• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Polka Dot Chair logo

  • SEWING
    • Free Sewing Patterns
    • Bag Patterns
    • Costumes
    • Apparel
    • Learn to Sew
    • Beginner Friendly
    • Embroidery Projects
    • Tips & Techniques
    • All Sewing
  • QUILTING
    • Quilt Blocks
    • Learn to Quilt
    • Free Patterns
    • Quilt Patterns
    • All Quilting
  • CRAFTS
    • Disney
    • Cricut
    • Printables
    • All Crafts
  • HOLIDAYS
    • Seasonal Projects
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Easter
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • All Holidays
  • TUTORIALS
  • ABOUT
    • About Me
    • My Fabric Collections
    • Published Books
    • Press
    • FAQ’s
    • Contact
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • SHOP
menu icon
go to homepage
  • SHOP
  • TUTORIALS
  • SEWING
  • QUILTING
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • CRAFTS
  • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
  • ABOUT
    • Published Books
    • My Fabric Collections
  • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • SHOP
    • TUTORIALS
    • SEWING
    • QUILTING
    • SUBSCRIBE
    • CRAFTS
    • HOLIDAY PROJECTS
    • ABOUT
      • Published Books
      • My Fabric Collections
    • CONTACT
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Holidays

    Merry & Cheer Quilted Christmas Table Runner Pattern

    Updated: Nov 2, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 30 Comments

    Learn how to make a Stripey Quilted Table Runner with our free tutorial. This Christmas table runner pattern uses pre-cut fabric strips and features machine applique.

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    One of the very first quilting projects that I tackled in my “blogging career” was this Skinny Quilted Christmas Table Runner. I still remember the day I got the idea to make it and sketched it out on a notepad in my house.  

    Table of Contents
    • Stripey Table Runner Details
    • Merry & Cheer Christmas Table Runner Pattern
    • Quilted Table Runner Supplies
    • How to Get the Applique Pattern

    This project was originally posted on the Moda Bake Shop site and now, looking back I realize that I had no idea what I was doing! (well, for most of it, I knew what I was doing, for one part, I totally winged it).  

    Stripey Table Runner Details

    Things went pretty smoothly until it was time to quilt the runner. I decided that since I had NO idea how to machine quilt I’d just put the runner in the hoop of my embroidery machine and quilt it one section at a time.

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    Great idea, in theory…. the stitches were all even and perfectly lined up.

    Bad idea in practice. It took me almost a week to move that LONG table runner through the hoop on my machine.  Stitch one square, move the runner, stitch another square, move it again… etc.. over and over and over again. It took a long time to create this holiday table runner, mostly due to the quilting design I chose.

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    After all of that work, I was so sick of looking at it that I didn’t even know if I liked it anymore.  Now several years later, I can say that it is one of my favorite Christmas decorations. I think it’s a beautiful table runner that I look forward to placing on the table next to my Christmas Tree every year.

    Merry & Cheer Christmas Table Runner Pattern

    I’ve gone through and cleaned up the free pattern and added more instructions when needed.

    I also created a PDF document with the words on it – the font is not a 100% match, but it’s pretty dang close.  I’ve done the best I can considering this tutorial is over 8 years old and I had to recreate it from memory (since Moda Bake Shop is no longer active). Please be KIND if you have questions.

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    Quilted Table Runner Supplies

    • 1 roll of color 1 ½″ wide strips (sometimes called a honeybun). You can also cut the strips from yardage if you like, (you will need twenty 1 ½″ strips), make sure you pick a variety of prints in the same colors.
    • 10 Fat Quarters (for words) OR one Charm Pack (sometimes called a 5″ stacker). If you want your words to have the same fabric on every letter, use fat quarters; if you want the fabrics to be varied, use the charm pack.
    • 1 roll of White 2 ½″ wide strips (sometimes called a jelly roll)
    • 2 yds white fabric for backing
    • ¼″ yd  blue fabric for the binding
    • Buttons
    • Heat n Bond Lite
    • Batting (I used quilters dream cotton)
    • Get with the templates for the Applique below

    How to Get the Applique Pattern

    Fill out this form, and we will email the pattern to you. You will still need the directions on this page to complete your project.

