]351271[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]351272[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]351273[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]351274[/ATTACH]The canning jars had a candle in one and corn with a toy john deere tractor. We hung vintage quilts in the entry with graduation pictures. A simple but very nice reception.

Barb in Louisiana

She may not want quilted table runners, but simple 1 layer see-through Burlap. If this is the case, you could cut slightly oversize, then stitch slightly in from the sides (just so it wouln't fall totally apart), to create that farm look. Or if she wants fringe, stitch inside the edge by several thread lengths & then ravel the outside. Does she want to keep these, or is this a one-time use?

It really sounds like you need to know what effect she wants from the burlap. Having been raised on a farm, I always remember burlap as being very informal and on the soft side.

kat112000

I ended up folding the burlap in half, making it about 19" wide zig zagging around all sides leave an inch at each end and then fraying those ends. They are putting them on top of white table clothes and the whole wedding decor is drift wood/organic. I seen all the decorating pieces they are using and it is going to be beautiful. The person doing the decorating loved what I did so we will see.

quiltingweb

It must be a trend. I had someone ask me to make a ring bearers pillow from burlap. I'm thinking that I will layer it with muslin underneath. This is where the serger will come in handy...somewhere here there was a discussion why anyone would want a serger.