If you’re looking for a simple sewing project, then you may like this Fat Quarter table runner tutorial. It’s stylish, versatile, and best of all simple to create!
One of the first projects on this site was this Skinny Simple Table runner tutorial (it’s also been one of our most popular projects). Recently I looked back at the tutorial and realized that the instructions could be freshened up a bit. Today I’m excited to share with you the new and improved tutorial.
Table of Contents
How to Make a Table Runner out of Fat Quarters
This tutorial is one of my favorites because it’s so easy to make and it’s easily made using Fat Quarters of fabric. Which makes it perfect for using up some scrap fabrics, or leftovers from a fat quarter pack of fabric.
I have got a very long kitchen table and frequently have a hard time finding table runners to fit. Since time is ALWAYS a problem for me (more ideas than time) I thought I’d just make a super simple runner for it using some of my favorite fabrics (that also match my kitchen perfectly!)
Table Runner Size
This runner is VERY easy, you could definitely do it in an afternoon or two. If you have not quilted before and 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.
Simple Table Runner Supplies
My table runner about 14″ x 108 finished.
Before you start: Decide how long you’d like your table runner to be, then divide that number by 11. This will tell you how many rectangles you need to create your runner.
You can get 2 rectangles from each of your Fat Quarters. If you want your table runner to be made from 10 rectangles you’ll need to buy 5 fat quarters.
Fabric for Table Runner:
4 to 8 Fat Quarters of Fabric
Backing Fabric:
1 ½ Yards. You may need more for a really long table runner.
Binding Fabric:
½ Yard
Batting:
I like to use 100% cotton batting. You will need about 108″ of batting that is 15″ wide. If you purchase a twin-sized batting pack you can use that, then you will have lots of batting leftover to make another table runner. You can also use it for small quilted projects or pillows.
Notions:
Walking foot for Sewing Machine
Construction Steps:
Cut your fat quarters into pieces 14″ x 11″. You fat quarters are 18″ x 22″. So just cut it in half (11″) then trim off the excess.
Lay out your rectangles in an arrangement that you like. Then stitch the rectangles together along the 14″ sides. For my layout I stitched them in random order, making sure that no two of the same fabrics are next to each other.
Stitch using a ¼″ seam allowance and press the seams to one side.
How to Quilt a Table Runner
Cut your backing material to 3″ wider and longer than your top. You will need to cut multiple strips of fabric, then stitch them together to get a piece long enough.
Using painter’s 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 (or about 1″ smaller). I used quilters dream cotton batting.
Lay the batting over the backing, and use your hands to smooth out the batting so that there are no bubbles.
Spray the batting with quilters basting spray. Then carefully layout 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. Sometimes this is called stitching in the ditch.
Attach the seam guide to your walking foot. Position it so that it is ¾″ 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 ¾″ 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.**
Finishing & Binding:
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.
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!
More Simple Sewing Projects:
Farmhouse Style Hanging Dish Towel Tutorial
How to Make Oilcloth Placemats
Rachel says
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
Baker Family says
This is so cute! I love it! I love how you can customize it to your own home 🙂
Sara says
So cute. The fabric really gives it a fun personality!!!
jenjen says
I love, love, love it!!! So beautiful!!
I’m glad you made it home safe and sound!
XOXO
Jen
Lori says
Love it! The colors are beautiful!
SillyMama says
Love it!!! Thank you for such a fun quick project!
Me and Madeline says
Oh, I soooo need to make this! Thanks for another great tutorial. And I l-o-v-e the colors.
Rachel Dartt says
That is adorable!!!
momaof4 says
Love it!!! Now to find fabric, and to try and not look at those other blogs to long!
Amber says
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 🙂
Kari @ Ucreate says
Gorgeous!! I’ll definitely be featuring this!
Marg says
Love it, it’s great and so simple. Now to go and find some fabric and start on it! Thanks for a great tutorial.
Margo says
Beautiful! I will be trying this soon… Great job! :O)
Laura says
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.
Mary Beth @ Live. Laugh. Make Something says
absolutely delightful! I looove the colors and patterns! very well done!
