Table Runner Tutorial

Pin It

This is the first creation from my own head.  After making this crooked little table-runner, I felt like I had achieved my 2010 resolution: to learn how to sew.

This is kind of a skinny table-runner, so if you have a wide table, I would not recommend using just fat quarters. You would need more fabric than that. You can adjust the length of the runner by adding or taking away fabric.

So here's what I did:
I used all but two of the fat quarters in the Peacock Berkley bundle. Using my NEW and AWESOME rotary cutter, I cut strips, making sure to match each side. In retrospect - there will be a lot these statements, btw - I would have used less strips. I folded the strips in half (b/c that's how wide the end result will be) and laid them all out how I wanted them. (I had some idea of this as I was cutting the strips.)

Next, I started with one end and worked my way to the top. I took a two strips and pinned, right sides together.

Then I sewed all the way down, using the edge of my all-purpose pressure foot as the seam guide. 

Here's what I got:

 

                                           Back                                                           Front

Press/iron seam down, away from what will be the center. (The photo is after I've attached a third strip.)

Keep doing this, working your way up "the ladder." Pin, sew, press. Pin, sew, press. Pin, sew, press.

Half-way there! This is why I would use less strips next time. Whew.

(No photos for the following directions. Camera is out of batteries, and I've lost the charger. :( )

After you've attached all of your strips, fold the entire thing in half long-ways (hotdog style), right sides together. Iron the fold and pin the open side as you go. Make sure you're matching strip end to strip end or your final result will be crooked (like mine was). Do this a foot or two at a time.

Sew the long end together, leaving a few inches open so you can turn it inside out.  If you want to add trim, fringe, beading, etc. to the short ends, do that at this point. Otherwise, sew the short ends together too.

Turn it right side out. Iron/press entire thing again. Top stitch about 1/4-1/2" around the entire thing, taking care to close the few inches you left open to turn it right side out. For added detail and durability, I also sewed along each individual seam. 

The End

This will not end up on my Etsy shop as it took FOREVER and used A LOT of fabric. But, I liked doing it for my own home and plan to do another one for Christmas to match the entire house. Actually, I plan on doing all of the Citrus Holiday ideas for Christmas. Christmas...Why am I talking Christmas? It's flippin' May!