After creating some digitally designed fabrics. I decided to try some handprinted methods. My sewing skills are weak and there are already so many tutorials available on how to silkscreen so consider this a lesson on pattern screening.

Placement of the screen to repeat the image was the biggest challenge because it’s difficult to see the image through the fabric paint. Lucky for me, I’m not a perfectionist, so I just eyeballed it. There is some overlap and uneven spacing, but it is handmade after all…

Step 1 – Cut 2 pieces of fabric to desired runner length and width. Remember to add 1 inch to the width and at least 2″ to the length for 1/2″ seams.

Step 2 – Dye the fabric according dye instructions (if desired). I decided I wanted to hand dye my fabric because I like the look of the uneven color which kinda looks like suede.

Step 3 – Silk screen fabrics

Many tutorials on how to create a screen can be found online, so I won’t go into that. I do recommend selecting a bold graphic to screen. This design is a photograph of a cherry blossom that I isolated and simplified in Photoshop.

There are 2 methods for making a repeating pattern on fabric. The first method is by creating one large screen, with multiple images already configured and printing all of the fabric with one pass. The main problem with the large screen method is that it is already configured and it does not give you room to play with pattern and the layout of the image. The second method is by creating a small screen and printing it many times. The small screen method is more flexible, but there is more chance of error. When placing your image, I think it looks better to stagger your images rather than place them on a grid. I also, like when the image spills off the edge of the fabric, otherwise the pattern will look contained.

I recommend using fabric paint, screenprinting inks made for fabric or mixing acrylic inks with textile medium (found at all craft stores). Whatever, you use make sure the ink will show up on your fabric and that the ink is permanent. The light blue is an opaque screenprinting fabric ink with pearl finish. The cream color was created by mixing acrylic screenprinting inks with textile medium. I’ve tested this on clothing and it will not wash out easily and remains fairly flexible. It works great!!

After screening, allow to dry and then heat set inks by ironing.

Step 4 – Cut and join fabric strips. Cut each strip of fabric into 3 equal pieces (or as many as desired). Alternate the pieces and sew back together. One strip will be the front and the other will be the back. I sewed the pieces together with a 1/2″ seam and then ironed the seams flat

Step 5 – Sew front and back together. Pin right sides of fabric together and then sew 2 long sides and 1 short side together using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Trim your corners and then turn inside out. Iron sewn edges to shape and square the work.

Next, fold the open edges inward and iron down and pin together.

Step 6 – Top stitch around entire table runner edge , pivoting around corners.

Here is the flip side to the finished table runner!