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    Striped Merry & Cheer Table Runner Pattern

    Melissa Mortenson
    Create a festive table runner using pre-cut strips of fabric. Perfect for your Christmas table.
    5 from 1 vote
    Pin It! Share by Email Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Active Time 5 hrs
    Total Time 5 hrs 30 mins

    Equipment

    • Sewing Machine
    • Basic Sewing Tools
    • Rotary Cutter
    • Cutting Mat
    • Small Sharp Scissors
    • Quilt Ruler

    supplies

    • 1 Pre Cut Roll 1 ½″ wide strips sometimes called a honeybun you can also cut the strips from yardage if you like, you will need 20 total 1 ½" strips. If you do it this way be sure to group your fabrics by color as you cut.
    • 10 Fat Quarters for words OR one Charm Pack (sometimes called a 5″ stacker). If you want your words to have the same fabric on every letter use fat quarters, if you want the fabrics to be varied, use the charm pack.
    • 1 Roll White 2 ½″ wide strips sometimes called a jelly roll
    • 2 yards Backing Fabric
    • ¼ Yard Binding
    • 6-8 Buttons
    • 1 package Heat n Bond Lite
    • 1 piece Batting I used quilters dream cotton

    Instructions
     

    • Size: Approx 14" x 102"

    Step One: Sort the Strips by Color & Create Striped Blocks

    • From your roll of 1 ½″ strips, collect 5 strips each of 4 different color ways. I used blues, greens, reds & browns.
    • If you are cutting yardage, you’ll want to cut twenty, 1 ½″ strips x WOF (width of fabric) in 4 different color schemes.
    • Start by working with one color scheme at a time.
    • Arrange the strips in a pattern that you like, and sew them together with a ¼″ seam. Press seams open.
    • Cut the sewn strip into three, 14″ pieces, cutting off selvage edges.
      Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner
    • Repeat with the other 3 colors.
    • You will have 3 blocks each of 4 different colors (for a total of 12 blocks).
      Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    Step Two: Create White Blocks

    • Sew two white jelly roll (2 ½" x WOF) strips together. Cut into 14″ blocks.
    • Repeat this 4 times so that you have a total of ten white blocks each 2 strips tall x 14″ wide.

    Step Three: Cut

    • Two 14″ pieces from 1 white jelly roll strip.
    • Sew blocks together. This is the color arrangement that I used, but you can change yours to your taste (it would also look nice going dark to light)
    • 1: One 14″ white jelly roll strip
      2: Brown
      3: White
      4: Red
      5: White
      6: Green
      7: White
      8: Blue
      9: White
      10: Red
      11: White
      12: Green
      13: White
      14: Blue
      15: White
      16: Red
      17: White
      18: Green
      19: White
      20: Blue
      21: White
      22: Brown
      23:One 14″ Jelly roll strip.
    • You will have 1 brown block left over, you can use it if you need to make your runner longer.
    • Layer runner with batting and backing and quilt as desired, I quilted mine with an interlocking circle pattern.
      I prefer to quilt my runner before I add the applique, but do it however you like best.

    How to add the Applique

    • Print out the document with the words. Trace onto the paper side of paper-backed fusible web, (make sure you cut the letters mirrored) cut out loosely, then press onto the wrong side of your fat quarters or fabric squares. Cut out more precisely.
    • Peel off the paper backing from the letters and arrange it on the white blocks in the table runner. When you’ve got them in a spot that you like, iron them in place.
      Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner
    • This is how I laid out the appliques on my runner: The color in parentheses is the color I cut the applique out of the fabric.
      Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner
    • 1: trees (green)
      2: “merry” (red)
      3: ornaments (blue)
      4: “bright” (blue)
      5: peppermints (red/white)
      6: “cheer” (blue)
      7: holly leaves (green)
      8: “joy” (red)
      9: trees (green)
      10: “jingle” (brown)
    • After you iron the appliques onto the runner. Stitch around each with a straight stitch. I just used raw edge applique with a straight stitch. I am okay if it frays (I actually prefer that look for this project).
      Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner
    • Bind using 2 ½" strips.
    • Sew buttons for the holly berries.
    PRINT
    Tried this tutorial?Let us know how it was!

