Creating a DIY patriotic table runner is a wonderful way to add a touch of patriotism and a red, white and blue festive spirit to your home decor for special occasions like the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day or any event celebrating the United States. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to make a striped table runner with acrylic paint and make your own stencil with painter’s tape.

photo collage| Supplies for making a patriotic table runner and a photo of a white table runner with a red and blue stripe.

DIY Fabric Painted Patriotic Table Runner

I love decorating my home with DIY projects for any holiday and season. I like to keep it simple but stylish with easy-to-make DIY holiday ideas. This fabric-painted patriotic table runner couldn’t be easy easier with no sewing and simple supplies.

Supplies Needed for Making a Fabric-Painted Patriotic Table Runner

This idea has a lot of wiggle room however you want to make it. I wanted to keep it very simple with a rustic charm so I added stripes. You can hand paint stars or use a stamp, paint the American flag or red, white and blue dots. Anything! Let your creativity guide you.

Table Runner – I chose an off-white cotton table runner. Painting on fabric works better with natural untextured fabrics. Even though it’s textured, painting on burlap works well. I love buying plain table runners and creating fun DIY holiday decor as I did for this Halloween table runner.
Painters Tape
Paint Brush
Acrylic Paint (or acrylic fabric paint)
Fabric Medium – not pictured. Adding this to acrylic paint makes it more washable.
Freezer Paper – I used this as a table protector.

How to Make a Patriotic Table Runner

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $15

Learn how to use acrylic paint to create a striped patriotic table runner for the 4th of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day or any patriotic celebration.

Materials

Cotton Table Runner
Acrylic Paints in Blue and Red
Fabric Medium - not needed if you're using acrylic fabric paint
Small Paint Brush
Painters Tape - I would have liked to have had 2 width sizes to use, but I made due with the regular width.
Freezer Paper - I used this as a table top protector.

Instructions

Gather your supplies.
Prep your space. Just in case the paint may bleed through, I always line my space with freezer paper or a poster board.
Decide what stripe pattern you want and start adding your painter's tape. I did 3 lines of tape and painted in between them.
If you're not using acrylic fabric paint, mix together the fabric medium and acrylic paint in a 1:2 ratio. Check the fabric medium instructions as they may be different than mine.
Start applying the paint to your stenciled areas.
Allow to dry. If you pull the tape off too soon, the wet paint on the tape will be messy, and couldn't accidentally mark your runner.
Peel the tape off to reveal lovely stripes.
Iron with a hot no steam iron to set the paint.
Wash normally with cold water. Dry on low.

Notes

For more stripe variations, try using painter's tape in different widths.
Create your own design and style by adding hand-painted designs or using foam stamps.
Total cost is a rough estimate since I only had to purchase the table runner.

Can You Paint on Fabric?

Yes! You can paint on fabric! I use regular acrylic paint and a fabric medium. My directions on my bottle say to add a 1:2 part ratio of fabric medium to acrylic paint. I have only painted on cotton, or cotton blend fabrics like tea towels, pillow covers, and table runners. You can also paint on T-shirts.

Can You Wash Painted Fabric?

Yes, you can wash painted fabric. If you’ve used fabric paint or a fabric medium, you can wash normally and on cold. Before washing, set the design by ironing with a hot iron, no steam. I usually place parchment paper or a tea towel over the painted sections when ironing.

How to Decorate with Your New Patriotic Table Runner

Table runner with a centerpiece: Obviously you can use it down the center of your table. Add something to the middle like I did. Just a simple platter, plate or tray and a bouquet of flowers (like this patriotic flower centerpiece) or mini American flags. Adding a bowl of fruit like red apples is always a simple ideas.
Table runner crisscross: Run one table runner down the center and then a second one the other direction making a crisscross.
Table runner backdrop: Hang the patriotic table runner as a backdrop behind your table. You can affix it to a wall using removable adhesive hooks or tape. This creates a patriotic focal point that serves as a backdrop for food displays, dessert tables, or photo booths at your patriotic-themed event. You can add paper stars, a patriotic banner, or medallions for easy 4th of July decor.
Table runner chair sashes: Cut the patriotic table runner into long strips and use them as chair sashes. Tie them around the backs of your dining chairs to instantly add a patriotic flair to each seat. You can tie them in a simple knot or create decorative bows for an extra touch.
Table runner buffet display: If you’re setting up a buffet table, use the patriotic table runner as a decorative accent. Run it along the front edge of the table, allowing it to drape down slightly. This adds a pop of color and pattern to your buffet display while tying it to the patriotic theme.

Remember, the versatility of a table runner allows you to experiment with different ways to incorporate it into your table decor. Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own unique ways to use the patriotic table runner to suit your event and personal style.