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.
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!)
This runner is VERY easy, 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.
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 1/2 Yards. You may need more for a really long table runner.
Binding Fabric:
1/2 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 left over 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.
Quilting the Table Runner:
Finishing & Binding:
More Simple Sewing Projects:
Farmhouse Style Hanging Dish Towel Tutorial
How to Make Oilcloth Placemats
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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
Just love your easy to use patterns. The directions are great.
I couldn’t wait to “Pin” this. I just did a tablerunner but not like this. I wish I had seen this first.
I loved your table runner so much I picked it for my showcase this week for DIY Weekend on my blog!
http://mrandmrswinslett.blogspot.com/2013/08/diy-weekend-829.html
Feel free to link up every Thursday. I’d love to have you and your beautiful projects! – Miranda
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!
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!
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! 🙂