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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:
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

TwinklyNight · 10/11/2025 20:53

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

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

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.

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.

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

Show quote history

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.

mamagogo1 · 10/11/2025 22:12

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

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.

Francestein · 11/11/2025 00:41

I am sure I have seen similar on Temu

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 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)
No5ChalksRoad · 11/11/2025 03:16

It will be fine. Creating frugal dupes is fun.

LivingTheDreamish · 11/11/2025 04:52

I would just buy the M&S one OP.

OwlBeThere · 11/11/2025 04:55

Pottery barn are absolutely relying on the fact people have not the time, inclination or will to DIY.

Quamarina · 11/11/2025 05:21

I very quickly made a table runner for my wedding & used the wonderweb hemming tape that you iron on to bring trousers up. I do have a sewing machine but it was lockdown & I couldn’t go to the shops to get the right colour match thread. It’s still going strong 4 years on & it’s been through the wash countless times, I don’t use it every day but any time someone is over & its a quick way to dress the table up a bit.

It’s so easy & quick, you just need an iron & a damp tea towel (check instructions first as some hemming tapes work with dry heat, others damp), especially if you’re not used to the sewing machine / unsure of what stitch to use / a lot of time can be used unpicking stitches & running through the whole thing again!

ViviousCurrentBun · 11/11/2025 05:29

It’s very easy I can sew to dressmaking level though had a go at making my own pattern for a Flynn Rider waistcoat for DS Halloween costume and it came out really well.

Bamboozles · 11/11/2025 05:41

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.

I do the same and change it every year

weirdthread · 11/11/2025 05:57

Could be the expensive one is lined and backed and a heavier material than the one you would make. That said, it wouldn't be hard to do. Plenty of other good options offered here.

Bjorkdidit · 11/11/2025 06:42

Koili · 10/11/2025 15:56

Oh this changes things….

Show quote history

I think the answer is that Pottery Barn markets itself to the more money than sense crowd.

I'm sure the M&S one is lovely. The PB one is unlikely to be 4.5 x as lovely.

boobot1 · 11/11/2025 07:12

Defiately, maybe try other colours too to fit with other themes

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