Choosing a Material for Your Runner

• The best choice for an aisle runner is a sturdy fabric. You can use paper, similar to that used in premade aisle runners, but you run the risk of the runner tearing or heels punching holes in it all the way down the aisle. The best fabrics to use are canvas, duck cloth or thick muslin. Avoid thinner fabrics that bunch and wrinkle easily as they may prove to be tripping hazards as people walk on them.
  
  

Buying Your Fabric

• Once you have decided on your fabric, you will need to have your aisle measurements ready so you know how much to purchase. Ideally, the runner should start at the altar and end at the last row of seating, or pews. Make sure the fabric you choose comes in the appropriate width. Traditionally, fabric comes in widths of 45 and 60 inches. Select a fabric that isn't too wide or narrow for your aisle. If the fabric you choose is wider than your space you can always trim it down, but consider another fabric if it's too narrow, unless you are planning to add a wide trim.
  
  

Finishing Your Fabric

• If you buy a fabric that is 45 or 60 inches wide, the edges should already be finished so you only need to finish the top and bottom edges. If the edges of your runner are unfinished, there are several ways to finish them . Buy additional fabric and make a binding, or purchase premade binding from the fabric store. This is inexpensive and should match a white or ivory runner. If you don't want to bind the edges, you can simply serge them or just turn the edges in twice and hem them.
  
  

Decorating Your Runner

• A nice touch is to monogram your runner with your and your fiancée's initials. Monograms can be designed easily in Microsoft Word or a similar program. Once you have the desired look, you can take the monogram to a copy shop to be blown up to the proper size. Use the blown-up monogram to create a stencil and transfer your monogram onto the runner using fabric paint. When painting the runner, lay it out flat on a table or on the floor with a layer of wax paper behind it to prevent the paint from bleeding. When you have finished painting allow the monogram to dry completely before rolling up your runner for safekeeping. Although monograms are the most popular choice, you can use this same process to add any decorations you like from flowers to flourishes or even your wedding date.