Pin It
I’ve got a very long kitchen table and I was having a hard time finding a runner to fit it. I didn’t want to tackle another large project right now, so I thought I’d just make a super simple runner for it using some of my favorite fabrics (that also match my kitchen perfectly!)
I started this project back in February…. then it got set “aside” for a while, then I went to finish it up a few weeks ago and….. that’s when I cut my finger… I have to admit, I was a bit nervous picking up my rotary cutter again, but I sat down and made myself finish it…
This runner is VERY easy! Even though it took me a while to finish it, you could definitely do it in an afternoon or two. If you have not quilted before an would like to try it, it’s a very very easy project to start with. There are no corners to match up and the design is very flexible.
Just measure the length of your kitchen table to figure out how many blocks you need, it can be made to any length!
To begin… Your blocks will be 14″ tall by 11″ wide. I wanted my runner to be about 105-110″ long, so I have 10 blocks.
Cut your blocks out of 3-5 different fabrics.
Sew them together in a random pattern. I did not want any two of the same prints next to each other. Sew with 1/4″ seams and press seams to one side.
Cut your backing material to 3″ wider and longer than your top. Using painters tape, tape the backing to the floor. If you have a tile or wood floor, use the grout line in the tile to make sure that you have it taped down straight.
Spray the backing with quilt basting spray (have something to catch the overspray otherwise you will have a sticky floor!!)
Cut your batting to the same size as your backing. I used quilters dream cotton batting. Lay the batting over the backing (that has been sprayed). Use your hands and smooth out the batting so that there are no bubbles.
Spray the batting with quilters basting spray. Then carefully lay out your runner top. Use the lines on your floor to make sure it is straight. Smooth out to remove any wrinkles.
Remove the tape and roll up the runner for quilting.
For this project you do need a walking foot. Otherwise your fabric will bunch up and you will never get it to lay straight.
Begin by sewing the seam between the 1st and 2nd blocks. Just sew straight down the center of the seam.
Attach the seam guide to your walking foot. Position it so that it is 3/4″ from the needle to the guide.
Sew your next quilting line. Place your seam guide right over the top of the seam you just sewed. This will keep all of your quilting lines 3/4″ apart. Keep sewing until you have sewn all the blocks. Roll the runner as you go to keep it out of the way.
*note: If for some reason your measurement is a bit off and your stitching line does not line up with your next seam, still stitch over the seam. You want to have a stitching line at every seam.**
After you are done with all of your stitching, lay your runner down on your table and using a ruler and a rotary cutter, trim off your batting and backing pieces flush with the top of your runner.
Cut your binding. I cut mine 2 1/2 ” wide. Then bind your runner.
For binding tutorials here are a few: (they explain it much better than I can!!)
After you have bound your quilt, throw it in the wash and dry it. This will give it a nice soft feel, all of your stitching lines will pucker up a bit, giving the runner some dimension!
Enjoy!!
Oh that is so cute!! And simple to boot!! Sigh…. Another fabulous project to add to the stack. When will I ever find the time!!
:)Rachel
This is so cute! I love it! I love how you can customize it to your own home :)
So cute. The fabric really gives it a fun personality!!!
I love, love, love it!!! So beautiful!!
I’m glad you made it home safe and sound!
XOXO
Jen
Love it! The colors are beautiful!
Love it!!! Thank you for such a fun quick project!
Oh, I soooo need to make this! Thanks for another great tutorial. And I l-o-v-e the colors.
That is adorable!!!
Love it!!! Now to find fabric, and to try and not look at those other blogs to long!
Thanks for a great tutorial. This came at just the right time. I am getting ready to bind my first quilt and the links where so helpful! Wish me luck :)
Gorgeous!! I’ll definitely be featuring this!
Love it, it’s great and so simple. Now to go and find some fabric and start on it! Thanks for a great tutorial.
Beautiful! I will be trying this soon… Great job! :O)
This is so cute. Thanks for the tutorial!
I would love it if you joined my “Saturday is Crafty Day” party on April 24th! Stop by my blog for details.
absolutely delightful! I looove the colors and patterns! very well done!
That is beautiful, well done! :)
This is so cute and gorgeous. I love Amy Butler fabrics. Great job!
I love it! The tutorial was excellent.. thanks..
Love it! Such a great idea! I think I may try this for my piano!!! Thanks for the tutorial.
Very cute! I love the idea for a piano top too Lacey. Thanks for the instructions!
That looks fantastic!! I love the fabrics you chose! Great job! I might be able to do this!
I love this!! I also have a long table (though not as pretty as yours) and have a hard time finding runners long enough.
I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-long-skinny-table-runner/2010/04/14/
–Anne
This is really cute! Love it! Love the colors too!
What a great idea to get that “perfect” table accessory! I am definitely adding this to my “to make” list!
Thanks again for the great idea! I made one up and varied things a bit. See my blog for photos – http://sillymamaquilts-sillymama.blogspot.com. You do wonderful work. I enjoy reading your blog.
It is simply beautiful, especially on your table! Love the fabrics you chose and the straight line quilting.
this is simple but it is stunning! i love the quilting you did and the fabrics you chose. lovely
Hey you baste on your floor too! It’s the only space big enough for me.
It’s very pretty and reminds me of citrous fruit. I’ll have to give the pattern a go. Thanks for sharing!
Great tute! Thanks! Visiting from Sew&Tell.
Thanks for the tute! The runner is adorable!
Yummy Amy Butley prints=yummy table runner. Great job.
What a great Amy Butler runner! I like how you can use it with fabric you can’t bear to cut up!
I just love tutorials! Thank you so much for sharing.
Just goes to show that even the easiest patterns can be just the perfect thing. It looks great on your table! Thanks for the tutorial.
FABULOUS!
Very pretty! Love the colors! You have a beautiful home. :o)
You DO have a long table! That runner really sets it off – very stylish!
This is so cute! I remember seeing this on ucreate. I’d love for you to link it up to sundae scoop http://iheartnaptime.blogspot.com/2010/04/sundae-scoop-2-link-party.html
Great table runner!!! Thanks for the tutorial.
That is so cute. I love simple! Thanks so much for the great idea, I’ll be linking.
I made one! Pics in my blog post and also added to your flikr pool.
http://meandmadeline.blogspot.com/2010/05/quilting-adventure-begins.html
I really like this! I think this might a good project for me to try out the walking foot for the first time. I also don’t have a seam guide so I may have to get one! Very inspired!!!
Beautiful!
I was just curious to know if you made this runner the exact length of the table, or if you had a some extra inches hang over each end. (If so, how much?)
I have a long table also, and wasn’t sure what was the correct way to use a runner.
Thank you!
Here’s a version I did after seeing your table runner and loving it. My pieces are different widths, and the width is 13 inches and about 74 inches long from point to point.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Learn-How-To-Make-Quilts/140245756034319
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I made one not for table runner but piano cover: http://chriskiki.blogspot.com/2012/06/piano-cover-for-joy.html
[...] skinny polkadot table runner by polkadotchair.com [...]