Jazz up an old table cloth for festive fun and frolics

Here's a really simple way to cheer up an old table cloth for those emergency Christmas entertaining moments when your great auntie Irma appears unexpectedly. If you've whipped up one of these, simply pull it out when necessary and you'll be considered every bit the domestic goddess...

You can, of course, use whatever shapes you want for the felt embellishments, but I don't think you can really beat snowflakes at this time of year!

Follow the jump for instructions

You'll need:
various colors of felt
sequins
embroidery floss
craft or fabric glue

Measurements:
felt base: 48"x14"
felt upper layers (3): 15"x12"

Instructions

1. Draw out the base pattern on cardboard; trace it onto the fabric and cut it out with pinking shears.

2. Subtracting 1" from each side of the base pattern, draw out the upper layer pattern, either out of the base pattern or on another piece of cardboard. Cut it out and divide the pattern into thirds.

3. Trace three of the rectangular patterns onto at least two colors of felt, making the center layer a different color. Cut out with pinking shears.

4. Pin the two outer top rectangles on top of the long base layer, about 1"-2" from the end (figure A). Sew around the edges.

5. Pin the middle piece in the center, slightly overlapping the two outer pieces. Sew along the edges, making sure to catch the two other top layers as you sew along each side (figure B).

Figure A

Figure B
Pattern and Decoration

1. Plan your pattern beforehand, and first cut the designs out of cardboard. To make the pattern featured on the show, you will need two sizes of circles and one square, which will be used to make the snowflakes.

2. Using the patterns, start cutting the designs out of felt and placing them on the runner (figure C). The size and number of the felt designs should be determined by the size of the runner.

3. To make felt snowflakes, you'll use the same technique you would use to make them out of paper. Cut a square out of felt, fold it diagonally in half and then corner to corner. Cut a design into the square and open back up to reveal the snowflake shape.

4. Using a craft or fabric glue, attach the designs onto to the top of the runner.

5. Embellish with sequins and embroidery floss to finish

Figure C [Via DIY Network]

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