    Free sewing pattern for a quilted Christmas Table runner

    You May Also Like:

    Mini Christmas Tree Skirt – Free Pattern

    How to Make a Spiderweb Block Halloween Table Topper

    Santa’s Hat Shop Quilt Pattern

    More Projects You May Enjoy

    • The Heart of Hearts Quilt Along
    • How to Make a Retro Diorama Ornament
    • Mini Fabric Envelope Sewing Pattern
    • Meet My Valentine’s Day Fabric Collection

    • Share
    • Email

    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathy E. says

      December 16, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Thank you, Melissa, for the tutorial! This looks like a great project I can take on for next year. It is adorable!

      Reply
    2. Ann says

      December 17, 2015 at 7:49 am

      Where would I go to buy that type of fabric- the coordinating honey bun and fat quarters? It is beautiful.

      Reply
    3. Lynn says

      December 17, 2015 at 9:17 am

      Your table runner is beautiful

      Reply
    4. Jackie says

      December 17, 2015 at 9:51 am

      Thank you for the tutorial! Love your table runner….

      Reply
    5. Kiss Marianne says

      December 18, 2015 at 11:35 am

      Hi, Melissa, what a beautiful Table runner – thank you very much the tutorial!
      Have a nice day tomorrow!
      With love
      Marianne

      Reply
    6. Kimberly T. says

      December 20, 2015 at 11:32 pm

      This is beautiful, so fun!! Thank you so much for sharing!

      Reply
    7. Lucy Pellegrino says

      August 13, 2016 at 12:38 pm

      Hi. this is really cute. Unfortunately the links in the applique area aren’t working. Can you point me to more details on this and Camilles Patterns? Thanks. I figure if I start this now, I might be finished in time for Christmas! 😉

      Reply
    8. Kathie Haney says

      October 31, 2016 at 8:29 am

      You are using my favorite Christmas fabric ever – Figgy Pudding! I still look for remnants online, I’ve never found a Christmas line I loved as much as that one. 🙂 I wish they would reprint it.

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        November 01, 2016 at 1:12 pm

        I know! I get so many emails from people asking me where they can get the fabric!

        Reply
    9. Myssi says

      November 16, 2016 at 9:10 am

      I’m going to be sharing this today on The Things She Sews fb page. It’s beautiful!

      Reply
    10. Courtney Travis says

      November 23, 2016 at 3:20 am

      Do you sell these? I want to buy one!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        November 24, 2016 at 10:00 pm

        I’m sorry I don’t!

        Reply
    11. Gail says

      November 29, 2016 at 7:54 am

      great runner

      Reply
    12. Kiera little says

      December 02, 2016 at 9:22 pm

      I absolutely love your Christmas quilted table runner. I have absolutely no idea how to sew, embroider etc but would love to buy something like this. I’ve searched and have found nothing similar. Do you sell these? Or would you be willing to make one and sell it? Thank you!

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 06, 2016 at 3:38 pm

        No, I’m sorry I don’t sell it. You wouldn’t want me to make you one, I’m really really slow, you may get it when I’m 90 *wink*

        Reply
    13. Michele Brown says

      December 03, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      Is there a printer friendly version of the pattern? If so, where?

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        December 06, 2016 at 3:31 pm

        Do you mean the pattern pieces or the actual pattern? There is not an actual printer friendly pattern. I used to offer those but heard of many many people taking the print off from my site and selling the patterns. If you have a tablet I think that’s the easiest way to follow along with the pattern.

        Reply
    14. Annette Jones says

      December 09, 2016 at 10:14 am

      I made two of these after reading your post. I made the first one (for my home) using 1.5″ strips for the color sections and 2.5 strips for the white sections, cut to a width suitable for my table. Then I drew some applique templates by hand and found others online for that part. For the font I used a basic font and then embellished it, creating my own. For the second I needed it done in a weekend so I cut the strips even larger and omitted words, opting for all graphic appliques. I’m donating that one to be sold at my job’s fundraiser for families in need. I’m also adding two matching place mats to complete my set.

      THANK YOU for sharing such a wonderful project. I’ll be making more for other holidays!

