Patriotic Inspired Grain Sack Table Runner
We’re sharing how to create a simple patriotic inspired grain sack table runner today!
Truth be told, we don’t have a lot of extra room to store seasonal items which definitely gives me pause when it comes to decorating.
Especially, for holidays like the 4th of July.
This year though, we’re bound and determined to celebrate every drop of summer we possibly can with simple projects that feel festive and fun!
Here’s a look at how you can make your own patriotic grain sack inspired table runner…
Patriotic Grain Sack Table Runner Supplies:
- Canvas drop cloth that has been washed several times (do this step in advance)
- Tarp or large garbage bag to protect surfaces
- 1776 graphic (we printed this one out using our home computer and printer)
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Graphite pencil
- Ink pen
- 3 rolls of washi tape (thin width)
- 1 roll of painter’s tape (wide width)
- Your choice of craft paint color (we used primary blue, black, and country red)
- Craft paint brushes
Patriotic Grain Sack Table Runner Steps:
Gather your supplies.
The length of your table runner will depend on the length of your table. We’re doing two smaller table runners as opposed to one long table runner.
But you can do whatever works best for you.
Our table runners are approximately 46 inches long and 18.5 inches wide. I used an actual grain sack to help with the sizing.
Using caution and care as scissors will be sharp, cut the washed drop cloth to the desired size.
Remember to leave a bit of an overhang for each end of your patriotic inspired table runner.
Make sure you cut off any drop cloth seams as you don’t want them to show on your finished table runner.
Place a tarp or large garbage bag underneath the cut drop cloth table runner to protect your surfaces from paint.
Creating the Grain Sack Stripes…
Decide how thick or thin you want the grain sack stripes to be.
We used various sizes of washi tape to help keep paint lines neat and tidy.
It might feel like a pain at first to have to tape all the lines off. But it’s actually faster in the long run because you don’t have to keep measuring out each line.
You’ll want to make sure to put the washi tape on the entire length of the table runner.
Mixing and Applying Craft Paint…
Next, mix up your craft paint colors, if needed.
We created a “midnight blue” which is primary blue mixed with black to get a close match to an original grain sack blue.
Carefully pull up the washi tape that is holding the spot you want to color with craft paint.
Then, apply the craft paint with a sponge brush or paintbrush.
Keep in mind, that you’ll want your brush strokes to be thick in some places and thin in other places. After all, most fabric does not wear in the same spot at the same rate.
Adding a Graphic to Your Patriotic Inspired Grain Sack Table Runner…
Using your home computer, print out the number or letter graphic you want to use.
We’re using 1776 to keep it patriotic. But you can use whatever has a special meaning to you.
Again, using caution and care, cut around the graphic to make the transfer process easier.
Shade the back of the graphic with a graphite pencil.
Measure the center of your patriotic grain sack table runner. Our center was approximately 16 inches.
Then use a ballpoint pen, to fill in each letter.
This will transfer your graphic onto your table runner.
Be very careful while completing this step or you’ll risk smudging the graphite onto your table runner.
Fill in the transferred graphic with your choice of craft paint.
Once the paint from the grain sack stripes and the transferred graphic is dry, remove the washi tape from your patriotic table runner.
At this point, your table runner will look new and you’re more than welcome to leave it that way.
Adding “Age” and Vintage Style Patina to Your Patriotic Inspired Grain Sack Table Runner…
But, if you want to give your table runner some “age,” you need to use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth out any paint that might have pooled or that feels scratchy.
Keep in mind, that the painted stripes on your table runner will become even more textured the more you sand it.
They may even pill a bit.
If you want to further “age” your patriotic table runner, you can fray the edges a bit as well.
Once the paint is completely dry and you have the edges frayed the way you want, place your patriotic inspired table runner in the dryer.
Make sure you don’t have any other clothes or linens in there when you do!
The beauty of this grain sack inspired technique is that you can completely customize your table runner with the colors and graphics that match your decorating style or special celebration.
In addition, you might want to consider using this grain sack inspired fabric technique for pillows, napkins, wall hangings, or towels.
I’ve even seen some people use this technique to upholster chairs and it’s really pretty as well.
We’ll be using this patriotic grain sack inspired table runner in our breakfast nook for Independence Day.
How are you decorating for the 4th of July this year? Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
I’ve just started thinking about the 4th so this is perfect timing, Coco, thank you for the step by step.
I love how this turned out Coco and I am not even American 😉 And I couldn’t agree more about loving neutrals… they will always be at the heart of my decorating as well <3
CoCo – this is fabulous! We love your step-by-step instructions and can’t wait to try this for ourselves! Your runner looks authentically antique! The patriotic theme is perfection.
