Velvet Christmas Table Runner
 

I made this for my sister for her Christmas Eve buffet table. Working with velvet was a challenge to say the least. This is my second try. The first turned out a little funky and this isn't a lot better but it's going to be surrounded by food so it should look okay. My question to all you creative thinkers out there...what to do for binding? I stabilized the sides with over-lock stitching but it's still a little wavy. All ideas are welcome. And thanks for looking and thinking about it with me.

Nice job, but I don't think I want to work with velvet - at least not for awhile!

nice runner, you might want to do the birthing method and just turn it inside out. no one is going to look at your edges, and if they complain, give them a big raspberry

Beautiful. If you still can, you might try putting some interfacing inside. The ruffle idea is a good one, too.

As Charsuewilson mentioned, I would have stabilized it with interfacing. If you can, I would turn it inside out and add some so it behaves more. I don't think you could iron it on. Another idea with velvet is to iron the velvet over the rubber stamps. We did it at quilt club one night and it turned out great. Also, depending on the fabric used over the rubber stamps, you can add the paint from the paint sticks. What a great idea for next year!!!

Haven't a clue how to stabilize those edges but that is one good looking, attractive table runner. My initial instinct was that an attack from the back to the front might be the solution.

I really have not idea as I haven't sewn with velvet. But looking at your runner I can see a satin(y) binding. I think that the runner is beautiful and can also see it as a bed runner - if she doesn't want to take the chance of having any accidents with food.

Thanks to everyone who commented and offered ideas for binding on the velvet table runner. It does have a light stabilizer behind it but obviously not stiff enough. Next time. For this one, I love the ruffle idea. And also the idea of leaving it as is and gifting anyone who comments about the binding a great, big raspberry! Thanks again to you all.

"is to iron the velvet over the rubber stamps. I have never heard of this. What rubber stamps?

That looks like a synthetic velvet, and it is a bear to work with. You did a great job. I think the birthing method, with either heavy satin or bottomweight cotton would stabilize it nicely.

Beautiful runner, well done.

A satin binding cut on the grain of the fabric (not bias) would look good and help stabilize your edges.

Suggestion for next time - try cotton upholstery velvet, which is much easier to work with. It does not stretch, is a bit heavier, and washes nicely too. We have been using it as table draping for shows for about a year and a half. Still looks new (except the one wax and glaze got dripped on). :)

What about cotton satin or maybe demask in white?

Liquor is involved as far as I'm concerned.

Beautiful table runner.

I would bind it with satin.

I agree with this method. Then I would just do a "mock" binding after turning it out, just stitch around the finished piece one or two times about 1/2 inch from the finished edge and then again, if you think it needs it another inch or so from the first. Velvet is so wonky I think it would be very frustrating to try and put on a regular binding. BTW I think your velvet runner is very pretty and so festive :):thumbup::thumbup:

Velvet table runner
 

I had no idea there we different kinds of velvet. Thank you for mentioning this alternative. I"m optimistic now about another attempt with the cotton upholstery velvet!

I think the strips or better yet the solid gold would pull it all together, it is lovely.

Oh dear! I would hate to see velvet as a table runner with MY family!! Hopefully, your family is neater and won't get it all splashed with food!

what rich looking color! Lace or satin edging sounds good to me.

Just a thought on binding your runner...you have done a fabulous job so far, maybe a satin bias cut border? Satin would set it off perfectly, and using bias avoids the argument I always have with satin not wanting to lay flat. Post whatever you do please, I can't wait to see what you decide!

I like this idea = seems the simplest, easiest, and will look great. Speaking of great - your runner looks GREAT!

I agree. You could even use gold or silver satin (cut the satin just a little larger so you would have sort of a piping look to it on the edges) that has a duller finish on the back side. Sorry I can't remember what they call it. And It might be easier to sew with the velvet.