Fall-inspired DIY Runner Rugs

We have been looking for a runner for our kitchen that fits perfectly in the space and blends in with the decor at the same time. So, during a shopping episode one fine morning, I came across some mats on an end-of-season sale that looked the perfect candidate for a chabby-chic runner rug. The only problem was they were too small to make a runner but very beautiful/unique (they are hand-made). So, I decided to buy them (can't beat the price of 5$ for each handmade mat) and sew them together to make a long runner rug.

What you will need:

• Table runner (however many required to fit a space; the best way to test the space is by placing the mats in place and figuring out how much mats are needed or you can measure the space =)

Single Mat © Everything Family Guide

• An upholstery needle with a large groove
• Thick string, wool, or twine; the same color as the mats. I used a roll of normal knitting yarn.

What you need to do:

• First, place the mats side-by-side and upside down (we will be sewing on the bottom side of the mat that will be facing the ground) and then start by threading the string together. 

• In the beginning, the first stitch has to be secured with a thick knot and a criss-cross stitch. In order for the stitch to not show at the top of the mat, it is important to sew on the inside seams of the rug and not let the needle go through on the other side.

• The criss-cross stitch continues all the way along and is the best way to put the mats together and keep them together for a long time. Below is an example of a criss-cross stitch in a color that blends in with the mat. 

Criss-Cross Stitch © Everything Family Guide

• This project is a little time-consuming (possibly 10-15 minutes per mat), but all the hard work goes a long way. You can stitch a runner or a large carpet sized mat. 

Inspiration: I got the idea of stitching the mats together from Apartment Therapy where they had sewn round rugs together to make a stylish rug. 

4 Mats sewn together © Everything Family Guide

Viola! Beautiful D-I-Y Runner Rugs. The total cost of my mats $25 (including the mats, yarn, and upholstery needle). We loved them so much that I ended up doing one for the kitchen and the hallway. 

Thanks for reading,
Annie