Leaf-stamped table runner

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If you’re looking for a new table runner to welcome the fall season, why not make your own?

Not only will you end with a color and pattern that match your style, but our leaf stamped table runner is a great way to show off your creativity.

We used drop cloth for the fabric and applied fabric paint to stamps we made from potatoes.

Just download our free leaf stamp printable and follow the simple instructions to make stamps. We even tell you how to determine what size runner is appropriate for your own table measurement!

Choose paint colors that match perfectly with your fall décor–you’ll be proud to display a unique table runner that’s affordable and one-of-a-kind.

This article contains affiliate links for products you will need to make this project.

leaf-stamped table runner instructions

what you'll need

potato leaf stamp printable
drop cloth
tailor’s chalk
scissors
large potato (one potato makes 2 stamps)
permanent marker or fine-point pen
sharp knife
Tulip® Soft® Fabric Paint
foam brushes
pan for each paint color

let's do it

table runner

Prepare the runner by determining the size of the runner width. It should be approximately ⅓ the width of dining table. For example, if your dining table is 48" wide, table runner should be approximately 16" wide.
If you plan on keeping the table runner on the table while dining, make sure there is plenty of room for a dinner plate without it being partially on table and partially on table runner length.
Table runner should overhang the end of table approximately 6-10" on each end
if your table is 72" long, table runner should be 84-92" long.
You can also attach tassel to end, making overall length of runner longer
measure and mark drop cloth with tailor’s chalk, slightly larger than needed as it will shrink when washing/drying.
Cut with sharp scissors.
Wash and dry fabric to fray edges, iron if needed.

potato stamp

Download the potato leaf stamp printable and open with Adobe Reader.
Cut out leaves with scissors.
Wash and dry potatoes to remove debris.
Cut potato evenly in half lengthwise (an uneven surface will make for an uneven stamped image).
Place leaf shape on cut side of potato then trace around leaf with a permanent marker.
Carefully carve around shape approximately ¼" deep with knife, keeping knife vertical.
Slice from side, careful to not cut through shape.
Remove excess potato so leaf shape protrudes.
Add vein details to leaf by cutting small slits at angle.
Remove veins with point of knife.
Lay potato cut side down on paper towel for 30 minutes until dry (potatoes need to be dry for marker and paint to adhere).

stamp runner

Lay fabric on flat, hard surface.
Pour paint colors into individual pans (use old pie pans or sheets of aluminum foil).
Brush paint lightly onto stamp until fully covered (covering too heavily fills in the leaf detail).
Press potato firmly onto drop cloth. Lift and reveal.
Continue alternating leaf shapes and colors, washing and drying stamp between colors. Let dry.

Cheryl Says

Make sure to allow potato stamps to dry before applying paint. Potatoes are naturally moist and paint will not adhere to them unless dry.