Craft This: Oilcloth Table Runner and Accessories

Sturdy, waterproof oilcloth is the perfect material for tablecloths, napkin rings, and utensil holders that combine form and function.

Silverware Caddy

Supplies:
Large yogurt container
Scissors
Acetone-based nail polish remover
Two colors of oilcloth—enough to wrap the container
Pinking shears
Kraft paper
Tacky glue
Clothespin

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your container. If it has a lip around the top, cut it off with scissors. Use nail polish remover to remove any printed or gummy labels on the container.

2. Wrap a piece of kraft paper around the container. Tape it in place.

3. Crease the paper back where the ends meet to mark that place. Push the top end of the kraft paper into the container and crease the bottom end around the bottom of the container.

4. Remove the kraft paper and use the crease lines as a guide to trim to make a template. Cut a piece of oilcloth the same size plus ½” (so the seam overlaps) with scissors.

5. Glue the oilcloth to the container with Tacky glue.

6. Cut a thin strip of your other color of oilcloth with the pinking shears, making sure it is long enough to wrap around the top edge of the container. Use Tacky glue to glue this strip to the top edge of the container. Use a clothespin to secure the trim until it dries.

Oilcloth Napkin Rings
Supplies:
Oil cloth fabric—a small scrap
Rickrack trim—7” per ring
Pinking shears
Hand needles & sewing thread
Tacky glue
Ruler
Pencil

1. Working on the backside of the oilcloth, use a ruler and pencil to mark a 2” x 7” rectangle, cut using pinking sheers to create a zigzag edge.

2. Use Tacky glue to attach the rickrack trim across the center of the runner, 1/4 of an inch from the edge. Keep flat and allow to dry.

3. Round the rectangle to form a ring and hand stitch the ring closed. You can add a drop of Tacky glue for extra security.

Oilcloth Table Runner
Supplies:
Measuring tape
Oilcloth fabric
Rickrack trim
Pinking shears
Tacky glue
Yardstick
Pencil
Clothespins
Painters tape or masking tape

1. Measure your table and determine the appropriate size for your runner.

2. Working on the backside of the oilcloth, use a yard stick and pencil to mark the size of your table runner appropriate for your table size, cut using pinking sheers to create a zigzag edge.

3. Use Tacky glue to attach the rickrack trim around the edge of the runner, 2 inches from the edge. You can either eyeball the 2” measurement or place small pieces of painters’ tape 2” from the edge at regular intervals to serve as a guide.

4. When you get to a corner, fold the rickrack over at a 90-degree angle (rather than cutting it) to create a mitered corner. Secure with a clothespin for a few minutes, if desired. Keep flat and allow to dry.