Make This DIY Ombre Table Runner in 15 Minutes

Today’s featured project couldn’t be any easier! With 7 sheets of felt, a pair of scissors and about 15 minutes of your time, you can craft an impromptu DIY ombre table runner for your next dinner party or festive gathering. It’s all about going from dark to light and gradually increasing the amount of felt per color. The pictures and easy steps say it all…

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Ombre Table Runner Supplies

Here’s what you’ll need to get started…

an assortment of felt rectangles/sheets in four shades (I chose shades of pink)
scissors
a ruler
a pencil or pen

I wasn’t sure exactly how I wanted my ombre design to play out, so I bought an array of felt rectangles to give myself more options. But things quickly shaped up nicely, so I have an easy formula for you to follow! For the version of the table runner featured today, here are the exact numbers you’ll need:

1 sheet of felt in the very darkest shade
1 sheet of felt in the next darkest shade
2 sheets of felt in the medium shade
3 sheets of felt in the lightest shade

Make sense? The images that follow will show you the arrangement in detail!

Scissors and pink felt are the supplies of choice

Project Steps

Ready to get to work? As promised, this DIY is easy and quick…

Step 1: Remove the stickers from the back of your felt rectangles.

Remove the sticker from your felt sheets

Step 2: Cut your darkest sheet of felt in half vertically (you want a tall, skinny strip rather than a short, wide one).

Use a ruler and a pen or pencil to draw a neat line that will help you be precise as you cut.

Step 3: Begin arranging your table runner by placing the darkest shade (half-sheet) at the end of the table, then adding the sheet in the next darkest shade.

Since this is an impromptu table runner, there is no sewing or gluing involved. Simply place the felt sheets next to one another on the table. If you have concerns about them sliding around (they actually stay in place better than you’d think), place them on top of a tablecloth so there will be more traction between the fabrics.

Step 4: Add two more felt sheets to your table runner, this time in the medium tone.

Note how the lighter the shades of pink get, the more felt is placed on the table. With each new shade, you’re increasing the amount of felt, starting with a half-sheet and working your way up to larger numbers of felt rectangles/sheets. This creates an obvious ombre gradient effect that’s quite eye-catching!

Step 5: Complete your table runner by adding three sheets of felt in the lightest shade.

If you truly want this runner to look seamless, you can purchase felt fabric and cut it by hand rather than using felt rectangles. That way, instead of three pieces of felt in the lightest shade, you can cut one large piece in a super-long rectangle. It’s totally up to you. I like the fact that this project is easy and can be completed with pre-cut felt rectangles. Between you and me, when I entertain, I fill the center of the table with bowls and plates of food. In other words, the lines between the felt rectangles won’t be too obvious once the table is heaping with delicious edibles!

Step 6: Top your table runner with a centerpiece and enjoy!

I chose a large aloe plant in an IKEA pot. I like the contrast between the modern plant statement and the soft, feminine tones of the felt runner.

Ombre Style

The ombre trend is still going strong, and new takes on the technique are constantly emerging, such as the current dip-dye craze. As you style your table runner, a little will go a long way, especially if you choose a bold shade such as pink for this project. In fact, the addition of dip-dyed napkins would create a fun modern look. Then again, since the runner is classic and clean-lined, you can also embellish it with floral napkins and other feminine details. Take it in any direction you like, and enjoy! I’ll end with a few more images of the completed project. Happy crafting!