Simple Table Runner

24 inches by 80 inches

For this project I will be teaching you how to make a simple table runner. This table runner will consist of five basic quilt blocks. If you need to make a smaller table runner, use less blocks and sashing. The directions will be for hand piecing. If you are using a sewing machine, you might want to look at the directions on my "Quilt Blocks" section. There will be a link to these pages in the directions for each block. If you are just learning to quilt, you should check out my page "Start Your First Quilt" This page will give you step by step illustrated directions on how to cut and sew your block pieces. It will also tell you what basic quilting supplies you need.

Supplies for Table Runner

Fabric:

1. You will need different fabrics for your blocks. I like variety in my quilts, so I used many fabrics in my color choice. I like to buy either 1/4 yard or fat quarters. (Fat Quarter are pieces that the quilt stores have already precut. They are 18 by 24 inches.) You can also make this runner in fewer fabrics. I have done this is just three fabrics. I used about 1/2 yard of each fabric for the top of the quilt and another yard for the back.

24 inches by 52 inches

2. For the sashing and the border you will need more fabric. I would advise that you buy at least a yard of each fabric, so that you only need to piece once.

3. A piece of batting the length of your runner plus at least 6 inches

4. Fabric for the back of your quilt. This should be the same size as your batting.

Other Supplies

1. Thread - a neutral color or one that matches you fabric

2. Sewing Scissors - they don't have to be expensive scissors, but they do need to be ones you haven't cut paper with.

3. Needles - if you are hand quilting, it is best to use between needles.

4. Rotary supplies - these are optional, but if you are going to continue quilting you probably want to invest in these supplies. For more information go to "Quilting Supplies The first block you will be making is the nine patch. It is one of the easiest blocks to make. The only blocks that are easier are a one patch(which is just a square) and a four patch. The directions I will be giving for this block, plus the remaining four, are for hand piecing. If you click on the block title,it will take you to a page that will show you how to machine quilt.

Nine Patch Block

Directions

1. Cut 9 squares 4 1/2 inches

2. Draw your 1/4 inch lines on the reverse side of your squares

3. Lay the nine squares out in three rows with 3 squares in each row

5. Press the seams of each piece. In the first and third row they should be pressed toward the outer pieces. In the second row they should be press toward the center piece.

7. Sew the third row onto the second row.

9. You have finished making a nine patch

Pin Wheel Block

Directions for the half-square triangle

1. For this block you will need two fabrics.

2. Cut 4 blocks 6 7/8 inches. (Two from each fabric.)

3. On the reverse side of the lighter fabric, draw a diagonal line down the middle of the square.

4. Draw two diagonal lines 1/4 each from the center line. (picture)

5. Place the lighter and darker fabric right sides together.

6. Pin with the lighter side on top.

7. Sew on the outer diagonal lines. (picture)

8. Cut on the center line. You will have two half square triangles.

9 Repeat steps 3-8 with the other two squares

1. Lay out the four half-square triangles you have just made. Use the picture for placement of blocks

3. With right sides together, pin and sew the two rows together. You seams should lock together just as they did in your nine patch block.

4. Press the seam in one direction.

5. You have finished the Pin Wheel Block.

Friendship Star Block

Directions for the Friendship Star

1. You will need two different fabrics. One light fabric and one dark fabric. One fabric is the star and one is the background. I used the dark fabric for the star, but you could also use the light.

2. From the dark fabric(star) you will need to cut one square 4 1/2 inches and two squares 4 7/8 inches.

3. From the light fabric (background) you will need to cut four squares 4 1/2 inches and 2 squares 4 7/8 inches.

4. Using the 4 7/8 inch squares make four half square triangles using the directions above. You will now have nine squares 4 1/2 inches each.

5. Lay out your nine squares. Use the picture for placement of squares.

Shoofly Block

For the Shoo fly Block you will be using the same pieces that you did for the Friendship Block. The difference between the two block is how you place your solid squares and your half square triangles.

1. You will be using two fabrics, one dark and one light.

2. Decide if you want your center square to be a light or dark fabric. What you pick will decide how many squares of each fabric you will cut. I used a light color for my center square, so I will give directions accordingly. If you choose the dark fabric, just switch the directions around.

3. From the light fabric, cut one square 4 1/2 inches and two squares 4 7/8 inches.

4. From the dark fabric, cut four squares 4 1/2 inches and two squares 4 7/8 inches.

5. From your four 4 7/8 inch squares make your half-square triangles.

6. Lay out your nine squares using the picture for placement. Your solid squares should make a plus in the center, with the light fabric as the center block. Your half-square triangles are your corner blocks, with the darker fabric facing out.

Sawtooth Star Block

Directions for the Flying Geese

1. For the flying geese, you will need one light and one dark fabric.

2. From the light fabric (this is referred to as the geese fabric) cut four rectangles 6 1/2 wide by 3 1/2 inches high.

3. From the dark fabric (this is the sky fabric) cut 8 squares 3 1/2 inches each.

4. On the reverse side of your 8 dark(sky) fabric squares, draw a diagonal line.

6. Sew on the diagonal line. Press back the sky fabric.

7. Place a square on the other side of the rectangle. Sew on diagonal line. Press back the sky fabric. (You will press the triangle back on itself. You will now have three layers)

8. Your three layers should match evenly on the edge of your rectangle. If they do, fold your triangle back and cut off the back two fabrics. If they don't match perfectly, just cut out the middle layer. (picture)

9. Repeat steps 5-8 for the remaining three flying geese. You should have a total of 4 flying geese.

1. From your light fabric, cut four squares 3 1/2 inches

2. From a third fabric, cut one 6 1/2 inch square.

4. With right sides together, sew one of light fabric squares to one side of a flying geese. Press toward the square.

5. Repeat on the other side. Press toward the square

6. Do the same on a second flying geese.

7. Sew a flying geese to the right side of your 6 1/2 inch square. The dark(sky) fabric should be next to the square. Press toward the large square. (picture)

8. Repeat on the left side. Press toward the large square.

9. You now have three rows. Two with the flying geese in the middle and one with it at the ends.

11. Sew row three on the rows one and two. Press seams in one direction.

You have now learned how to make five traditional quilt blocks. Many quilt blocks use the same basic patterns. You will now be able to make many more quilt blocks.

Adding Your Sashing

1. Lay you 5 blocks out in the order you want. After you decide how you want them to look, pick them back up. Keep in mind how you want them to look, you will sew them in that order.

3. Sew one 2 1/2 inch strip by 12 1/2 inch strip to the top of your first block. Press

4. Repeat with the remaining 4 blocks.

7. Sew your 5 blocks with sashing together. I like to sew them in pairs and then sew the pairs together. I sew blocks 1&2, and 3&4. I then sew block 5 onto 3&4, lastly I sew these two units together. Press

Adding the Border

1. Measure the length of your table runner down the center.

2. Cut 2 strips of your border fabric 4 1/2 inches by the length.

3. Sew a strip to each of the long sides. If you need to make a longer strip, you can use the same method you used to lengthen your sashing.

4. Measure the width of your table runner including side borders

5. Cut 2 strips 4 1/2 inches by the width

6. Sew the strips to each end of the table runner. Press

Finishing Your Simple Table Runner

Now that you have finished your quilt top, you are ready to quilt it. I have explained on my page "Hand Quilting" how to prepare the quilt, two ways to hand quilt it, and how to bind the quilt. I do not machine quilt, but there are many good books and sites on the internet that can help you.

I hope you enjoyed making this simple table runner.

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