Easy Quilted Table Runner Pattern: Step-By-Step Guide

Author:
Claudia Mitchell
Updated date:
Sep 9, 2021

Claudia has been quilting for almost 30 years and writing about it for more than six. She has won a number of awards for her work.

Quilt a Pretty Table Runner From Fabric Strips

Whether you are a seasoned quilter or a novice seamstress, this quilted table runner, made with strips of fabric, is one of the easiest projects you will ever make. It is great to give as a gift or to keep as a nice decorative accent for your home.

With only a few supplies and one free morning, you too can make this easy quilted table runner.

Supplies Needed

Fabric strips: Cut strips in various widths, from 1" to 2 1/2". You will be cutting various lengths, so have strips that measure at least 12" to allow for enough coverage. The larger the table runner, the longer the strips.
One piece of fabric for the back, cut to the desired runner size (add an inch to the length and width to allow for trimming adjustments)
One piece of batting for the center, cut to the same size as the backing fabric
Sewing machine
Scissors
Thread
Needles

Tip: Cut plenty of strips with a 2 1/2" width. This way you will have binding material ready and you won't have to cut more strips for the binding after you are done sewing.

How to Make the Quilted Table Runner

For this table runner, I chose a patriotic color theme. However, any color scheme will work. Luckily, I had a lot of strips left over from another project and could incorporate them. If you are a quilter, you probably have scraps around too, but if not, there are many fabric collections with coordinating colors and patterns that would work well with this pattern.

Use the following step-by-step guide to make your own quilted table runner.

Step 1: Gather Fabric Strips

Determine what colors you want to use and gather the fabric strips. To be safe, have at least 50 strips that are approximately 12 inches long. The widths can vary from 1" up to 2 1/2". Having different widths adds another level of interest to the design. If you prefer, the strips can all be the same width.

Always pre-wash your fabrics and use 100% cotton. Among quilters, pre-washing fabric is an area of debate, but I suggest using pre-washed fabric because fabrics will not shrink and bleed (lose color) since they have already been washed.

Press the fabric strips.

The backing fabric cut to desired size, with wrong side facing up.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 2: Prepare the Backing Fabric

Choose the fabric for the back and determine what size table runner you will be making. For this project, I wanted my runner to be approximately 14" by 36" so I cut a piece of fabric that was 15" by 37". The extra inches are needed because the quilting will cause the fabric to shrink and shift just a little bit. It is also needed because once the quilting is finished, you will need to square off and trim the runner and the extra fabric gives you room to do this.

Lay pressed fabric right side down on your work surface.

Batting placed on top of the backing along with the center square.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 3: Cut Your Batting

Your batting should be the same size as the backing fabric, although it does not have to be exact. Lay the prepared batting on top of the backing fabric, making sure that the edges line up. Smooth down the batting as much as possible.

Tip: When making table runners, I recommend using a low loft batting. High loft batting will make the runner too thick and it will not sit well on a table.

What Is Batting?

Batting is the insulating material in the center of a quilt. It is made of cotton, polyester or a blend of both. Batting comes in various lofts, with low loft batting being the thinnest and high loft being the thickest or fluffiest.

Center square pinned in place.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 4: Put the First Piece of Fabric in Place

Determine the center of the table runner. You can do this by placing pins in the center of the length and width of the fabric and using the pins as a guide, or you can use your best judgement.

Cut a square of fabric and center it on the batting like a diamond. For this table runner I used a 4" square of fabric that incorporated all of the colors I was planning on using in the project. You can use a larger or smaller square if you choose.

Once centered, pin the square in place.

Adding the first strip of fabric. The length of the fabric should match the measurement of the side of the square.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 5: Start Adding Strips to the Square

Choose your first strip of fabric and cut it equal to the length of one side of the square. In this example, the square is 4", so the first strip of fabric is 4" long.

Place the strip on top of the square, right sides together, and line up the edges.

Sew fabric on, going through all layers. Begin sewing a couple of stitches before the fabric strip starts and end a couple of stitches after the fabric strip ends.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Flip sewn fabric over and finger press at the seam.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 6: Sew Along the Edge

Sew through the layers. Clip all of the threads off, both on the front and back sides. Flip the fabric over and finger press the seam down.

To finger press, run a finger firmly along the sewn seam.

Measure to see how long the next fabric strip needs to be.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Sew the next strip on and finger press the seam down.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 7: Add the Next Fabric Strip

Working in a clockwise direction, add the next strip of fabric. Until you get to the outer edges, you will have to measure to determine the strip lengths you'll need. Determine the next strip length needed by measuring the entire length of the side that you will be adding the strip to.

Cut your desired strip of fabric to the size needed, then place the strip on top of edge that it will be sewn to, right sides together, and sew.

Once all the threads have been clipped, front and back, flip the fabric strip over and finger press. Continue this process, working around the square in a clockwise direction.

Once the square has reached the outer edge of the batting, you will not have to measure anymore. Just line up one edge of the strip and sew. The fabric will hang over the edge, but it will be trimmed off later.

Audition fabric strips before you sew them.
Glimmer Twin Fan

After checking different fabrics, I settled on this light blue one for the next strip.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Continue adding strips. Note the overhang along the edges. That will be trimmed away once sewing is finished.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 8: Continue Adding Strips Until Done

Keep adding strips until the entire batting has been covered. Use your own design judgement to add strips. For this project I tried to alternate the red and blue fabrics and add in a few lighter ones as well.

Before you sew, it is always a good idea to audition the fabric strip. Changing a fabric strip can dramatically change the look of the pattern, but once the strip has been sewn, it is extremely difficult to remove it.