So pretty, CoCo!!! I LOVE this! It looks like you bought it from a vintage shop with the aged appearance of it. I’ve never seen a tutorial quite like this one…you are so talented, my friend. Beautiful work and is perfect for the upcoming holiday!
Thanks so much for your sweet words, Rachel. Pieces like these are great because you can use them in so many different ways and customize them from season to season too. My nephews want me to make them something spooky for Halloween so fingers crossed I can pull it off. They have high expectations 🙂 Big hugs, CoCo
First – I love your dress form and I love her necklace! Second – this is a fabulous tutorial! We can never have enough grain sack in our lives. This one has the added bonus of being perfect for the 4th of July. Pinned. Thank you for sharing!!
Such kind words, Anna, thank you! Real grain sacks much like ironstone and transferware are getting really hard to find in our area so it’s always fun to put a DIY spin on things. I can’t remember where I got the dress form but she’s been with me for years. I layer all sorts of necklaces around her neck and a sparkly belt around her waist. She gives me the giggles in the best possible way. Big hugs, CoCo
Wow… this is absolutely gorgeous, CoCo! What a fun, patriotic project and gorgeous Summer decor! I love your trick for creating that perfect midnight blue tone, too!
Thanks so much, Heidi! That midnight blue trick is definitely where it’s at because some navy colors come across as too dark and the royal blue can sometimes look like a cartoon blue. Midnight blue feels like a happy medium! Hugs, CoCo
First time visiting and commenting. I found your blog through the Yellow Brick Home. I had to stop and admire the Union Jack and your 1776 table runner. I also love your gorgeous 4th of July table setting. What a lovely blog you have. Funnily enough, as I write this, I believe I used to follow your blog years back, but lost my bookmark with blog names when my computer crashed. Work hasn’t allowed me much time to visit blogs, but I will definitely make an exception to add yours to my list again. Thank you for the inspiration!
We’re so happy to have you, Kim, welcome! Amber is so sweet to put our blog hops together. I swear she is one of the most creative people I know. I look forward to having you any time you can visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Hope you’re having a happy week so far! Hugs, CoCo
These patriotic table runners came out so amazing! I love this idea! You are so creative. Have a wonderful week and a great 4th of July.
I really appreciate it, Meagan, thank you so much. I hope you and your family have a happy celebration as well. Hugs, CoCo
Okay this blows my mind. Your attention to detail is great.
Fantastic tutorial. I’m going to have to try this for something in our home.
Pinned
So sweet of you to say, Cindy, thank you! This project could not be easier to make and honestly, you don’t even have to use it for the 4th, you can customize it to your specific decor and use the idea year-round. Big hugs, CoCo
This is such a great idea! I adore the look of a vintage, worn in grain sack but of course they aren’t easy to come by. This is the answer! Love how you show it as a pillow cover too. Hope you have a Happy 4th!
Thank you bunches, Marie! I can totally relate when you say grain sacks are not easy to come by in your area because they’re not easy to come by in our area either. This project is super simple, can be completely customized, and will definitely help us bridge the gap until we can find the real thing. Hugs and happy crafting, CoCo
CoCo,
This is such a cute idea and I wishing I’d thought of it. LOL. Definitely pinning for next year. I’d like to share a link on my Sunday post. Thanks for all your inspiration.
You are so funny, Rachel! Believe me, you are like 10 times more creative than I will ever be! It’s definitely one of those projects that can be customized for multiple holidays and events. I might try one for this year’s Thanksgiving table too. Thanks so much for including me on your weekend wrap-up, it’s so sweet of you. Big hugs, CoCo
CoCo, just saw this today through Rachel’s Sunday post. This is so amazing! I never thought to use drop cloths as table runners, but the ideas are endless, I love how you made this look old and vintage and it is perfect for July 4th. Thank you for such great instructions.
So sweet of you to come by, Mary, thank you! These table runners could not have been easier to make. It looks like a lot of steps but they really do go by pretty quickly and like you say the options are endless. I’ve used this same technique for pillows and a seat cushion as well! Hope you’re having a fabulous summer, CoCo
Love this idea CoCo, I have drop cloths in the attic… now I feel the need to get them out and give them a makeover! Thanks for sharing, your decor always makes me smile.
I love this project, CoCo! The vintage look is so pretty and I love how you made a pillow too! I am excited to feature your post at this week’s Tuesday Turn About link party. Thank you so much for sharing and Happy 4th!!
Hello CoCo! I wanted to let you know, we’ll be sharing this lovely post tomorrow on the Fabulous Friday Link Party! I hope you can join us there! Happy Day!
This is SO cute Coco! I would love to share it on my Saturday Morning Gather post tomorrow.
That would be so sweet of you, Michele, thank you! I can hardly believe it’s already time to celebrate but I’m excited to see what the rest of the summer holds for us both. Wishing you and your family an amazing holiday weekend, CoCo