Lizzy @ Lizzy Designs says
That is beautiful, well done! 🙂
Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife says
This is so cute and gorgeous. I love Amy Butler fabrics. Great job!
Cindy says
I love it! The tutorial was excellent.. thanks..
Lacey says
Love it! Such a great idea! I think I may try this for my piano!!! Thanks for the tutorial.
Alysa says
Very cute! I love the idea for a piano top too Lacey. Thanks for the instructions!
Michelle @ Sweet Something says
That looks fantastic!! I love the fabrics you chose! Great job! I might be able to do this!
casserole says
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
Jaime @ Our Journey says
This is really cute! Love it! Love the colors too!
Rebecca says
What a great idea to get that “perfect” table accessory! I am definitely adding this to my “to make” list!
SillyMama says
Thanks again for the great idea! I made one up and varied things a bit. See my blog for photos – sillymamaquilts-sillymama.blogspot. You do wonderful work. I enjoy reading your blog.
P. says
It is simply beautiful, especially on your table! Love the fabrics you chose and the straight line quilting.
Leslie says
this is simple but it is stunning! i love the quilting you did and the fabrics you chose. lovely
Sew It UP! says
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!
Anissa says
Great tute! Thanks! Visiting from Sew&Tell.
manuela says
Thanks for the tute! The runner is adorable!
Karen says
Yummy Amy Butley prints=yummy table runner. Great job.
Kristen says
What a great Amy Butler runner! I like how you can use it with fabric you can’t bear to cut up!
Dayna says
I just love tutorials! Thank you so much for sharing.
Michelle says
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.
Lei says
FABULOUS!
Heather says
Very pretty! Love the colors! You have a beautiful home. :o)
Lesly says
You DO have a long table! That runner really sets it off – very stylish!
Chocolate Sundaes says
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
Rene' says
Great table runner!!! Thanks for the tutorial.
Rachel@oneprettything.com says
That is so cute. I love simple! Thanks so much for the great idea, I’ll be linking.
Me and Madeline says
I made one! Pics in my blog post and also added to your flikr pool.
Flannery @ Threesisterz.blogspot.com says
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!!!
sosimplysusan says
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!
Learn How To Make Quilts says
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.
Kiki says
Thank you so much for the tutorial. I made one not for table runner but piano cover
LUCILLE BOYD says
Just love your easy to use patterns. The directions are great.
Shirley says
I couldn’t wait to “Pin” this. I just did a tablerunner but not like this. I wish I had seen this first.
Miranda says
I loved your table runner so much I picked it for my showcase this week for DIY Weekend on my blog!
Feel free to link up every Thursday. I’d love to have you and your beautiful projects! – Miranda
Rona says
Thanks for this easy tutorial. I love this pattern and will be trying this soon. I also cut my finger with my rotary cutter a couple of years ago and have a pretty little scar to show for it 🙂 I feel for you because I know that is some serious pain! Lol
Isn’t that pain the worst?? I still get chills thinking about it!
Patricia says
This looks so fun! We just got a new dining set this weekend, so I think I’m going to pull together some of my most favorite scrap fabrics for this project. I have my vintage singer alls et up for free motion quilting, but have never bothered to practice, so maybe I’ll pull that out. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Laura says
Can’t wait to get started on this!
Forgive me (I am new to sewing, this will be my first major project!), do you need to use one continuous length of batting, or can you use multiple smaller lengths?
I appreciate any advise!
Thanks! 🙂
Rena says
Aloha,
Just found your tutorial and so excited to try this. I don’t sew much our quilt at all. I found my sewing machine has a quilting foot but no walking foot. Would I be able to do this project with a quilting foot instead?
Hi! A quilting foot is a special foot that helps you to sew accurate 1/4″ seams. It won’t work for machine quilting (the part where you sew the batting/top and backing together). You do need a walking foot for that. I use mine for all kinds of projects. They are great for sewing bags as well!
Mary says
Hello! Thank you for sharing this great tutorial on a table runner. I am encouraged to try.
Is there a link to your method for binding the table runner? I really need help in that department.
Again, thanks so much!
yes! Here’s the binding method I use. https://www.polkadotchair.com/how-to-machine-bind-a-quilt/