Make an autumn-themed table runner and napkin rings

This story was originally titled "Bring the Leaf Motif to the Table" in the October 2009 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Love crafts? Don't forget to sign up for our e-newsletter, Get Crafty.

Got a few minutes? Decorate your Thanksgiving table with leaves, the universal symbol of fall. Felt place card holders, napkin rings and a table runner are easy to make, and kids will love helping you with this colourful fall craft. The best part? These leaves don't need any raking.

Click here to view a larger image of the leaf motif table setting

Note: To make 8 place card holders, 8 napkin rings and the table runner, you need about 0.25 m felt in each of several fall colours (such as red, orange, yellow, green and brown).

Autumnal table runner
Adorn your table with a bit of colour – fresh-fallen leaves on a linen runner.

You need:
Leaf pattern pieces
0.25 m felt in each of several fall colours
1 m linen or linen-look fabric
All-purpose thread to match linen
Embroidery floss to match felt
Tapestry needle
Fabric shears or rotary cutter, acrylic ruler
and cutting mat
Small, sharp scissors
Straight pins

To make:
1. Cut out actual-size leaf pattern piece; place on felt and secure with pins. Cut out felt around pattern using scissors. Remove pins and pattern. Repeat to make 16 beech leaves, 2 oak leaves and 2 maple leaves.

2. From linen, cut two 44 x 88 cm (18- x 36-in) rectangles. Set one rectangle aside. Fold remaining one in quarters and finger-press folds. Unfold; lay right side up on work surface. In each quadrant, arrange 4 beech leaves in arc (use photo below as guide). Place 1 maple leaf in centre at each short end of oval; place 1 oak leaf in centre at each long end of oval. Pin leaves in place.

3. With coordinating embroidery floss and using backstitch, stitch down centre of each leaf, securing stitching with knot on wrong side.

4. Place linen rectangles right sides together; align edges and pin together, leaving 15 cm (6-in) gap in centre of one short end.

5. Stitch around rectangle, using 1.5 cm (5/8-in) seam allowance and backstitching at beginning and end of stitching. Trim seams and threads, clip corners and turn right side out.

6. To finish, turn under edges of opening; pin closed. Beginning and ending at one corner, edgestitch around runner. Press (avoiding felt with iron) if desired.

Click here to view a larger image of the completed autumnal table runner

Designer's notes:
• This technique could also be used, on a smaller scale, to embellish place mats.
• Don't like the look of felt? Try cutting the leaves from scraps of faux suede.


Page 1 of 2 -- On page 2, find out how to make 5-minute napkin rings and quick place card holders to complete your Thanksgiving table.