Let's Start This Table Runner!
Table runners are so pretty on a table. I remember the first time I ever saw a table runner. I think I was in my 20s and I remember thinking it was a nice way to decorate a table without covering up the nice finish with a table cloth - something that I had done my entire life and still do at times. But when the holidays roll around, I like to have a selection of table runners to decorate more than just the dining room table. I enjoy having them in various sizes for other pieces of furniture throughout my home as well.
This week, I am making a Christmas table runner and I want you to sew along with me! If you haven't prepared yet, you will need:
* "12 Days of Christmas" Charm Pack by Moda Fabrics or 32 Charm Squares (5" x 5") or ... Christmas fabric of your choice. I purchased some nice Moda fabric from 2 different designers with a Christmas theme. Feel free to be creative!
* 1 Skein of Embroidery Floss - Red (pictured is a collection of 36 skeins of embroidery floss, but you will only need red for this project. If you are close to a "Michaels Craft Store" or fabric store, you can find the embroidery floss there.)
* Cotton quilt batting - 24" x 44" or just a baby quilt size will be enough to make several table runners!
* about 1/2 yard of green ribbon (You can find this at your local fabric store)
* about 1/2 yard of red ribbon (Preferably 1" to 1-1/2" width for bows on the top of the table runner)
You will also need:
* 3/4 - 1 yard of 44" fabric - Creme or Winter White
* 1/4 yard of 44" fabric - Red and White print (You might see if your fabric store carries the "12 Days of Christmas" fabric collection by Moda and use the same red & white print that is in the charm pack!)
* about 1/2 yard of 44" fabric - Aqua
* about 1/3 yard of 44" fabric - Red (includes binding) You can get several different red fabrics if you like. Make it your own!
NOTE: You can find most all of these supplies at your local fabric supply and/or craft store like Michaels Craft Store. It is probably easier to order the pattern and the charm pack, however, online through a reputable supplier. I linked to the "Fat Quarter Shop" because they are a great online resource and are fast to ship!
Let's get started!
I love charm packs, and this charm pack will make a beautiful table runner. This one is "Fruitcake" by Moda. I love the fabric designs! I think it will make for a beautiful table runner.
Before I cut my fabric, I press it. You should always prepare your fabric before you cut. If you cut it with a crease in it, you may be cutting an inaccurate measurement. Pressing is as important cutting and accurate seams! Begin by cutting a 4-3/4" long strip from the side of your cream fabric.
From this strip cut 2 4-3/4" by 4-3/4" squares.
Set aside the 2 squares and now cut your long strip down to 4-1/4"
Cut 6 squares from the 4-1/4" strip - each 4-1/4" x 4-1/4". When you are done, cut in half diagonally. Line up your edges and corners accurately before you cut.
Now, cut the square in half again in the other direction.
Set aside your cream colored triangles.
Organize your charm pack. In my pack I organized the creams, greens, reds, aquas, and browns. It makes it easier to choose the colors and patterns you want to use for your quilted table runner.
Pick out 2 reds and put them together. Cut the squares down to 3-7/8" x 3-7/8".
Cut them in half once.
Set aside your red triangles.
Pick out 3 red charm squares. Cut them down to 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" square.
Cut in half diagonally twice.
Set these aside as well, but keep them together so that you don't get the wrong size triangles mixed up with the larger ones you cut before.
I love aqua with the other Christmas colors. I picked out 4 aqua charm squares and cut them down to 3-1/2" x 3-1/2" square and set them aside.
Choose 2 more aqua charms. Cut them down to 4-1/4" x 4-1/4" square, then cut them in half diagonally twice.
Set them aside, making sure to keep each section of this puzzle in neat little piles.
That's it for today! Tomorrow we will do more!
