After 3 days of intense slaving, I finally finished my DIY aisle runner. Here’s the step by step and what I used to create this 55 foot masterpiece:
First: Design your motif in a program like Photoshop. Be sure to create your image with really high DPI (Dots Per Inch), that way when the image gets blown up, it doesn’t become too grainy. I worked in 300 DPI, which transfered to a large image (4 feet across) just fine. Take your creation to your favorite local copy shop, and have them blow it up to the size you need. I blew mine up at Kinkos for $4.50.
I used acrylic paint ($6) and some cheap paintbrushes ($2 for a set of 3) from Michaels. I was afraid that craft paint might be too thin for the cloth and bleed too much, but this might not be the case….I’ve just never worked with it before so I erred on the safe side and used the thickest oil based paint I could find. I also purchased 18.5 yards of Muslin cloth (5 feet wide) from the dollar bin at a fabric store ($18)
Tape your paper design to the underside of your aisle runner. You might want to do a better job of ironing beforehand than I did.
Paint.
Voila.
I also painted stripes up the sides for a more finished look. I hope it will add a personal touch to our ceremony! It will definitely have to be ironed the week of the wedding.
I think that was probably one of the best explanations I’ve ever read on how to do an aisle runner! I love when people spell it out so simple!
It came out great! Love the design because it’s not your typical wedding initials! I’m not the wispy girlie type so it’s nice to see a design like this! 
That is fantabulistic awesome Miss Penguin! I LOVE LOVE your gorgeous design!
great tutorial. you make it seem even easier than i thought. i’m also digging the design too. great job!
Great job! I think I’m going to have to pay an arm and a leg for a custom aisle runner because I’m creatively-challenged, and my wedding is in 30 days…
Now that I think about it, they might not even be able to make one in that short amount of time!!
LOVE IT!! For the actual aisle runner itself did you just buy one or make it?? I’m having a hard time finding one that I like…Thanks!!
Very nice! The stripes definitely give it a finished look, and I love the design you came up with. Way to go!
Caroline -
the fabric is just plain ol’ muslin…the stuff that dressmakers use to make their “mock” designs or patterns with before they make couture dresses. If you dont know what it is just go ahead and ask a sales clerk, its super common, and I guarantee EVERYONE that sells fabric has it. They sell the stuff in varying widths at any fabric store, it usually comes in “natural white” (mine) and “bleached white”…its CHEAP, right around $2 a yard. Wait till your local fabric store has a sale (Joann’s CONSTANTLY has a 40% off coupon, maybe once every few months, if not more frequently) and you might be able to get it for around $1 a yard like I did!
I just used stitch witchery on the two unfinished ends just to make it look more finished.
That looks great! Aside from the time it takes, it doesn’t seem all the hard to make!!
how did you get the lines on the sides straight? you didn’t blow up sheets of stripes did you?
it looks great! i love the pattern.
JW- haha, no simply laid down strips of masking tape. I plowed through 2 big rolls of it.
Beautiful! Great job! I may have to steal the idea.
Thanks for the how-to. Looks kind of tattoo-inspired, like LA Ink?
FABULOUS! absolutely love it. Thanks for the step by step instructions.
WOW! Thanks for sharing that. I think I may give it a go. Your’s came out so great!
That looks absolutely amazing!!! Like a few others said, I love the stripes — they really give it a finished appearance. Well done!
Fantabulous! I love it! I’m most def gonna have to steal this one from you
Great job and explaination!
[...] many of my fellow bees before me (like Penguin, Cookie, and Spring Roll), I too made a DIY aisle runner. I bought a “deluxe fabric aisle [...]
Mrs. Penguin, Sacramento
Age and Occupation: 26, Video & TV Producer/Director/Editor
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 29, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Engagement Date: January 29, 2007
Wedding Date: June 7, 2008
Blogging Since: September 14, 2007
Venue: Winery in the Gold Country
About Me: I'm a silly mess of a girl who, above all else in this world, LOVES the Spice Girls. I eat sushi at least 3 times a week, and feel guilty about how much it costs the other 4 days a week. I love designer jeans and cheap accessories. I don't like sweets, but I love the UCLA Bruins!
wow - i just double-checked the date of your wedding! you’re in tip top shape making a DIY aisle runner now! go you!! you make me look like a big ‘ol lazy bum! haha. thanks for posting your DIY..I was contemplating making our own as well~