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Original poster

Is my “hack” to recreate a ludicrously priced pottery barn table runner flawed? (Pic included)

68 replies

Koili · 10/11/2025 15:47

So I have found this runner which I love. But it’s £90! I can’t believe anyone would spend that much for a strip of material. I have found a very similar piece of tartan which is currently on offer for £15/m. Also cotton. I was thinking I would buy the material and make some runners and placemats to create this look I have seen on Pinterest. It seems too straightforward. Am I missing something? I am not handy at all. Is there a reason people wouldn’t do the same? Is pottery barn assuming people
cant be arsed to mark their own even though it’s not that difficult?

Is my “hack” to recreate a ludicrously priced pottery barn table runner flawed? (Pic included)
Is my “hack” to recreate a ludicrously priced pottery barn table runner flawed? (Pic included)
OP posts:
LivingTheDreamish · 11/11/2025 04:52

I would just buy the M&S one OP.

No5ChalksRoad · 11/11/2025 03:16

It will be fine. Creating frugal dupes is fun.

Francestein · 11/11/2025 02:29

Here are a couple of examples of the myriad Temu ones I forgot to link above

Is my “hack” to recreate a ludicrously priced pottery barn table runner flawed? (Pic included)
Ponderingwindow · 11/11/2025 02:03

You don’t even have to do a hem. This kind of look can look really nice with an intentional fringe. One straight stitch to stabilize where you want the fringe to stop is useful, but not mandatory.

Francestein · 11/11/2025 00:41

I am sure I have seen similar on Temu

EconomyClassRockstar · 10/11/2025 22:22

Wait, Pottery Barn is in the UK now?! I have 2 Pottery Barn runners. One is an about 10 years old Halloween print one that looks as good as the day I bought it but obviously only comes out for 3 weeks a year. The other is on my deck table and also still looks great, even though it is outside. So, even though they're expensive, I think they hold up pretty well.

That said, if you're doing the Ralph Lauren Christmas thing, I'd just go with the 20 quid M&S one.

mamagogo1 · 10/11/2025 22:12

Easy enough to make but most people are far too lazy/time poor/no idea how to sew

Changename12 · 10/11/2025 22:11

Koili · 10/11/2025 15:51

no but my best friend has. I know roughly how to use one. Did textiles at school so definitely a bit rusty

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Even a best friend might not be keen on lending you her machine. I certainly don’t lend mine out. They don’t fare well in inexperienced hands.

MrsMitford3 · 10/11/2025 21:18

I am donning my tin hat to say I am the proud owner of the Pottery Barn table runner.

I spent ages looking at others because of the price but this one is really wide and perfect. I am using it on a white tablecloth so have justified by not buying a new table cloth.

However the napkins to match are £12 EACH!!!
So I am just using white napkins I have.

There are some runners on Etsy you might also want to look at.

I will admit I do love it and look forward to my gorgeous Christmas table.

tapaw · 10/11/2025 21:18

Rich people will happily buy nice things. I imagine pottery barn wouldn't make it if it didn't sell.

Personally, I couldn't be arsed making a replica of something that's so totally unnecessary. I'll be enjoying my bare white ikea table.

TalulahJP · 10/11/2025 21:16

I was scrolling through this thread and a damn shein advert opened. Last time I reported it @mnhqfixed it so im hoping by posting they can do that again. It’s so discombobulating! Thanks MN

TwinklyNight · 10/11/2025 20:53

Why not? Save some money and have pride in doing it.

FrostOnWindows · 10/11/2025 20:48

If you can sew go for it. It will be just rectangles and squares - so super easy.
just make sure it’s the right type of material

SoftBalletShoes · 10/11/2025 20:27

Sounds like a good plan; just make sure the material is wide enough to look like a proper table runner.

Agree that 90 pounds is crazy.

Aluna · 10/11/2025 20:13

Globules · 10/11/2025 19:52

I have this exact same table runner. I made it in the early 00s.

I do not have a crafty bone in my body, but did it with wonderweb and material from the market.

Can't have cost more than £10.

Neither does the M&S one to be fair.

Hellohelga · 10/11/2025 20:11

Yes do it and save the cash. You might find a new love for crafting and transform your home for next to nothing.

SheinIsShite · 10/11/2025 19:54

It's a very simple project in terms of sewing - do you have a sewing machine? Make sure you buy a decent quality fabric, not wool though as you will want to wash it.

Globules · 10/11/2025 19:52

I have this exact same table runner. I made it in the early 00s.

I do not have a crafty bone in my body, but did it with wonderweb and material from the market.

Can't have cost more than £10.

Gwenhwyfar · 10/11/2025 18:20

Ablondiebutagoody · 10/11/2025 16:03

Why not save £15/m by not bothering?

Exactly. Save time AND money!

Bundleflower · 10/11/2025 16:49

I got some reduced fabricy (paper but with a texture) wrapping paper as our runner one year. It was a fairly narrow bit of paper so the perfect width. Looked lovely. I think it cost me about £3 or £4.

shuddacuddadidnt · 10/11/2025 16:46

I've done this and for it to look good (and not cheap), is more complicated than pp have said.
First will be the weight of op's fabric. Ordinary cotton is very light, so you need quilting batting too and twice the fabric, or a heavy lining fabric. No weights will be needed, and the runner will lie flat and wash perfectly.
I machine quited a runner and placemats over 30 years ago and still bring them out every Christmas.

Unless you have a very small dining table, one metre won't be enough with overhang so just buy the M&S ones.👻

ScholesPanda · 10/11/2025 16:30

I guess they're assuming that if you're not normally crafty you won't invest in the kit and the learning time to make it yourself?

If you already have all that and know how to do it, it has to be a lot cheaper to do it yourself.

Myoldbear · 10/11/2025 16:23

I think this is a lovely way to spend time, and also rewarding to think you put the care into making the runner.

Also you say you're not handy at all.
I always think it's great to go out of your comfort zone, ( just a little challenge not too great) for the sense of achievement afterwards.

Aluna · 10/11/2025 16:07

Koili · 10/11/2025 15:56

Oh this changes things….

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Has matching mats and napkins.

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