      Reply
    15. Mary B says

      June 05, 2017 at 10:56 am

      Hi Melissa. I’m just about to start this lovely project after being away from quilting for 30+ years! As I prepare my supplies I’m wondering about:

      “1/4″ yd, or 1 fat quarter, blue fabric for binding on tree skirt”

      Have I missed something? Not sure why blue binding is needed for this project.

      Thanks, and wish me luck —

      Reply
      • Melissa Mortenson says

        June 08, 2017 at 9:30 am

        Oh ignore that. Sorry. This project was originally posted as a “dual” project with the circle tree skirt, I think that line just didn’t get deleted when I split it into two.

        Reply
        • Mary B says

          June 16, 2017 at 5:23 pm

          Thanks! My strips are sewn and pressed, and I’m about to start the appliqued letters. This is so much fun….

          Reply
    16. "Sam" says

      June 22, 2017 at 2:37 pm

      I am so excited that I found your blog! Love, love, love your Wonderland 2 material. Made the cutest baby quilt.
      Now I want to do the quilt sampler with your beautiful material. Have the supplies as it’s going to be one of my “summer projects.”

      Reply
    17. Teddie says

      November 29, 2017 at 9:30 am

      What is the finished size of the runner? Maybe I missed reading it somewhere. Thanks.

      Reply
    18. Janet Napora says

      February 17, 2018 at 11:30 am

      Hi Melissa,
      I love, love, love this table runner. If I begin now (February) I’ll be able to complete it before Christmas! I’m having difficulty downloading the letters and other graphics for the table runner. Can you offer any help – please! Thank you.
      Jan

      Reply
    19. dianne reynolds says

      August 27, 2018 at 8:26 pm

      Where is the pdf for the words and applique for the christnas table runner? Ive looked everywhere. Its very frustrating. thank you.

      Reply
      • Nancy says

        August 31, 2018 at 7:58 am

        There are links within the tutorial for the words and the holly; the rest of the applique you will have to find clipart for yourself.

        I just finished my top for this project and it is super cute and was easier than I expected. Note, though, that the directions have you add the applique before sewing the blocks together, then later shows the applique being added after the runner is quilted. It would be a good idea to decide ahead of time which method you prefer. I didn’t catch this, so it just pushes me to hand quilt instead of machine quilt. I may still machine quilt the non-appliqued blocks…we shall see.

        Hope that helps! The finished product is adorable either way and thanks, Melissa, for providing this fun tutorial!!!

        Reply
    20. Sharon says

      November 21, 2018 at 2:16 am

      Thanks so much formthe pattern! So cute!

      Reply
    21. Carmen Montmarquet says

      January 05, 2020 at 8:35 pm

      Thank You Melissa for this cute runner, i just love it!!

      Reply
    22. Dianne Mann says

      May 28, 2020 at 5:13 pm

      It doesn’t matter how old this pattern is, I always love to work on one for someone for Christmas. It’s just so beautiful! Thank you so much for the pattern and instructions.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Hello! It’s nice to meet you.

    I’m Melissa. I like to design things, like fabric, printables, and projects.

    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

    COPYRIGHT POLICY

    All my images and text are copyrighted. You may NOT use any images from this site in any kind of Video (this includes YouTube). If you would like to feature my work, you may use ONE (1) NON-COLLAGED image and must “follow” link back to my original blog post. You may NOT edit, crop, or change my images in any way without written permission. You MAY NOT print out or copy and distribute any text, images or patterns from this site. All patterns, content, instructions, and templates are for personal use ONLY! Thank you! Violators will be reported.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimers
    • About Melissa
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Press
    • Published Books
    • Fabric Collections

    Welcome to the Polka Dot Chair! Here you’ll find easy, step-by-step, sewing, quilting, and crafting projects. We design projects for Makers of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome!

    DISCLAIMER:

    While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content on this website, the information is made available without warranty of any kind. The Polka Dot Chair accepts no responsibility or liability, whether direct or indirect, as to the currency or accuracy of the information, nor any consequence of its uses. This website is not intended to substitute the advice of a professional.

    Copyright © 2022 Polka Dot Chair

    [ Placeholder content for popup link ] WordPress Download Manager - Best Download Management Plugin