Flip the runner over and get ready to trim to size. Note the quilting design on the back of the table runner.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Get runner ready to trim. Note the slight shifting that has occurred during the sewing process.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Table runner trimmed and ready for binding.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 9: Trim the Runner to Size

Flip the runner over and trim to the desired size. You will see that during the quilting, some of the batting and fabric may have shifted. There will also be fabric hanging over the edges. Once trimmed, the table runner will be ready for binding.

Runner after binding has been added.
Glimmer Twin Fan

Step 10: Bind the Table Runner

The binding is the covering of the outside edge of the table runner.

Using the remaining 2 1/2" wide strips, or any other fabric of your choice, sew together enough pieces to make a length at least 12" longer than the perimeter of the table runner.

Add the binding to the runner just like you would add binding to a quilt.

With a quick change of fabric colors, this table runner can be made for any occasion. Pastels are perfect for spring, browns are great for the fall, and red, white and blue gives the project a patriotic feel.
Glimmer Twin Fan

You Can Create a Table Runner for Every Season

The great thing about this table runner is that you can use leftover scraps from past projects. By changing fabric colors, you can have a table runner for

Christmas
Thanksgiving
Easter
Fourth of July
Saint Patrick's Day
Valentine's Day

. . . or any other occasion. In just a few hours, you can have a beautiful decoration for your table or a special homemade gift for a friend.

Happy Quilting!

Comments

Gerry Austin on July 27, 2020:

Thank you

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 16, 2020:

Great. I hope you love your table runner!

Jan on June 15, 2020:

I’ve been looking for a nice table top pattern. Love this one and the method you used!! Look forward to getting started.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on November 19, 2016:

When I sewed, I just followed along the seams and it turned out like that. If I look closely at the one on my table right now, it's not super precise and honestly I don't look at the back often. It definitely helps to really smooth out the back before putting the batting on top and also smoothing down gently when adding the strips.

Linda Armentrout on November 18, 2016:

Glimmer - I have a question about this - am making one now for a Christmas gift, and want to make a few more.

on the backing, my "quilted pattern" does not look as precise as yours; I am sewing as directed. are all the sewing lines supposed to be perfectly in concise "pattern" thanks,

PammyKay on May 19, 2016:

Thank you so much for sharing and such great directions. I can't wait!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on September 03, 2014:

This is a really nice and easy method and how nice that your grandmother taught you. I'm going to check out your hub. Thanks for reading and commenting.

Ibidii on September 02, 2014:

This is exactly how my Grandmother taught me how to make her famous pot holders. I did a Hub on it. Very well done and great ideas!

Claudia Mitchell (author) on August 24, 2014:

Hi erorantes - I'm glad you enjoyed this quilt. It would definitely look pretty on the wall. Just try to keep it out of the sunlight or the fabric will fade. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. Have a great day.

Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on August 21, 2014:

Hello miss glimmer twin fan. You are an inspiration for many people. I like your hub. Thank you for mention the batting. I like quilted items. The finished quilt spreads pieces are the perfect decoration for walls , and they look beautiful. Unstead of hanging heavy pictures the clothes is perfect for houses locate in areas were they have earthquakes or heavy winds. Your idea of quilt is fantastic. Thank you.

SEXYLADYDEE from Upstate NY on August 21, 2014:

It was my pleasure. Voted up and am now a fan and am following you. Please come by and check out my quilting Hub. Dee

Claudia Mitchell (author) on August 20, 2014:

Hello SEXYLADYDEE - Love that you found this on Pinterest and glad you liked the project. It really is a good one and easy too. It works really well for any season. Thanks for stopping by and reading!

SEXYLADYDEE from Upstate NY on August 19, 2014:

LLove this HUB and I will be making a few of these. Found this on Pintrest. Great Job! Dee

Claudia Mitchell (author) on June 17, 2014:

Thanks so much Kathleen! I still love making this for gifts. It's really easy and fun in so many different colors. Have a great day!

Kathleen Odenthal from Bridgewater on June 13, 2014:

Love this! My mom loves to quilt and sew so I am definitely going to send this her way! I wish I was as crafty as she is.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on July 05, 2013:

Many thanks tillsontitan. This is on my dining room table right now for the holidays/summer. This is definitely a project anyone can do, and produce great results. Thanks so much for for reading and commenting.

Mary Craig from New York on July 03, 2013:

Your instructions and photographs are so well put together and I have to say your finished quilt is just gorgeous! Great choice of fabric.

This hub's a keeper and with it I think almost anyone can 'build' a quilt!

Voted up, useful, and interesting.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on January 21, 2013:

I appreciate it brsmom68. I hope this project does get you back to your sewing machine! It's a great use for scraps. Thanks for visiting.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on January 21, 2013:

Thanks so much Sherry. I like it so much because it is easy and can be done rather quickly. I appreciate the support.

Diane Ziomek from Alberta, Canada on January 20, 2013:

I am a quilter (although it has been on the back burner for awhile now) and would like to say, you have done a remarkable job of the step-by-step photos and directions. This has given me an idea for a project or three. Thank you! I have tons of fabric in my home; perhaps this will get me back to my sewing machine to use some of it up.

Sherry Hewins from Sierra Foothills, CA on January 20, 2013:

What a nice easy project! Thanks for showing us. Voted up and shared.

Claudia Mitchell (author) on December 30, 2012:

Thanks so much Rosie writes. I bet you could finish one, it only take a morning. I appreciate the comments.

Audrey Surma from Virginia on December 28, 2012:

This is a beautiful project, but I don't know if I would have the patience to see it through. Very impressive to see all the steps in pictures and how much is involved. Nice job!