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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:
takealettermsjones · 10/11/2025 16:07

Ablondiebutagoody · 10/11/2025 16:03

Why not save £15/m by not bothering?

😂😂😂

We need the laugh react back!

TemporarilyCantDoMyself · 10/11/2025 16:03

A tenner on Amazon. They probably have even cheaper ones. In fact, there's nothing to stop you simply re-purposing a cheap tartan scarf (you could cut the fringe off or not).
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DB77JJQV/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9waG9uZV9kZXRhaWw&aref=NNe6NDvyBf&sp_cr=ZAZ&th=1

InterIgnis · 10/11/2025 16:03

There’s a lot for sale for cheaper. It’s Royal Stewart tartan, so a popular plaid that’s not exclusive to Pottery Barn.

Here’s one, also 100% cotton:
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/175992645446

Ablondiebutagoody · 10/11/2025 16:03

Why not save £15/m by not bothering?

Original poster
Koili · 10/11/2025 15:57

MarmaladeMarxist · 10/11/2025 15:50

Have you got a sewing machine? How much do you value your own time?

If the answers to the above are 'yes', and 'not much', then crack on, it'll definitely work out cheaper 🙂

Edited

Would never have thought about the weights. Thanks for pointing out.

OP posts:
SoScarletItWas · 10/11/2025 15:56

Peridot1 · 10/11/2025 15:53

M&S have a similar one for £20 - here

I would buy this rather than make my own, for £20 it’s much much neater than mine would be and no swearing at the machine.

Original poster
Koili · 10/11/2025 15:56

Peridot1 · 10/11/2025 15:53

M&S have a similar one for £20 - here

Oh this changes things….

OP posts:
SoScarletItWas · 10/11/2025 15:55

It’s only a hemmed rectangle of fabric so very achievable with the sewing machine.

If you can’t sew, buy iron-on Wonder Web and hem it that way.

As @WinterBerry40 says, little weights will help it hang better. Sew them into the hem or attach some suitable decorations at either end - pine cones or whatever suits your decor/theme.

ExtraOnions · 10/11/2025 15:53

I created a similar runner last year. I went to a local fabric shop , bought an off-cut for about a fiver.. foldeded it in on itself, and put it down the length of the table. No sewing machine .. had I been slightly less lazy I might have used some wonder-web

Looked great … and nobody really looks hard enough to see if the sides are seamed - it’s a “look”, which will get packed away after a few hours

NeverDropYourMooncup · 10/11/2025 15:52

You don't even need a sewing machine. Pair of decent scissors, a straight edge, iron and a packet of wundaweb from the supermarket would sort it in ten minutes including putting the kettle on.

Original poster
Koili · 10/11/2025 15:51

MarmaladeMarxist · 10/11/2025 15:50

Have you got a sewing machine? How much do you value your own time?

If the answers to the above are 'yes', and 'not much', then crack on, it'll definitely work out cheaper 🙂

Edited

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

OP posts:
henlake7 · 10/11/2025 15:51

Give it a go....sounds like a good project.
and remember the majority of things are only worth what people are willing to pay for them!

WinterBerry40 · 10/11/2025 15:50

Yes make it yourself , if you want a good overhang having it weighted helps , you can sew tiny weights in the hems .

takealettermsjones · 10/11/2025 15:50

I'd imagine a lot of people probably couldn't be arsed! Not a criticism - we all have our priorities! But if you can and you're decent with a sewing machine then go for it! It definitely looks doable to me 👍

MarmaladeMarxist · 10/11/2025 15:50

Have you got a sewing machine? How much do you value your own time?

If the answers to the above are 'yes', and 'not much', then crack on, it'll definitely work out cheaper 🙂

KnickerlessParsons · 10/11/2025 15:49

You could say the same for a lot of the tat for sale, and ditto ready made meals.

If I wanted a tartan runner, I'd most definitely make my own and spend the £90 on gin

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