Easy Quilted Table Runners To Make

Table runners add a touch of elegance and personality to any dining setting. Quilting offers a unique opportunity to personalize this decorative piece, introducing color, texture, and pattern. Fortunately, creating beautiful quilted table runners doesn't require advanced skills. Several straightforward methods and designs make this project accessible even for beginners.

Simple Straight-Line Quilting

This method utilizes straight stitching lines across the quilt top, creating a classic and clean look. It's ideal for beginners and works well with various fabric patterns.

* Choose a simple pieced or whole cloth quilt top. * Mark quilting lines with a ruler and fabric marker. * Stitch along the marked lines using a walking foot. * Experiment with varying distances between quilting lines.

Charm Square Table Runner

Charm squares, pre-cut 5-inch fabric squares, offer a convenient way to construct a vibrant and dynamic table runner. Their consistent size simplifies cutting and piecing, allowing for quick assembly.

* Select a variety of charm squares in coordinating colors and patterns. * Arrange the squares in a pleasing design. * Sew the squares together in rows, then join the rows to create the runner top. * Add a backing and batting, then quilt as desired.

Jelly Roll Table Runner

Jelly rolls, pre-cut fabric strips typically 2.5 inches wide, provide another easy route to a visually appealing table runner. The long strips can be sewn together lengthwise to create a quick and impressive design.

* Choose a jelly roll with coordinating fabrics. * Sew the strips together lengthwise, pressing seams open or to one side. * Trim the resulting piece to the desired table runner width. * Add backing and batting, then quilt.

Layer Cake Table Runner

Layer cakes consist of pre-cut 10-inch fabric squares. They offer a larger scale than charm squares, allowing for quicker assembly and bolder patterns.

* Select a coordinating layer cake set. * Arrange the squares in a desired pattern. * Sew squares together, forming the table runner top. * Add backing and batting, then quilt.

Quick Strip Piecing

Strip piecing involves sewing together long strips of fabric and then cutting them into smaller units. This method offers a streamlined approach to creating intricate-looking designs.

* Cut strips of varying widths and colors. * Sew strips together lengthwise. * Cut the sewn strips into smaller units, such as squares or rectangles. * Arrange and sew the smaller units to form the table runner top. * Complete the runner by adding backing, batting, and quilting.

Fat Quarter Friendly Designs

Fat quarters are pre-cut pieces of fabric measuring approximately 18x22 inches. Their generous size makes them versatile for a variety of table runner designs.

* Select coordinating fat quarters. * Cut the fat quarters into desired shapes, such as triangles, squares, or rectangles. * Piece the shapes together to form the table runner top. * Add backing and batting, and choose a quilting design.

Diagonal Strip Set Table Runner

This visually striking design uses diagonal strips of fabric to create a dynamic and modern look. It's a surprisingly simple method with impressive results.

* Cut strips of fabric at a 45-degree angle. * Sew the strips together, creating a diagonal pattern. * Press seams open or to one side. * Square up the edges and add backing and batting. * Quilt the runner.

Simple Patchwork Designs

Traditional patchwork designs offer endless possibilities for creating unique table runners. Start with simple block patterns like nine-patch or four-patch for easy construction.

* Choose a patchwork block pattern. * Cut fabric according to the pattern instructions. * Piece the blocks together. * Assemble the blocks to form the table runner top. * Add backing, batting, and quilt.

Using Pre-Quilted Fabric

For the ultimate in speed and simplicity, pre-quilted fabric offers a shortcut to a finished table runner. Simply cut the fabric to the desired size and finish the edges.

* Select pre-quilted fabric in a desired color and pattern. * Cut the fabric to the desired dimensions for the table runner. * Finish the raw edges with binding or a serged edge.