How to Make a Quilted Table Runner

• For this star block, I’m going to show you how to get perfect half-square triangles every time. The secret is to oversize them, then evenly trim them all around to get the ideal HST. I shall show you how!

Step One: Make Half Square Triangles

• We’re going to use the sandwich method to make HSTs, which will form the points of the star. Take a 5 1/2” coloured square and a white 5 1/2” square and place them right sides together. Draw a pencil line down the middle from opposite corners and put a pin on either side.
  
• Stitch a 1/4” seam on either side of the stitched line.
  
• Using a rotary cutter, cut down the drawn line and open out each piece, revealing 2 HSTs. Press the seams to the dark side. Repeat with the remaining squares to complete all 4 points of the star.
  
• At the moment, they are too big, so we need to trim them evenly.
• Take one HST and fold it in half, and make a crease at the top edge. This is your centre point. Put your ruler at the 2 1/4” inch position on this crease and trim the right side.
  
• Now rotate the triangle 180 degrees, and this time align the left-hand side of the ruler with the
• 4 1/2” position and trim. Do the same for the other two sides, to form your perfect 4 1/2” HST.
• Orient the star points as shown in the photo, along with the centre and background pieces. Join all the blocks in the rows together, and then join the rows together.
  

TOP TIP:

• When you join the rows together, don’t iron them until all the rows are stitched. Iron the top row with the seams to the left, the next row with seams to the right, the next row with seams to the left, etc. By doing this, you can nicely nest the seams when the block is sewn together, and it helps everything lay nicely and flat.
• Once you’ve completed the first block, do the same with the second block.
  
• Take your centre panel (or pieced centre) and stitch the two blocks on either side of it to complete the top of your table runner.
  

Finishing the Quilted Table Runner:

• Baste using your preferred method. I use spray baste all the way these days because it’s so much quicker, and it makes it effortless getting it through the machine; no more having to hurt my fingers putting in all those pins and taking them out again. But of course, it is entirely personal preference.
• Quilt as you wish; I’ve gone for vertical straight line quilting to add to the modern aesthetic.
  
• Trim up the quilted table runner and add your binding. I prefer single-fold binding because it uses less fabric and is less bulky, especially on a small item like this. But again, bind it in a way that suits you!
• All that remains is for you to invite your family over, decorate the table, and have a wonderful celebration!