A handwoven table runner in navy blue and natural, made from 100% organic cotton on a floor loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire. The pattern is woven in an overshot structure - a traditional technique in which supplementary weft threads are carried over multiple warp threads to create a floating, raised pattern on the surface of the cloth. The geometric design is visible from both sides, though it reads differently from each - bolder on the face, softer in reverse.
 
Organic cotton is used throughout. Unlike conventionally grown cotton, organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, and the yarn is processed without chlorine bleaching. The natural undyed warp gives the runner its characteristic warm cream ground against which the navy pattern sits. Both colours are 100% cotton; neither will shrink significantly with correct washing.
 
Dimensions
34cm wide × 160cm long, with a 12cm fringe at each end. This length suits a dining table seating six to eight people and also works well as a console or sideboard runner.
 
Material
100% organic cotton, handwoven on a floor loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
 
Care
Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry naturally. Press when dry with a warm iron. The organic cotton will soften slightly with washing and improve with use. Do not tumble dry.
 
Part of a collection
This table runner is sold alongside a matching set of four organic cotton placemats and four napkins, woven from the same warp in the same navy and natural overshot pattern. Purchasing the full collection gives a complete coordinated table setting, all handwoven by Emma Baker in Wiltshire.
 
Gifting
This runner arrives in Emma’s branded gift box, tissue-paper lined. It is a significant but considered gift, suited to a wedding, a milestone housewarming, or a special occasion for someone who appreciates handmade British textiles. 
 
Frequently Asked Questions - Handwoven Organic Cotton Table Runner
 
What is overshot weaving?
Overshot is a traditional weaving technique in which supplementary weft threads - the horizontal threads are carried over multiple warp threads at a time, creating a pattern that floats above the surface of the base cloth. The effect is a raised, geometric design that has physical texture as well as visual pattern. Overshot structures can only be created on the loom - the pattern is structural, not printed or embroidered. It is one of the oldest patterned weave structures in European textile history and requires careful planning of the threading and treadling sequence before a single thread is woven. The navy and natural geometric pattern on this runner is the direct result of Emma’s overshot threading on a floor loom in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
 
What does organic cotton mean and why does it matter?
Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, under standards that protect soil health and reduce environmental impact. The yarn used in this runner is also processed without chlorine bleaching, which means the natural warm cream colour of the undyed warp is the cotton in its minimally processed state. At a practical level, organic cotton is softer and less likely to cause skin irritation than conventionally processed cotton, and it tends to improve in handle with washing. For buyers who consider the environmental provenance of what they buy, the organic certification is a meaningful assurance.
 
What size table does this runner fit?
The runner measures 34cm wide by 160cm long, not including the 12cm fringe at each end (total length with fringe: 184cm). This suits a dining table seating six to eight people, where it will run down the centre of the table with a neat overhang at each end. It also works well on a console table, sideboard or dresser. 
 
Is this part of a matching set?
Yes. The runner is part of a collection that also includes four matching organic cotton placemats and four napkins, all woven from the same warp in the same navy and natural overshot pattern. The full collection gives a complete coordinated table setting, all handwoven by Emma Baker in Wiltshire. 
 
How do I care for the runner?
Hand wash in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and dry naturally. Press when dry with a warm iron. Do not tumble dry - the heat and agitation may cause the cotton to shrink. The organic cotton will soften slightly with washing and improve with use; this is normal and desirable for a cotton textile. For everyday freshening between washes, shaking out and airing the runner is usually sufficient.
 
Will the colours fade or run?
The yarns are dyed before weaving and the colours are stable with correct washing. The navy dye is fixed and will not transfer to the natural warp in cool or warm hand washing. As with any dyed textile, prolonged direct sunlight may affect the depth of the navy over years of use, but this is gradual and normal for any organic dyed cotton. The natural undyed warp will remain stable indefinitely.
 
Is this runner suitable as a wedding or housewarming gift?
Yes - it is particularly well suited to both. The navy and natural colourway is classic and versatile, working with a wide range of tableware and interior styles. The organic cotton and handwoven provenance make it a considered gift that stands apart from shop-bought alternatives. It is a gift at the level of a significant occasion. Every order arrives in Emma’s branded gift box, tissue-paper lined, ready to give.
 
Can I commission a table runner in different colours or dimensions?
Emma occasionally accepts commissions for bespoke homeware pieces. If you are interested in a table runner in a specific colourway, a different length, or a different weave pattern, contact Emma directly to discuss what is possible and the likely lead time and price. Commissioned table textiles require planning the warp in advance, so lead times are longer than for in-stock pieces.