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Tuesday Tutorial: Skinny Simple Table Runner

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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!!

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  1. 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

    Reply

  10. 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 :)

    Reply

  12. Love it, it’s great and so simple. Now to go and find some fabric and start on it! Thanks for a great tutorial.

    Reply

  14. 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.

    Reply

  21. That looks fantastic!! I love the fabrics you chose! Great job! I might be able to do this!

    Reply

  24. What a great idea to get that “perfect” table accessory! I am definitely adding this to my “to make” list!

    Reply

  26. It is simply beautiful, especially on your table! Love the fabrics you chose and the straight line quilting.

    Reply

  28. 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!

    Reply

  34. 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.

    Reply

  42. 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!!!

    Reply

  43. 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!

    Reply

  49. 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

    Reply

  50. 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!

    Reply

  51. 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! :)

    Reply

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